Composing with External Viewfinder

[gcrawfo2]

My 15mm Heliar classic came in today, and because of the less than desirable weather won't be able to take it out for the next couple of days. But because I'm completely new to the Rangefinder world, I was wondering if you guys could help me out in understanding how the external viewfinders work.

When I compose an image via the VF, are the outer edges of the viewfinder my frame lines? I didn't know if because it was sitting an inch or so higher from the lens than usual, if there was any user compensations that need to be made...or if the VF is calibrated to "just work".

And I also presume that I'll be using a combination of the in-body rangefinder as well as the external? With the in-body one giving me the automatic exposure values, and the external giving me frame lines.

 

[kkdanamatt]

If you are using a manual camera with a built-in through-the-lens meter (CL, M5, M6, Bessa L, Bessa R, etc.) then just meter as usual, set the approximate distance (if your 15mm has no rangefinder coupling), but compose using the external finder. Generally, the image is slightly more than what you see in the finder, especially if you wear eyeglasses.

If you are using an aperture-preferred body (M7, Bessa R2A/R3A/R4A, CLE, etc.) then just set a reasonable f/stop, set the focus as above, and shoot while looking through the external finder. I've used the old non-coupled 15mm on a CLE this way with spectacular results.

BTW, the Bessa L is a great second and very cheap body to use with the 15mm because the meter reading is so easily visible on the back, near the top deck.

 

[payasam]

The range-finder will be in your camera's eye-piece, the accessory view-finder is not for measuring distance. The distance between the VF and the lens leads to parallax, and most VFs have some means of compensating or adjusting for that. Take it that no frame lines are perfectly accurate.

 

[gcrawfo2]

Alright, thanks a lot guys. I appreciate the quick help. Looking forward to trying out the super-wide very soon.