External Finder for Zeiss 25mm (or 21mm)

[PATB]

I have been shooting exclusively with a 50 cron on an MP but now, for some unexplicable reason, have a massive GAS for a wide angle lens. I have a CV 35 2.5 but it is not wide enough for cityscapes, which will be the primary use of the lens.

I am thinking of getting the Zeiss 25mm 2.8 or, if optically better, the 21mm 2.8. I am a newb so I'd prefer a wide angle with less distortion if I don't frame right.

I am thinking of getting the Zeiss 25mm finder but have been reading posts where it is not wide enough to cover 25mm. Any truth to this? What about using a Zeiss 21mm finder with the 25 2.8? Budget for the lens and finder is about $1,500. I wear glasses.

Any advice you can send my way would be greatly appreciated.

 

[kbg32]

I have the Zeiss 21/4.5 and the Zeiss 25/2.8. Both are superb lenses. The 21 is just fantastic. No distortion and is quite small, but a bit larger then the CV 21. I use a Leitz finder for the 21 and a CV 25 finder for the Zeiss and it works great.

 

[back alley]

i have the zm 25 with a zeiss 25 finder.
both are wonderful, you will feel like a king with this gear.
have had no problems with the coverage of the finder.

 

[mfogiel]

I have the same pair: 21/4.5 and 25/2.8. The 21/4.5 lens is a must if you really want architectural shots with a lot of breathing space and zero distorsion. The 25/2.8 is optically perhaps a tiny bit better, but it is only a 25mm. I have both the 21 and the 25/28 Zeiss finders and they are both great, but I believe th most effective finder for these lenses is a R4A... I also wear glasses, and obviously with the external finder you get a clear view, but I have learnt how to live without them if I have to be fast and frame while I focus. I'd say, if you only have a 50mm, get the 25mm first - when you'll see the shots you will probably want to buy the rest of the ZM lenses too... The 21mm is already a legend, and it is cheaper, but it is slightly less versatile.

 

[sepiareverb]

I've been shooting with the ZM21/2.8 lately, and find the lens a bit too big for an M- the hood blocks a lot of the Zeiss finder, and at close focus the hood blocks the RF patch.

I've got the Zeiss finders and a Leica 21-24-28. I find the Leica finder works well for I can switch to 21 when focussing close with the 25mm and get a little more accurate coverage.

 

[peter_n]

Those Zeiss finders are really expensive. You could probably buy a new CV R4 camera for less than two Zeiss finders would cost.

 

[simonxpan]

Hi,

I have the Zeiss 21 4.5 - fantastic lens, I opted for the voightlander 21mm finder (cost) and haven't been disapointed.

Simon

M4P CZ 35 2 CZ 21 4.5