Dialing in a VIDOM 35-135 viewfinder

[sreed2006]

Leica VIDOM on IIIg by sreed2006, on Flickr

Edit: 2/11/2017 to say that the frame lines through the viewfinder in real life are perfectly straight. The pincushion shown in this image was caused by the camera I used to take this picture.


IIIg ViewFinder by sreed2006, on Flickr


VIDOM ViewFinder by sreed2006, on Flickr

I want to use this VIDOM viewfinder with a 135mm lens on a IIIg. At 135mm, the image size is so small there is not much room for framing errors. So, since I cannot locate a manual, I am turning here for help.

The sample images are at a focal length of 50mm.

In the images, the VIDOM shows much more of the subject than the bright lines in the viewfinder of the IIIg show. The centers of the two images also do not agree.

I set the focal length on the VIDOM as shown in the top image, and set the focus on both the lens and the VIDOM to infinity.

Are there any adjustments that can be made so that the framing is more accurate? Did I set the focal length to the wrong place on the VIDOM?

With the difference this large at 50mm, I am afraid that at 135mm, the framing won't be anywhere close at all. I can burn some film to find out, but am hoping for some information on how to set it correctly, and if necessary how make adjustments to the VIDOM itself.

 

[mdarnton]

I'd shoot some pictures before making the assumption that the IIIg is right and the VIDOM wrong. It may well be the other way around or they could both be off in any direction--both covering too much or too little.

 

[sreed2006]

That is a distinct possibility that they are both wrong.

But, for the VIDOM, are there adjustments to make it less wrong? Or is it just up to trial and error?

 

[Erik van Straten]

Compare with a camera - any camera - that you know that is correct.

For 50mm an M3 is excellent, but a Nikon F with a 50mm lens is better still.

Erik.

 

[sreed2006]

Compare with a camera - any camera - that you know that is correct.

For 50mm an M3 is excellent, but a Nikon F with a 50mm lens is better still.

Erik.

Now why didn't I think of that?

Very clever. Thanks, Erik.

I gave the outside of the VIDOM a very thorough inspection, and I didn't find anywhere that adjustments could be made. I am still left wondering what the best solution is if the framing is incorrect. Just learn to compensate when taking pictures, or don't use it, I guess.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I didn't find anywhere that adjustments could be made. I am wondering what the best solution is if the framing is incorrect.

The framing adjustment of the VIDOM is continuous, from 35mm to 135mm. To do that you can turn the thin knurled ring with the two marks on it. When you have a camera that is correct for the focal length you want, just adjust the VIDOM until it indicates the same area as that camera. Then you can make a small mark on top of the VIDOM so you can find this setting whenever you need it.

Erik.

 

[sreed2006]

Went to a park today that has baseball backstops, rectangular signs, and other objects suitable for checking framing. The lens used was a Nikkor Q.C. 13.5cm/3.5. Processed the roll and it is hanging to dry now. A quick check shows that the framing is not 100% accurate out to the edges (more of the subject shows up on the right, less on the left than the VIDOM shows), but it's not so bad that I cannot get used to it.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Might be there's a little play or a shift in the cold shoe position that gives you the horizontal misalignment. You could try and adjust that a little bit by loosening and retightening the screws holding the bracket.

 

[megido]

I've never used a VIDOM but if it's anything like a VIOOH the framing should be very accurate.