CV 28/35 minifinder for 21mm on R-D1

[Didier]

This morning I have received the 28/35 minifinder from Stephen Gandy. The main use is supposed to be as finder for the 21/4 Color Skopar on the Epson R-D1s. I expected, the 28mm framelines would be as conservatively tight like on all other CV finders that I have, so this would perfectly match for a 21mm x 1.5 FOV (=31.5mm). And indeed it does! The minifinder's outer lines (28mm) are very closely inside of what's on the sensor shot with the 21mm.

I like framelines that are not too much inside (a reason why, for me, the 40mm Nokton fitted the M6 35 framelines better than any 35mm lens). This minifinder is recommendable for using 21mm lenses on the Epson, and I guess it's 35mm framelines would match for 25mm lenses as well.

Didier

 

[pfogle]

Hi Deed, this is good to hear, I've been frustrated with the form factor of the 21D finder, and the fact it is prone to slipping out of the shoe.

Two questions - how securely does it fit the shoe compared to the plastic ones, and what's your opinion of the distortion throuh the finder?

thanks
Phil

 

[anglophone1]

Hi Deed, this is good to hear, I've been frustrated with the form factor of the 21D finder, and the fact it is prone to slipping out of the shoe.

Two questions - how securely does it fit the shoe compared to the plastic ones, and what's your opinion of the distortion throuh the finder?

thanks
Phil

Phil
Have you tried adding some tape to the bottom of the shoe to bulk it up abit , stops it sliding out quite so easily.
I managed to lose both 21 and 12mm finders whilst shooting a crazy crowd scene during the Palio di Siena, expensive!
What is really needed here is a fastening screw on CV finders [a la leica multi finder]
Clive
Antibes, France
www.clive-evans.com

 

[Didier]

Phil
The finder holds very tight. Though I've never had problems with the 15D finder, the metal minifinder holds definitely better. There is some small distortion, but let's say, it's still possible to align well, with a certain feeling for parallel lines (which I'm lucky to have, as graphic designer). Fixing plastic finders: I can second Clive, try it with a thin scotch tape at the bottom of the finder.
Didier

 

[David Noble]

I looked at both the CV 28/35 finder and the CV 28, and ended up with the 28 because it was larger and brighter, and because with my glasses on I found it more difficult to see properly through the smaller 28/35. The 28mm finder is beautifully made, and stays very securely mounted in the shoe.

 

[pfogle]

Phil
Have you tried adding some tape to the bottom of the shoe to bulk it up abit , stops it sliding out quite so easily.
I managed to lose both 21 and 12mm finders whilst shooting a crazy crowd scene during the Palio di Siena, expensive!
What is really needed here is a fastening screw on CV finders [a la leica multi finder]
Clive
Antibes, France
www.clive-evans.com

I haven't tried the scotch tape on the bottom; I'll give that a go. What I did try was a strip of gaffer (duct) tape across the back of the shoe, but it didn't hold at all well.

thanks for the tip.

Right now I'm torn... I get worried about the R-D1 wearing out, and think I ought to have a second body, but I don't like the idea of buying one of the last new ones from RW, as it's a lot of money for an obsolete item, however sexy.

So do I wait, and then plump for the Leica when I need to replace the eppy? And if I do that, why spend more money on finders when the crop factor will change? Ah, problems....

 

[Didier]

I looked at both the CV 28/35 finder and the CV 28, and ended up with the 28 because it was larger and brighter, and because with my glasses on I found it more difficult to see properly through the smaller 28/35. The 28mm finder is beautifully made, and stays very securely mounted in the shoe.

I agree the 28mm CV metal finder is probably the best 28mm finder ever. I had sold mine after I had upgraded from the Bessa L to a M6. Now I prefer the smaller one because of it's size, but I do not wear glasses (so far 🙂
Didier