Canon LTM External Viewfinders

Canon M39 M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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nation_of_pomation

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So far, I have the KMZ turret finder and the Rostov 85mm finder in black. They fit like a dream on my FED-5B, Zorki-4K, and Zorki-6, but my Canon P lacks the little vertical "guard pin" that holds the Russian viewfinders in place and so they fit a little loose. That concerns me, because I don't want to break anything. I believe the little raised tracks on the accessory finder that move to parallax correct external viewfinders rest too low at close to mid focus to keep it tightly in place. Also, on my P (I have no experience with other Canons) the Soviet VFs protrude far enough to poke me in the forehead. Maybe it's because I don't need glasses and I tend to hold the camera as close as possible, but there are definitely dents in my skull now. I kid, but it's uncomfortable. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd prefer something not collectible so it isn't expensive and I can't ruin it. Even another multifinder is fine, but I like to use a 28mm f2.8 as my main wide lens, and the only one I know that includes that length is the KMZ turret, so a separate finder for it might be necessary. Thoughts or recommendations?
 
I just got a Canon 28mm f3.5 lens and finder. Wonderful little lens and the finder is much smaller than the Russian turret finder and it has a good view. It would work but it sounds like you need a late model Canon 28mm finder so it will automatically correct parrallax. Other multi finders have a 28mm view but they would be bigger. Good Luck. Joe
 
Livesteamer said:
I just got a Canon 28mm f3.5 lens and finder. Wonderful little lens and the finder is much smaller than the Russian turret finder and it has a good view. It would work but it sounds like you need a late model Canon 28mm finder so it will automatically correct parrallax. Other multi finders have a 28mm view but they would be bigger. Good Luck. Joe
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I actually tried both the f2.8 and f3.5 versions (I accidentally won them both in auctions) and I preferred the f2.8 version. I was only able to afford the f2.8 because it came without the viewfinder, though. I just need something to cover 28mm - 135mm. The finder brightlines are still good, though, so 28mm, 85mm, and 135mm would be the only ones I really feel like I'd need. I'm not a collector, so I'm perfectly happy to mix and match.
 
Nikon had a good variable finder for 35 to 135 and one of our members showed how to adapt a small lens to it to cover 28. Tewe made some finders that covered 28 to 135 altho most of them cover 35 to 135. I recently got an Accura zoom finder that covers 28 to 135 and it seems quite workable. All these multi finders are bigger than the 28 finder with my Canon 28 3.5 . Good Luck, I hope you find what works. If you're ever past Winston Salem you are welcome to look thru the finders I've got. Joe
 
The Russian turret finder is about as good as a cheap 28 finder gets. There is someone on e bay selling home made finders in different lengths for about $40. I think he is in Israel. Search e bay for "Leica finder 28" and you will soon bump into them. Joe
 
I saw the Israeli guy's stuff, I am considering it. Does anyone know anything about how well the Canon one works, or perhaps the Ricoh GV finders? I just want something that fits well and is usable.
 
Check out Boriska_gr on eBay. He makes inexpensive usable optical VFs, and sells others he happens to find. I have a 21 for my GRD with the 21mm goggle attached. However on a Canon RF nothing beats the Serenar/Canon VFs. Cheap compared to modern CVs, too, unless sold by a miserly lunatic.
 
Every Canon VF I've seen in 28mm has been above $200, which is what the CVs are going for right now, excepting 2 that looked pretty beat up glass-wise. I might try Boriska_gr's product, it looks competent and I am not trying to win a beauty contest.
 
rhl-oregon said:
Check out Boriska_gr on eBay. He makes inexpensive usable optical VFs, and sells others he happens to find. I have a 21 for my GRD with the 21mm goggle attached. However on a Canon RF nothing beats the Serenar/Canon VFs. Cheap compared to modern CVs, too, unless sold by a miserly lunatic.
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Hi

thanks for the info, i'm looking for a 28mm viewfinder too for my GRD and i'm just asking if this VF from Boriska_gr is enough good for fast compose and recompose.
Is it possible to use it with the glasses?

Thanks
 
px09 said:
Hi

thanks for the info, i'm looking for a 28mm viewfinder too for my GRD and i'm just asking if this VF from Boriska_gr is enough good for fast compose and recompose.
Is it possible to use it with the glasses?

Thanks
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Keep away from these finders! I bought a 28mm from this source and it turned out to be total crap! Tiny and unsharp, really frustrating. You can have mine for $10 plus shipping, but you better save this money for a Voigtlander finder!
 
Hi guys! I just got a Ricoh GV-1 for a really good price on eBay, and it looks and feel great on the Canon. It fits perfectly and the end of the mount doesn't stab you in the forehead like with the great-but-inconvenient-on-a-Canon KMZ turret finder. It feels nigh-indestructible, although I have no plans to test that. I think I prefer it over the GV-2 because the 1:1 view is nice. Better to have a little context around the 28mm brightlines, for me.
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I have a Boriska_gr 18mm finder. Without my glasses it is unsharp. With my glasses it is sharp as a tack! A second cheap option is the Kodak Signet 80 auxiliary finder. It has bright lines for 35, 50, and 90mm, but if you use the total field of view outside the 35mm lines it is just right for 28mm.
 
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