21 or 25 for wider? -- cheating the VF

[pagpow]

I'm really getting to enjoy my RD-1s -- w. 35, 40, and 50mm lenses. Since it's a keeper, the time has come to think about going wider -- both for in house w. fast moving kids and for alleyways/narrow streets in Europe. The logical next step seems to be a 21 -- for 21 on an M and 32 effective on the RD-1s.

Here's the question: though the 21 seems a good place to go, going with the native viewfinder is VERY attractive. This suggests a 25 on the RD-1 using the whole finder.

Anyone have experience stretching that to using the 21 WITHOUT external VF on the RD-1s? Or any other experience based comments on the 21 vs. 25 on the RD1s?

 

[bobdubois]

I tried that approach with a Zeiss 21 but it didn't work for me. I bought a tiny CV 28/35 minifinder which works pretty well .
Bob

 

[itf]

I use a cv 25 (on a film camera) and I prefer using the accessory finder. Even if I had the right framelines in my camera I think I would opt for the accessory finder a lot of the time (outside when I'm using depth of field to cover what I want). I find it quicker somehow.

 

[kshapero]

I use ZM 25 on my R-D1. Works great. No external VF.

 

[deepwhite]

I just got the Super Angulon 21/3.4 for the near-35mm-equivalent on the R-D1s (it's 32mm). I was thinking about getting a 28mm external finder and shooting inside the frameline a bit, but since I've been to busy to go out and buy one, I just kept both eyes open (a big thumb to the 1:1 VF on the R-D1s!) and tried to find out what would be included in the picture.

Not 100% working yet, but from my limited experience I believe that, with more practice, I can shoot with the SA21/3.4 on the R-D1s without a 28mm external finder.

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As for the purpose of the wide angle you want, I wouldn't suggest the SA21/3.4 since it's got serious vignetting and strong character, which is really not good for real world life shots. The Leica Elmarit 21mm f2.8 pre-ASPH I've tried is pretty good, much more affordable than the Elmarit 21/2.8 ASPH, and will suit your need better. As for the Zeiss 21 and CV 21, haven't tried one so can not comment.

 

[LCT]

...Anyone have experience stretching that to using the 21 WITHOUT external VF on the RD-1s?...

I use my 21s without external VF, just guessing the frame lines outside the finder. No problem with a bit of habit when shooting both eyes open. Here with a Skopar 21/4 P, Capture One v4 and Silkypix to adjust vignetting.

 

[mani]

I have the pre-ASPH 21 Elmarit but barely use it - my personal feeling is that the crop makes it underwhelming on the Epson, and for me the lens lacks any character - but then I like the 'dreamy' look at the moment (it may pass). 🙄

I had the chance to go for the Super Angulon, but decided against because of the metering issue. Now I wish I'd gone for it - I love the character and vignetting I see in Angulon shots.

I don't have an accessory vf for the 21 anyway, after a while I find you can guess roughly what's in the shot. Though maybe it might have helped the few shots I've taken with it.

As for true superwide - why not go for the VC 15 instead? I don't have that lens, but I've recently been tempted - then you have a true wide-angle instead of a 35.

 

[efkbl]

For those of you interested in a *very* cheap homemade external viewfinder for 21mm lenses, I found a funny project here:

http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page358.htm

It involves salvaging a disposable camera and a piece of metal or plexiglas for the hotshoe (or salvage an old flash unit).


I didn't do it myself, but I checked with an unsused disposable camera, the FOV is really close to a zoom set to 21mm on a dSLR with 1.5 crop factor, so it should work for a 21mm on the R-D1.

Of course, I guess even after adjusting height and parallax as close as possible, you won't have a very precise viewfinder, but I guess you won't find anything cheaper!


As I am interested in a 21mm lens too, I was wondering too if the viewfinder can be used or if an external one is mandatory. In the latter case, I might consider this el cheapo alternative!

 

[deepwhite]

As for true superwide - why not go for the VC 15 instead? I don't have that lens, but I've recently been tempted - then you have a true wide-angle instead of a 35.

It seems that pagpow is going to use this lens for family shots. I've tried both the VC 12 and 15 on the R-D1s, and although the outer part has been cropped, you can still see a bit "face stretching" for people near the edge. Which might not be good for a family gathering shot, or elderly people around kids.

 

[mani]

Which might not be good for a family gathering shot, or elderly people around kids.

Hmmm no sorry - the 15 would definitely upset grandma if she's sitting in the corner of a shot! 😱