Ext. VF and Street Candids

[gbb]

Hi, All

I've just started using the Bessa L+cv25 I got from Ted White, and I'm curious how others use external vf s for street photography. Two things. First, it's harder to pocket and draw than without the vf, and i'm always afraid I'll break the little plastic foot. I'm quite happy w the lens and body, just not sure how sturdy the vf is. Again, just curious how others deal w this. Thanks,

GB

 

[RML]

I never put the L+25 in a pocket. It hangs from a Op/Tech strap from my neck, with one hand holding it, ready for shooting. 🙂

 

[hoot]

A viewfinderless Leica with the C/V 28-35 minifinder and the tiny Summaron attached should make a truly pocketable combo. Too bad the finderless Leicas cost more than an M with all the bells and whistles.

 

[rover]

Shoot from the hip or without using the viewfinder at all. I did this with my 21mm lens. I find it captures most of what I can see so I just point it towards what I am looking at and release the shutter.

 

[yarinkel]

gbb, I felt concerned too when I've got my CV21.
But my concerns are more about scratching the viewfinder's surface or loosing it.

Anyway, how do I deal with it. I bought a camera pouch from lowepro (can't find the
exact model on their website, but the closest would be http://www.lowepro.com/Products/Accessories/sliplock_cases/SlipLockTM_Pouch_50_AW.aspx )

I attach it to my belt, it is small but big enough to hold my Bessa R with the viewfinder attached, plus one or two rolls of film. It is also big enough to hold the Bessa with my longest lens (CV 75mm 2.5). It is a kind of semi-rigid pouch that open from the top, so there is no pressure on the viewfinder when I pocket or draw it. It's like putting the camera in a small box hanging on my side, except that it's padded. Quite convenient.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

I use a piece of gaffer tape that runs along the top of the VF, with enough to cover and protect the front and back glass/plastic when not in use. Cheap and you can carry a small roll of gaffer tape with ease. Not a scratch yet.

 

[gbb]

Tom,

Could you post a picture, I don't uderstand what you do w the tape. Also, how do I make a jpeg smaller so I can upload it as an avatar? Thanks,

GB

 

[BJ Bignell]

GB,

The little foot on my C/V 21 viewfinder seems to be quite sturdy. I'm not exactly what you would call 'delicate' when it comes to handling equipment, but the finder is not broken or even showing signs of damage. I often jam the R+21+VF into my coat pocket.

Like Rover said, you can often shoot from the hip without the VF. And as Manolo suggested, get a wrist strap. Wanna buy one of my home-made, heavy-duty nylon straps? 😀

BJ