21-24-28 Leica Zoom Finder

[Joe Mondello]

I got one yesterday and so far rather like it. I prefer NOT having to change finders AND lenses between the 15 CV (21 eff) and the 21 Skopar (28 eff).

I did a search and most folks seem to diss on this piece for various reasons.

I just see it as me being able to sell 3 CV finders soon! (I have a 15 and 2-21s now)

ANy comments?

 

[Olsen]

It is a bit bulky, but not heavy. I have even used it on my 1Ds II since I find the water level (libelle) very practical. It is the only way to get the lines streight.

 

[Tuolumne]

I've had one for a few weeks now. It is well made of metal, although one might carp about the plastic locking disk. I would have preferred a bright-line finder. I can't get very accurate framing using it, especially since I wear glasses and the field of view varies depending on how much I peer around the finder's field of view. In that regard, it could also have better eye relief, especially given the fact that many quality binoculars in that price range have much better eye relief.

I prefer my Russian-made turret finder which has really nice bright lines, parallax correction, decent eye relief, and you can use the bright lines to make sure your camera is level. But those turret finders only go as wide as 28mm. If you want to go lower you either need a dedicated single finder or this Leica zoom finder. I'm keeping mine, despite its flaws.

/T

 

[Steve L]

Except for the 21mm setting (which can't be set wider), you can provide eye-relief and more accurate framing by NOT moving your eye around, but just figuring out where to set the zoom ring to give you the right frame for you with each lens at the distance you normally shoot at.......then just make a habit of setting your eye in the same place every time.

I still don't like the lack of framelines, though...but I do like the variable magnification, not having the longer lens be a tiny box in the middle of the frame.

 

[Tuolumne]

Steve,
Thanks for the tip. I will give that a try.

/T

 

[hdrmd]

The only thing really wrong with the Leica finder is it's price. It is as accurate as can be expected. DR