How essential is an auxiliary VF?

[Max Power]

Hi everyone...
Seeing as my previous experience is with fixed-lens RFs and SLRs, I have a question about auxiliary VFs.

I'm patiently awaiting my FED 5V and thinking about a Jupiter 12. Most of the ones listed on eBay come without an auxiliary VF; this makes me wonder, is it worth the investment to pick up a package with the lens and VF? Is a 35mm aux VF actually useful? I can see needing one for 24 or 28mm, but 35mm?

What do you all think?

Thanks,
Kent

 

[RML]

It's really up to you. How well are you able to visualize a 35mm FoV without the proper framelines? I think for 35mm you shouldn't have too much trouble. But why take the chance? Those Russian turret finders are abundant on eBay. Get one. 🙂

 

[cbass]

I found a Petri Tele-Wide VF for $10 on the big auction site to use with my J-12. It has framelines for approximately 90mm and 35mm, although you practically have to smoosh your retina up against the finder to see all of the 35mm framelines. Works, though. Pictured below on my Zorki 4.

If you only want a 35mm finder you can find fixed-length VFs if you look. But none are as cool as the turret finder!

 

[Roman]

Well, I'm not that much of a fan of the turret finder - it looks cooler than it is useful... But I just got to see Oscar's original Russian 35mm finder, and that is a very good one (even without framelines!)

Roman

 

[wlewisiii]

Well, I once thought I didn't need one. This was the result:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3563&cat=3444&page=5

I made a homebrew out of the finder from a broken XA2 shortly thereafter... 😀

William

 

[Max Power]

Well, I once thought I didn't need one. This was the result:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=3563&cat=3444&page=5

I made a homebrew out of the finder from a broken XA2 shortly thereafter... 😀

William

William...
A VERY convincing argument!!! 😀

I think that I'll look at one of those turret finders; although the Petri finder looks much more compact and a lot sleeker, it would seem to be harder to find.

Kent

 

[rbiemer]

Kent,
I own both a FSU turret finder and a Yashica tele/wide viewfinder(very similar to the Petri above). Haven't had either a long time, but I use one or the other most of the time. Haven't decided which one I prefer.
Rob.

 

[Max Power]

Kent,
I own both a FSU turret finder and a Yashica tele/wide viewfinder(very similar to the Petri above). Haven't had either a long time, but I use one or the other most of the time. Haven't decided which one I prefer.
Rob.

Rob, what would the pros and cons be of each?

I assume that a single viewfinder w/framelines is convenient and compact, whereas a turret finder is a bit ungainly, but more precise and easier to use.

Even though you haven't been with either a long time, is this more or less the tradeoff?

Cheers,
Kent

 

[doubs43]

Kent, I was looking at Argus cameras the other day and noticed that there are a number of Argus aux finders on ebay for sale. You may want to browse them too.

Walker

 

[Max Power]

Kent, I was looking at Argus cameras the other day and noticed that there are a number of Argus aux finders on ebay for sale. You may want to browse them too.

Walker

Excellent Walker,
Thanks for the suggestion,

Kent

 

[rbiemer]

Kent,
I don't think either finder could be called "precise" but I haven't learned just what the 35mm lens will cover, yet. I like the Yashica finder cuz it is small and weighs very little. The turret finder can be used for five different focal lengths(28,35,50,85, and 135) so it will serve for all of them instead of getting seperate ones for each lens.
The smaller tele/wide finder is usable for some short tele lens but I'm not sure which. It also has brightlines which I have noticed sometimes flare out--the turret finder doesn't have that problem.
If I ever step up to the Voightlander gear I will be happy to use the dedicated finders in their line.
Rob.

 

[kiev4a]

The turret finder has crude adjustment for working close up. It also has frame line that help you keep yhe camera square with the world But it is larger than a one focal length finder. When I shoot with a J-12 on my Zorki 1, I use a dedicated 35mm finder because it is much more compact.

 

[Doug]

I agree with Roman... My FSU 35mm finder came separately from the J-12, but I think I would have paid less had they been together as a package. This is a very nice finder, the cost was very moderate, and I think it's useful to have the proper finder that matches the field of the lens.