Framing accuracy with CV 28mm external viewfinder on classic M body

[telenous]

Does anyone know whether using the CV 28mm external viewfinder on a classic M body (i.e. with M2/3/4/6/P) impacts framing accuracy? Ifyes, how bad is it? I understand that using it on an M6TTL and M7 is a bit of an issue, since they have about 2.5mm extra height.

Many thanks in advance!🙂

[EDIT] In case this is not the appropriate subforum for the question, apologies to the mods and pls move it accordingly.

 

[Rob-F]

I use, not the CV, but the Leitz external 28mm finder, unless I'm shooting with my .58 body, in which case I can see the camera's finder frame well enough. At close distances, the camera's built-in finder will frame more accurately, because it is parallax compensated. At a distance, though, I find framing quite satisfactory (and comfortable) with the auxiliary finder.

 

[craygc]

Ive used the CV 21 & 28 finder extensively with an M6 TTL and havent really see any issues but Im only concerned about whats happening in the 1 ~ 3 meter range and that isnt going to be accurate with any finder anyways. Accuracy in framing with an external finder is a little wishful thinking in the first place but I suppose you eventually get used to it.

 

[telenous]

Thank you Rob and Craig.

I was thinking of the CV external viewfinder since it is reviewed as very bright and comfortable even when compared with the Leica 28. If I go for it I will be using it on my M2. My concern stems from something I read on Andrew Nemeng's site, to the effect that there may be 'slight' horizontal framing inaccuracies when using CV viewfinders on classic body Leicas (and vc.vs.). I take it by 'slight' he means that framing inaccuracies are not something you can't learn to work with, (after all we are talking rangefinders), but I just thought I 'd corroborate this titbit with actual users first.

 

[Tom A]

There is a "ragged" edge line in the 28 finder from VC that indicates closer focus range. However, with any rangefinder you are on your own. Precise framing is iffy at best and the best way of figuring it out is by experience.
I have the metal finder for the VC 28 and it is better than my old metal Leica finder (which also rattles from a loose element -common with the Leica metal finders).
On a M2 I would use the taped over, rangefinder illumination window trick as that gives you edge to edge coverage of the 28mm and you have a natural "alignment" tool with the edges of the frame as well as a slightly lower viewpoint as you are below anything in the shoe.

 

[telenous]

Thank you Tom. The 'taped over, rangefinder illumination window trick' is a very interesting solution.