Anyone like using a Sportsfinder?

[Red Robin]

Are the sports finder's a good aid? I see them for sale every once in a while. Just don't read or see much about them.

 

[Luddite Frank]

The ROSOL (?) folding frame-finder ?

Most folks ( myself included ) complain about how expensive they are, and they seem like they would be fiddly and prone to snagging on clothing and getting bent-up.


I think they are probably at their best for sporting events, where you need to see the subject and the larger field of view at the same time ?

I've given-up looking for one... if I trip over one at a flea-market for $5-10, that's one thing, but I've decided it's not a "must-have" for me...

🙁

 

[Godfrey]

Are the sports finder's a good aid? I see them for sale every once in a while. Just don't read or see much about them.

Olympus just released the EE-1 Red Dot Sight. It looks to be a very nice field finder for use with long lenses.

G

 

[BillBingham2]

Olympus's design looks very handy for fast moving events. In general that's what sport finders were for. If you have a 1:1 finder you can keep your other eye open when viewing and that works almost as well, but close in and wide they rock. At least IMHO.

There's a couple of low cost finder options that are around on the net. They can be home made out of wire and a hotshoe off an old non-working flash. Haven't had occasion to make one yet.

Nikon made them for a bit, I think Canon did too but mine is Nikon, if I still have it.

B2 (;->

 

[FrozenInTime]

I used to use one a lot on my Hasselblad - the WLF is not so great for action or peering out of windows on planes and trains etc. and the prism finders were very bulk to carry.

 

[Dwig]

Olympus just released the EE-1 Red Dot Sight. It looks to be a very nice field finder for use with long lenses.

G

The EE-1 is only a targeting device. It does help you center the subject, but does nothing to show the field of view, something a true "sports finder" does do.

Long ago in a galaxy far away (read: when this old guy was in High School), I did use the sports finder on a Graphic Press camera. It was great for the occasional sports pictures (football and track & field events) and for very low light situations. The later were always shot with flash, but viewing through the optical finder was dim and it was hard to see the actual edge of the frame. The RF on those old Graphic Press cameras had a provision to project a pair of spots, actually "V"s, that superimposed when you were in focus so focusing in total darkness was quite easy.

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Yes for MF

 

[Red Robin]

Yes I saw one a Filsner for sale @40 bucks Guess I need the money more than the toy. If it is a useful tool thats one thing but I already have lot's of things to gather dust. Thanks for all the responses.

 

[BillBingham2]

This looks very interesting but is no longer available.....

http://www.ikodot.com/

A bit down the page is something equally interesting....

https://www.flickr.com/groups/843626@N22/discuss/72157608183493521/

B2 (;->

 

[presspass]

Used to have a sportsfinder for a IIIf. Used it some, but that was before I was better at judging distance, so it was eye to the rangefinder, then to the sportsfinder. Every now and then I get the urge to buy another, but the price puts me off. Better left to the collectors, perhaps.

 

[Dralowid]

Used to have on but it was of little use and stuck up like an old TV aerial.

I reckon the bright line viewfinders like SBOOI etc are hugely superior and still let you see the subject entering the field.

 

[Corran]

I love the sportsfinder on my Speed Graphic... 🙂

 

[Roger Hicks]

Great on 4x5

OK on 6x9/6x7

'Orrible on 35mm

(I've tried all formats, with the best you can get: Linhof + Leica)

Cheers,

R.

 

[Dralowid]

OK so that's trashed ROSOL, now I suspect no one uses WINTU!