Do you use accessory viewfinders?

[Out to Lunch]

I am wondering if I am the only person using the CV multi format 15-35 mm Zoomfinder. It may not be the most elegant piece of equipment but it's very practical for anyone using wide-angle lenses: excellent build quality; built-in diopter; parallax lines show cut-off. There are two models: the model 'A' covers full frame, 1.3x, and 1.5x cropped cameras, and the model 'B' covers full frame, 1.3 and 2x cropped cameras.

Cheers, OtL

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I am wondering if I am the only person using the CV multi format 15-35 mm Zoomfinder. It may not be the most elegant piece of equipment but it's very practical for anyone using wide-angle lenses: excellent build quality; built-in diopter; parallax lines show cut-off. There are two models: the model 'A' covers full frame, 1.3x, and 1.5x cropped cameras, and the model 'B' covers full frame, 1.3 and 2x cropped cameras.

Cheers, OtL

I'm curious about that finder. Does it have brightlines in it like the regular CV finders? If not, are the frame edges sharp like in the Leica VIOOH finder, or are they fuzzy like in many old zoomfinders?

 

[Out to Lunch]

Tack sharp. I use it all the time. The Boss sells it, and so does BHphoto. Cheers, OtL

 

[raydm6]

Need something that doesn't call attention to itself for discreet street shooting 🙂

 

[ckuwajima]

I have a metal Leica and a plastic CV viewfinders. I prefer the CV: it is brighter and also shows a bit of what is out of the frame.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

 

[Fotohuis]

I am wondering if I am the only person using the CV multi format 15-35 mm Zoomfinder.

No you're not. Very practical especially when you have the 15-21-28mm lenses.
It is very well build. The only disadvantage is that it is much larger.

 

[F456]

I use one even for my 28mm v3 Elmarit-M. I got it because at the time I was shooting only with a .85x viewfinder M7, but I still use it with standard .72x v/f models too. But I have to say I am happier shooting that lens on a .58x body (M6TTL) especially for social photography indoors at night with a small Leica flash. But outdoors I find the v/f slows me down and often that is a good thing when taking fairly static shots.

 

[farlymac]

I only plan on using my CV Zoomfinder on full frame cameras, but now that I know there is another model (I have the B version) I may have to rethink that. I have a VIOOH for my IIIf, but got tired of the bulk and bought the 35, 50, 90, and 135 finders. If for some reason I'd buy something like the Pixii camera, I'd have to get the Zoomfinder A version then. And to think I bought the Zoomfinder to keep from having to fork over the crazy amounts folks are asking for the single focal length CV finders.

PF

 

[pushto1600]

I use a Contax GF-21mm viewfinder for my 21mm 3.5 color-skopar, it's pretty accurate but i've never tried anything else tbh. It's very well built, probably titanium like the camera it came from, and its got a set of crosshairs in the center which is a lot more helpful for composing than you'd think.

 

[kangaroo2012]

My Voigtlander 4A has 21, in the VF but I use a 90 mm Voigtlander finder whenever that lens is used.
Philip

 

[twvancamp]

Can anyone link to the thread where someone made their own viewfinder from a P&S window and I think a 3D printed housing?

I'd like to try the same to get a 40mm finder.

 

[Franko]

https://www.kekscameras.com/store/p7/KEKSviewfinder.html#/

Has anyone tried these?

 

[Ambro51]

I use a VIDOM. The reversed image takes a bit of getting used to, but cost wise, these are awesomely versatile, Leica quality, for $75, cover 35 to 135, parallax correction and a coolness factor of 9.8! Mine was hazy, bought cheap. Cleaned the optics and it’s like new.

 

[james.liam]

I've used a ZM 21. Some inaccuracies arising from the placement of the Leica vs Zeiss camera hotshoe (rotational error as I recall someone writing) but a bright and easy finder. Recently found a Leica WATE Finder, aka Frankenfinder, for a very reasonable sum and will see how it works.

 

[das]

The Leica WATE finder (buy used) is the best wide angle finder out there. Bar none.

 

[james.liam]

The Leica WATE finder (buy used) is the best wide angle finder out there. Bar none.

It is an optical engineering marvel.

 

[chnops]

Echoing other RFF folk, I use viewfinders with my wide lenses (28mm and 21mm) on M bodies. I have experimented with the Leitz AUFSU (M waist level mirror finder) for a TLR type experience, but it has a limited field of view (50mm).

 

[wjlapier]

With the Leica CL I don't use a finder. Just use the whole window for 28mm and outside the 40mm framelines for 35mm.

For other RFers:

Ricoh GV-1 21/28mm for Nikon 28mm
Leica 36mm for Nikon 35mm
Canon 100mm for Nikon 105mm
Tanack 135mm for Canon 135mm

 

[WJJ3]

I've used a ZM 21. Some inaccuracies arising from the placement of the Leica vs Zeiss camera hotshoe (rotational error as I recall someone writing) but a bright and easy finder. Recently found a Leica WATE Finder, aka Frankenfinder, for a very reasonable sum and will see how it works.

The Leica WATE finder (buy used) is the best wide angle finder out there. Bar none.

It is an optical engineering marvel.

The universal wide angle finder is a great finder for the 21mm FL. It's huge and bulky but the viewing (eye relief) and parallax correction are simply the best you can get for a wide angle finder. Parallax correction down to 0.5m makes it a great match for the CV 21mm lenses.

A recent shot made with the rig pictured above