Zeiss 21mm Finder and WA Bodies

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I've read quite a few threads on this finder and its lack of rotational compensation on an M camera. I did a quick test at a store yesterday comparing it to my Leica 21mm (the recent one with the 28mm "M8" lines) and there was indeed a substantial difference in framing.

I don't love the Leica finder, even if it is supposedly accurate. I just don't feel as engaged with the subject with the cluttered and distorted view, and since I love 21 lately, I'm considering buying a wide angle body just for use with the Zeiss finder. I'm looking at the Ikon SW, since the price isn't too crazy, or maybe another CLE (sold mine due to lack of use, as I've moved away from 28mm a bit). Even though parts are gone, according to Cosina, the Ikon is probably a little safer than the CLE in terms of longevity and repair, I would think, just due to it being more recent. Cosina will still service them as long as no parts are needed, though.

Both cameras have the shoe roughly centered over the lens, so I'm wondering if anyone has used either with the Zeiss finder and had any issues with framing? I know people generally approach 21mm framing rather loosely, but I'd like to get as close as possible for those times when composition is a bit more exact. I'm also a little confused as to the shoe placement on the regular Zeiss Ikon and SW cameras, as one is offset and one is not. For which is the 21mm finder correct?

[BWColor]

I have the Zeiss finder which I used on Leica and Ikon cameras, but this is what I found to work best:

https://shop.cameraquest.com/35mm-bessa-cameras/voigtlander-bessa-r4m-leica-m-35mm-rangefinder-camera-new/

The Zeiss 21mm finder is optically perfect.  I don’t really use mine much anymore because most of my shooting is done through my M11M with a Visoflex 2.  Same for my R4M.  It just sits in the safe.   I never had a problem with framing using this Zeiss viewfinder, but I’m not so sure that I was looking for precise framing.  One item that I use and love is the Zeiss 21mm f/4.5 c Biogon ZM.  Recently returned from three weeks in South Korea and this lens provided many of my best images.  

Here is the compact Zeiss:

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Edited September 13, 2024 by BWColor

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9 minutes ago, BWColor said:

I have the Zeiss finder which I used on Leica and Ikon cameras, but this is what I found to work best:

https://shop.cameraquest.com/35mm-bessa-cameras/voigtlander-bessa-r4m-leica-m-35mm-rangefinder-camera-new/

The Zeiss 21mm finder is optically perfect.  I don’t really use mine much anymore because most of my shooting is done through my M11M with a Visoflex 2.  Same for my R4M.  It just sits in the safe.   I never had a problem with framing using this Zeiss viewfinder, but I’m not so sure that I was looking for precise framing.  One item that I use and love is the Zeiss 21mm f/4.5 c Biogon ZM.  Recently returned from three weeks in South Korea and this lens provided many of my best images.  

I just bought that lens yesterday! I'm a long time user of the 21 Angulon f3.4, and had the Super Elmar for a little while. I'm expecting the Zeiss will resemble the latter a bit more.

The Bessa prices have gone a bit crazy here in Japan, but if I come across a deal, maybe. I actually bought that camera new for $500 or so when it came out.

Edited September 13, 2024 by blackdot

[BWColor]

17 minutes ago, blackdot said:

I just bought that lens yesterday! I'm a long time user of the 21 Angulon f3.4, and had the Super Elmar for a little while. I'm expecting the Zeiss will resemble the latter a bit more.

The Bessa prices have gone a bit crazy here in Japan, but if I come across a deal, maybe. I actually bought that camera new for $500 or so when it came out.

Yup, same here, but I purchased in the US.

Here is another image from the 21mm…This one needs more work.. like getting ride of the crane... I already posted the better ones in other threads:

 

 

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Edited September 13, 2024 by BWColor

[BWColor]

This was a double post while the website was not responding… sorry..

Edited September 13, 2024 by BWColor