D-viewfinder

gliderbee

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Mar 2, 2008
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What exactly do these viewfinders for the RD1 do ?

e.g.: does the 21mm viewfinder show what will be in the image when using the VC 21mm (so the image will be about the same as a FF 30mm; 21 * 1.5) or does it show the image when using a VC 15mm (so the image will be about the same as a FF 21mm) ?

In fact, I have the same question for the "regular" framelines on the RD1: does the 28mm frameline show what the image from a regular VC 28mm lens will be, or does it show the image of a "regular" 18mm lens (18 * 1.5 = nearly 28) ?

For most VC lenses I have, I also have the regular viewfinder (12, 15, 21, 25, 28/35 and 75). I have a RD1 coming.

My guess is that for:
- for 12mm, I can use my regular 15mm, framing broadly
- the 15mm, I can use my regular 21mm VF,
- for 21mm, I can use my regular 28/35mm, image between the two framelines
- for 25mm, I can use the 28/35mm viewfinder to the edges of the finder (outside the framelines)
- for 28mm, I'll use the RD1 framelines
- for 35mm, I'll use the RD1 framelines
- for 50mm, I'll use the RD1 framelines
- for 75mm, ... hmm ... 100mm seems a bit large and 135mm seems a bit tight ? Any other existing choices ?
- for 90mm, a 135mm VF

Does all this make sense ?

Thanks,
Stefan.
 
I think these D viewfinders are kinda silly. Just get a VF that is closer to the equivalent focal length and you're good to go. Depending on the finder it won't make such a huge difference. I use my 15mm viewfinder along with the 12mm lens and it's alright. I just consider it will be slightly cropped. I can also use the 15mm vf with the 15mm lens, I just imagine a tighter crop or look on the vf from a short distance, that gives me the cropped image.

I wouldn't use the camera vf for a 21mm or 25mm lens though, it'd need to be wider. use an external vf instead.

Remember the framelines are not for the equivalent field of view, but to which lens is mounted. therefore it has the equivalent framelines of 42mm, 53mm and 75mm.
 
I like the idea of more accurate framing - especially with something like the 21. I use a 28/35 now but should have a 21d soon. The problem with the mini finder is that it is mini - the larger 21D should be much more enjoyable to use. But I can see why some choose to use traditional finders.
 
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