External VFs on R-D1; and what to do about 28mm

[Rob-F]

I understand that eyeglass wearers have trouble seeing the 28mm R-D1 framelines. An external finder would solve the problem. Now, for a 24 or 25mm, one could use a 35mm finder and it ought to be close. But a 28mm produces a 42mm eq. angle of view. And what about using a 21mm? A 31.5mm finder would be needed.

I'm aware of the new zoom finder. I'm thinking if I get an R-D1, I might just want a compact finder for one additional focal length, though.

I wonder if a 28mm 1.5 cropped finder was among the CV ones that were discontinued. Or one for the 21mm? What have people been doing for this? Or is it a case of I-know-what-my-lens-covers-I-don't-need-no-finder?

 

[nksyoon]

Doesn't Cosina make a 40mm viewfinder?

 

[back alley]

i have the rd finders for the 15 and the 21 lenses but rarely use them. i use the lcd screen to gauge what is in the frame. it's quick & accurate enough.

 

[Paul T.]

The CV viewfinder is the best one; there's also reputed to be another, less expensive finder, I think the Tele Wide, originally made for the Yashica Electro, on which the framelines are effectively 40mm.

 

[nksyoon]

i have the rd finders for the 15 and the 21 lenses but rarely use them. i use the lcd screen to gauge what is in the frame. it's quick & accurate enough.

But not if you're shooting moving subjects and there's no second try.

I used the 21 VF for the 15mm and the 21D VF for the 21mm when I had an R-D1.

 

[Roverbovver]

External VFs on R-D1; and what to do about 28mm

Can second that, 28mm on a R-D1 and the Tele/Wide viewfinder from a Yashica Elektro work. Mine says SUN TELE-WIDE FINDER is round like the Leica ones and a bit higher than the CV 'Goggle-box' versions. You've got two frame lines in there.

 

[back alley]

But not if you're shooting moving subjects and there's no second try.

I used the 21 VF for the 15mm and the 21D VF for the 21mm when I had an R-D1.

i use the lcd to set the guideline in my head, look at scene look at the screen and then shoot from there, but i don't use it for each shot, just to set the mental guideline.

 

[kermaier]

I wear glasses, and find the 28mm framelines on the R-D1 usable.
For a 25mm I just use the whole VF window, which I cannot really see with my glasses, but I'm not really framing that carefully with the 25mm.
For the 21mm, I got the CV 21D finder, though I bet the CV 28/35 mini-finder would work, guestimating in between the 28 and 35 framelines.
::Ari

 

[Ronchnam]

External VF on R-D1

External VF on R-D1

I use a CV 35mm external vf with my Rokkor 28 2.8 I find that it's ok.

 

[Ezzie]

What about the corrected diopters? The Bessa diopters work fine, as do a number of Nikon diopters (F-series I suspect), and probably a load of others too. I had some, but sent them on to another RFF member.

 

[Rob-F]

Doesn't Cosina make a 40mm viewfinder?

Yes that does sound like a good idea. I'm just exploring at this point, have not bought an R-D1 yet. Another good idea, maybe better, would be to use my 35mm aux. finder with my 24mm lens.

Or I may just get an M8.2 eventually. Doing OK with a D200 at this point.

 

[Philip Whiteman]

Rob: if you do buy an RD-1 (and they hold up well against a Nikon D200) you may well get a shock first time you use it. The viewfinder frames are very conservative and you may well think you've selected the wrong one. As back alley says, you do quickly get your eye calibrated after a bit of LCD chimping.

I find the voigtlander 35mm brightline viewfinder is spot-on for a 25mm lens and works well – with a mild allowance – for a 28.

 

[jlw]

I understand that eyeglass wearers have trouble seeing the 28mm R-D1 framelines.

I wear glasses and have no trouble seeing the 28mm frameline.

The trick: keep both eyes open. Thanks to the R-D's lifesize 1:1 viewfinder, your eyes will adjust quickly to be comfortable with this. With your eye centered in a comfortable, neutral position, you'll find the 28mm lines are no problem to see.

At least that's been my experience. I'd suggest trying it before investing in any 28mm finder.

Warning: Once you get used to two-eyed viewing through a 1:1 finder, any RF camera that does not offer this will seem unbelievably primitive (including ones with names beginning with "L")...