New CV metal 15mm and 21/25mm VFs?

I saw both in Tokyo last month. They both have framelines in them - just as the 12 have.
The 21/25 have a paired set.
As usual, very bright and solidly built finders.
 
I find the 15 mm finder tempting but on the other hand it's starting to be a bit too close to the Zeiss viewfinder prices.
 
I was praying for a metal version in the 21-25mm range. Hallelujah! I prefer the CV design, especially for Barnacks. CZ design is too boxy.
 
Tom, is the new 21/25 finder identical in size to the current 28 and 35?
Thanks,
Vincent

Tom A said:
I saw both in Tokyo last month. They both have framelines in them - just as the 12 have.
The 21/25 have a paired set.
As usual, very bright and solidly built finders.
Click to expand...
 
I just got back from a short trip up to the border region of Myanmar and I was shooting my 15mm a lot. It was on my m3 and the finder fell off the camera while I was on a sketchy wooden bridge......luckily the finder did not fall through the wooden planks ....It was the first time that it has ever fallen off my camera after 7 years of usage....

well, I put it back on my camera and didn't think much of it.....then yesterday I was out shooting with it and then the finder came off my hot shoe and slid for about 6 feet on really rough pavement....needless to say, the thing has scratches all over it....when I was checking it out to see the damage, I noticed that the plastic hot shoe piece that slides into the hot shoe is cracked and "gives" in a little.....it, looks like I can glue it back into place, but I haven't tried yet....

anyways, these new metal finders look awsome......cheers, michael

just a thought here...I have always used the 15mm with my m6ttl which has "softer" tension springs/shims in the hot shoe....I know that the hot shoe in my m3 is different in that repsect.....maybe that had something to do with it....
 
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I am wondering why still no hot-shoe lock. I plan to get some wide lens for my R3A and am a bit worried about loosing the viewfinder from the camera ...
 
raid said:
Tom,
How would you compare the CV finders to the Leica finders?
Click to expand...

As with any of the CV/Zeiss finders - they are considerably brighter than the Leica ones (as well as MUCH cheaper!). I have no idea how they do it - but the finder's contrast makes reality a bit brighter looking through them.
At the moment I only have the 12mm one - size wise it is slightly larger than the VC 28/35's with nice "ears" around the front. This makes it less likely that you crack the glass if dropped. The 15 has a similar size barrel and protective front edge. The 21/25 was a bit more compact - almost the same size as the 28/35 mm finders in current production.
 
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rover said:
Well done. We know he won't answer, but we must keep asking. Eventually, in 30 years or so, he will wear down and let out a secret or two.
:angel:
Click to expand...

The good thing with Cosina and Mr Kobayashi is that you dont have to wait 30 years!!! Once something is decided on - it is usually 3-4 month until it is ready!!!!
 
Engineering proper fit in the accessory shoe appears to be a black art. I have three metal VFs (Leitz 50, 90, 135) and they are easily mounted onto the M4 - perhaps too easily. Meanwhile, the IIIb requires the use of a popsicle stick to ram the VF into position - no way that sucker is going to fall out! Both cameras have spring-loaded shoes.
 
I lost my CV 50 VF and now tether all my VFs w/ an elastic cord tied to the lug!!!!



michaelbialecki said:
I just got back from a short trip up to the border region of Myanmar and I was shooting my 15mm a lot. It was on my m3 and the finder fell off the camera while I was on a sketchy wooden bridge......luckily the finder did not fall through the wooden planks ....It was the first time that it has ever fallen off my camera after 7 years of usage....

well, I put it back on my camera and didn't think much of it.....then yesterday I was out shooting with it and then the finder came off my hot shoe and slid for about 6 feet on really rough pavement....needless to say, the thing has scratches all over it....when I was checking it out to see the damage, I noticed that the plastic hot shoe piece that slides into the hot shoe is cracked and "gives" in a little.....it, looks like I can glue it back into place, but I haven't tried yet....

anyways, these new metal finders look awsome......cheers, michael

just a thought here...I have always used the 15mm with my m6ttl which has "softer" tension springs/shims in the hot shoe....I know that the hot shoe in my m3 is different in that repsect.....maybe that had something to do with it....
Click to expand...
 
Matus said:
I am wondering why still no hot-shoe lock. I plan to get some wide lens for my R3A and am a bit worried about loosing the viewfinder from the camera ...
Click to expand...
A lock isn't necessarily the answer. I had a plastic 24mm Leica VF with a lock and it was crap. I replaced that with the current all-metal Leica 24 and that is OK, but I like the Pany 24 better. The CV viewfinders are nice and bright but the foot can be dodgy. All-metal is good to have as you can leave the VF on the cam in the bag and the foot won't break.
 
Matus said:
I am wondering why still no hot-shoe lock. I plan to get some wide lens for my R3A and am a bit worried about loosing the viewfinder from the camera ...
Click to expand...

I have the 15/4.5's viewfinder on my R3a: it fits quite tight; I'm not worried about losing it.[1] You're mileage may vary.

[1] This is also true for the 25mm finder on my Bessa L.
 
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