35mm viewfinder & external viewfinders

[jett]

I want a compact camera with a 35mm lens (40mm is the longest I'd go).

I want it to be wide/comfortable to hold, I want to be able to put a neck strap on it, and I want it to be all mechanical/solid.

I don't need a rangefinder/meter/etc. I prefer old glass and I'm not looking for anything particularly fast or technically perfect

I had a Rollei 35 and although I didn't mind the ergonomics, I felt it too narrow to hold and I didn't like not having the inability to not have a neck strap. I don't like Leica CL's or Japanese RF's that I've handled. I have an M3 but I find it not compact enough, but maybe because my lens/hood combinations are bulky (goggled 35/2.8 summaron, 50/1.5 Contax Sonnar).

My thinking is a Leica Barnack IIIf (or a canon/nicca clone) with a relatively slow lens (like a 35mm f3.5 Summaron or a Canon/Nikkor SM).

So my questions:

1. Which LTM bodies have a 35mm viewfinder. I believe some Canon might and maybe some Nicca. I don't believe that any of the Leica's did.

2. Are external viewfinders durable? I mean, I intend in using this camera as a "point-and-shoot" and toting it everywhere without a camera bag. I was thinking of affixing it to the accessory shoe with a non-permanent adhesive or something.

 

[traveler_101]

Leica LTMs have a 50mm viewfinder. The attachable finders are generally better than the built-in 50, though it depends on which you get. I have an inexpensive FED finder that is quite good on my IIIf. Note that some finders, notably the plastic Voigtlanders, can interfere with your ability to read your shutter speed setting. i just posted about that.

Generally attachable finders work well, but they do make your package less portable. They are a bit of a PITA--remembering to bring them along and sorting them (I have no less than five--15, 25, 35, 50 and a 35 in 4/3). If you chose to put the camera in your bag without detaching the finder, be careful and given the finder wide birth. I would not glue it on the camera.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Olympus XA would be best compact RF for 35mm. Same price as buying not expensive lens and clear 35mm viewfinder🙂

Bessa R has 35mm. Nice kit with CS 35 2.5P on it from same manufacturer. My combo is in black.

 

[Sejanus.Aelianus]

Which LTM bodies have a 35mm viewfinder. I believe some Canon might and maybe some Nicca. I don't believe that any of the Leica's did.

For bright line, the Canon P, 7 and 7s. I thought the Nicca YF had 35mm frames but I just checked Stephen's main site and found that I was wrong.

 

[KyleCharles]

I have a CV 28/3.5 with a CV finder and prefer to use them on my IIf over my M2. A barnack with an external finder feels smaller than an M without one (even if it is a bit taller with the finder mounted). A barnack with an external finder is compact and a joy to use.

The only reason I have a IIf is because it was given to me. If I were going to seek out a barnack I'd probably go for a Canon IVSB2 due to it's modern shutter speed increments (1/30, 1/60, 1/125 etc). the Canon IIS2, IID2, IIF2 use the same modern increments but max out at 1/500.

If the M3 is too large for you then you can definitely rule out a Canon 7/7s. The P is smaller than the 7, but I don't know how much smaller (if at all) they are compared to a film M.

If you want a solid mechanical camera that isn't too small then you can rule out the Olympus XA as well.

If I were in your situation, I would go with a barnack, a black Canon 35/2.8 and a CV finder.

 

[traveler_101]

A barnack with an external finder is compact and a joy to use.

🙂

If I were in your situation, I would go with a barnack, a black Canon 35/2.8 and a CV finder.

Quick question: our "head bartender" describes the Canon 35/2.8 in rather pedestrian terms. Not true?

"35/2.8 or 3.5 Canon: or Serenar. OK but not great reputations, chrome or black versions"

http://www.cameraquest.com/ltmlens.htm

 

[jande9]

What about some kind of handle for the Rollei? I used a big flash with my Rollei that acted like a handle. It was a pleasure to use.