diagram of ZM framelines

[Jamie Pillers]

I'm wondering if anyone has seen somewhere on the web a diagram showing the size of the ZM's framelines inside the viewfinder. Similar diagrams are shown on the CameraQuest site for the Bessa R2, R3, and R4 viewfinders.

The reason I ask is that I've been having trouble settling in on a body that has framelines that are comfortable for my eye (I wear glasses). I've had at one time or the other all the Bessa bodies and I found all of the widest framelines much too difficult to see. I've read that the ZM's 28mm framelines are very easy to see, even for glasses wearers. I'm wondering if, assuming this is true, then has Zeiss sacrificed the 50 framelines to be postage stamp size? So a diagram would be helpful.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Nope, I haven't seen a diagram anywhere. However, you may find the comments in this thread (link) helpful. The concensus seems to be that for those who wear glasses the ZI's 28mm frame is ok, but not great. I don't wear glasses, and can see the 28mm frame ok, but can see how I'd have to search around the viewfinder for the 28mm frame if my eye was any further back from the eyepiece.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Nope, I haven't seen a diagram anywhere. However, you may find the comments in this thread (link) helpful. The concensus seems to be that for those who wear glasses the ZI's 28mm frame is ok, but not great. I don't wear glasses, and can see the 28mm frame ok, but can see how I'd have to search around the viewfinder for the 28mm frame if my eye was any further back from the eyepiece.

Thank you very much 'Jon'. Your comment leads me to believe I better find one to look at before I lay down any money for one.

 

[mfogiel]

Jaimie
For the 28mm frames, the good options are in order: Bessa R4x and Minolta CLE - you get well wisible SINGLE 28mm frame, and you can see it comfortably through glasses plus you see some space outside the frames. The ZI 28mm frame is usable with glasses, but this is REALLY a 35mm frame camera, while the RF is so big optically, that the 50mm frame is still pretty comfortable - and both appear as single frames, which is a big plus in my opinion.

 

[Avotius]

The Zeiss Ikon certainly has easier to see framelines then my M6 and the rangefinder patch does not disappear at will. Compared to my R2a, which I think has a better finder then my M6 as well I still think the Ikon has an easier to see finder but if you are really into 28mm framelines then you might want to consider a r4a but of course you are getting hard to use 50's.

 

[Keith]

I've just held my Ikon up to my eye and the 28m framelines become hard to see if you move your eye a fraction back from the viewfinder so it may not be ideal with glasses.

I think the R4A is fine with a 50mm lens provided it's not faster than f2 ... I've used mine with a couple of 50mm lenses at f2 or slower and had no focusing issues! 🙂

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Avotius and mfogiel,
Thanks for the responses. I'm not actually searching for a useable 28 frameline camera. I just mentioned that in my original post because I assumed that if the 28 lines are visible to a glasses wearer, then the 35 lines certainly would be. I plan to use this camera primarily with a 35mm and 50mm lens.

In the R4a viewfinder, the 50mm lines were too small for my taste. The R2a 35 framelines were too hard to see, and the R3a 40mm framelines are seeable, but nothing around them so I can't really use it for 35mm very well. So I was hoping that what I was reading about the ZM viewfinder... "a LOT of space around the 35mm lines" would mean these lines would be comfortable for me. AND I was hoping that the 50 lines aren't too 'postage stamp' sized (like the R4a lines). I guess I'm going to have to try to find someone around here that has a ZM for me to look at! 🙂

Thanks again for the responses.

 

[mfogiel]

Jaimie
The ZI with the 35mm frames is possibly the most enjoyable RF combination you can find. For a REALLY demanding 50mm frame use, for someone with glasses, there are two good options: an 0.85x Leica - although the VF is pretty dim and not very big, and unless you remove the 75mm frames (as I did) you will get some frame confusion to cope with, or the ZI with the 1.33x magnifier - that will give you an unparalleled precision in framing and focusing.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

The magnifier... that's a Zeiss accessory?

 

[sojournerphoto]

I wear glasses and the 28 framelines on the ZI need a bit of glancing around the vf. The 35 and 50 are great and the 85 a bit small, but useable.

Mike

 

[mfogiel]

Jaimie
You can find it here:
http://www.unicircuits.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=112
If you want to buy it, you have to order it for your Nikon ;-) due to patent restrictions...

 

[Jamie Pillers]

One last question (?): Can I assume that I shouldn't have any problems with the proper frameline coming up if I'm using the Voigtlander LTM-to-M adapters on my lenses?

 

[back alley]

i never had a problem.

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Thanks. Well... I ordered one. Keeping my fingers crossed that its everything I've read about. 🙂

 

[jonmanjiro]

Just found this diagram on the Cosina website (this page).

 

[Turtle]

a 0.58 Z1 would be nice....

 

[Jamie Pillers]

Better late than never?

Better late than never?

Jonmanjire,
NOW you find the diagram... after I just sent off the $$ for the camera! :bang: 😀 Actually, thanks a lot for digging the diagram up.🙂

I'm hoping the 50 lines don't feel too much like a postage stamp when looking through the vf with my glasses on. Opinions received here earlier seem to say it'll look fine to me. We'll see... next week.

 

[italy74]

Jamie
let me agree with mfogiel and avotius. Two months ago, I had a brief opportunity to look through the viewfinder with my glasses which are really thin. While I couldn't almost see the 28 frame line, the 35 was much better. I'd really advice you to take a 35 mm with the Ikon

 

[percepts]

I don't have one of these (yet) but it seems to me that the issue for glasses users, of which I am one, is whether I will be able to see the meter readings on the left which are just inside the 28mm frame lines. If you can't see those, using a 35mm will only help with framing but make no difference to being able to see the meter reading.
Am I correct in assuming that seeing the meter reading is NOT a problem for glass wearers?

 

[mirrored]

Am I correct in assuming that seeing the meter reading is NOT a problem for glass wearers?

I don't know yet, but soon I will go to see the camera.

Eyewears are different too. I have always used little sized glass which can push near eye. Springs in frames helps they to bend. And, of cource, always choosed pure glass becauce resistance to rubbing.

I have not find anywhere information, are the whole finder area (without frame) just for a 24mm focal lenght or is additional finder needed?