TEWE zoomfinder 35-200

[mdspace]

I'm waiting for the TEWE zoomfinder that I bought yesterday 😀

I would like to know more information about this finder.

- Experience using it and all related with its performance.
- History and background.
- Another option for the 28mm front attachment.
- Comparing with another ZOOMFINDER like Nikon, Walz, Nicca, T.O.C., Apex, etc.
- A Russian version of the TEWE zoomfinder exist?

The TEWE finder that I got is strong used, the glass looks like is ok, but the outside is a little bit deteriorated, for this reason I'm considering to disassemble it, clean the lenses, repaint the outside, grease it. Somebody have experience or information about doing this kind restoration work?


References:
- Director's viewfinder retrospective:
http://www.directorsviewfinder.com
- Wonderful detailed review of the Epson R-D1 (Study of TEWE framing):
http://www.richcutler.co.uk
- TEWE finder review:
http://www.griffinbyteworks.com/photography/equipment/tewe_viewfinder.html
- Robot information (Different TEWE finder versions):
http://corsopolaris.net/supercameras/robot/access/mirini.html

 

[xayraa33]

If the optics are clear and free from haze, fungus and dirt, and it is functioning well, I would leave it alone and just use it.
A camera tech like DAG can work on these finders if you find some non cosmetic fault with it.
The Russians did not make a zoom finder per say, but KMZ made an excellent turret type finder that is based on the Zeiss Finder.

Tewe of Berlin made lenses for Motion Picture cameras and some long lenses to fit the Exakta camera.
The finder was first made in the late 1940s and was the "basis" for the Nikon version.
D.D.D. used a Tewe finder on his Leica in 1950 when he photographed the Korean War thru Nikkor Lenses .

 

[89rzweig]

Hi mdspace,

I own and use TeWe Polyfocus 35-200 zoom finder with my R-D1s, where one just has to use a zoom finder because of the 1.53x bigger effective focal lenght. The one I have is in excellent condition, but I am far from impressed. First of all, it flares like hell. I know it is only a finder, but the flare it produces is much much worse than any other of my external finders.

Another problem I have with it is parallax correction. Perhaps it was built for less tall body than R-D1s; with my R-D1s it is sometimes really hit-or-miss, thankfully I can check the actual framing while previewing the picture on the digital camera back. Last thing that also does not help with accurate framing is that the finder twists a little bit in the hot shoe. In the worst case I have then to check not only if the parallax correction is right, but also the horizontal accuracy.

On the other hand I use a lot the Russian "Turret" finder on my Bessa T. It is not zoom, but there is a set of fixed focal length available by rotating the front of the finder, you can choose from 28, 35, 50, 85 and 135mm focal lengths. Not only the picture in the finder is brighter, but there are also black cross lines in the view. You immediately know, where the centre of the picture is, and you just see, if the vertical and horizontals are right. It really helps with composition, especially when an architecture takes place in the picture.

That's what works or what doesn't for me as far as multi-finders. Your mileage may, of course, vary...

-P.

 

[Otter]

I have both the Nikon and the TEWE but prefer the Nikon as the parallax on the Nikon is adjusted with a rotating eccentric ring rather than the lever on the TEWE. My TEWE is also slightly cloudy and the Nikon clear. This likely results from previous owners' care but perhaps the Nikon is better sealed?