28mm viewfinders

[laptoprob]

I struck gold I guess. I have a Kobalux 21mm coming my way. To be able to frame on the R-D1 I have found a few options for 28mm finders which seem to fit best.
The CV minifinder, normal CV 28mm finder, the Leica 28mm finder (old chrome or new plastic), Ricoh GV-2 or Sigma VF-11. I want to keep the whole thing as small as possible.
How do the various options compare? Especially in brightness and distortion.

Thanks!

 

[kbg32]

Get the minifinder. Small, unobtrusive. Doesn't add much to the overall height of the camera as compared to other finders.

 

[ferider]

The mini-finder is cute and bright, but barrels quite a bit.

I recommend the larger CV metal finder, really outstanding; cheaper, too. Better than the older Leica finders I have used.

Roland.

 

[peter_n]

The mini-finder is cute and bright, but barrels quite a bit.

Exactly, a great pity really because it's size is perfect and it is nice and bright. I'm trying to ignore the distortion...

 

[kbg32]

It is so easy to ignore the distortion! Rob is looking for a finder to keep the camera as low profile as possible. The minifinder fits the bill. Rob, why don't you go to a local dealer and try as many finders out as you can. This way, you can make an informed decision.

 

[laptoprob]

Rob, why don't you go to a local dealer and try as many finders out as you can. This way, you can make an informed decision.

True, but local dealers usually don't stock the various possibilities.

 

[kbg32]

Pessimistic aren't we? People can only offer you opinions. You yourself can only make the choice. You asked for suggestions on finders on keeping your camera as small as possible. The minifinder might distort, but it is not objectionable. At least for me. I use it to keep the camera's profile small as well. If this is a concern, it is your only choice.

🙂

 

[laptoprob]

Not really pessimistic. In NYC there are a lot of stores and some carrying Voigtlander stuff. In the Netherlands only a few seem to stock Voigtlander. So I am trying to find out if the finders are out there somewhere.
They are kinda costly, so I won't just order one.

But does anyone know about the Sigma VF-11 finder? The Ricoh is 3:4 ratio, therefore less accurate.

 

[kully]

Rob, I got a Pasoptik one for ~£40. A little larger than the CV ones but nice and clear.

 

[laptoprob]

Thanks Kully, I asked them about shipping and size.
I also went searching on the net and found this site comparing finders
http://photofan.jp/camera/html/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=4945&forum=42

Tke Komura must be the same as the Pasoptik. Indeed, kinda big.

 

[kully]

Rob, that Komura is exactly the same as the Pasoptik (I think they were marketed under different names in different territories).

 

[peter_n]

Komura/Pasoptik/Avenon/Kobalux - all the same, and all big. I used to have a Kobalux 21mm lens and it's finder was massive. One thing about the dinky little CV is that it is discontinued, so its likely you wouldn't lose money on it if you did get one. But they are not cheap at $199 new, don't know why they are so expensive.

 

[laptoprob]

The CV finders are too expensive for me. No matter how nice and small they are. If I need max. small, I will use the whole R-D1 viewfinder and imagine more. If I want more precise I will add the finder. Which one? The Kobalux 28 Kully mentioned. Thanks again! It is white, like the 21mm lens and it is a brightline, nice!
Sorry, Blake.