How good is the Leitz SBLOO 3.5cm finder

[lxmike]

I enjoy using my 5cm SBOOI finder but want to add a SBLOO finder to my collection for when l use my 3.5cm Summaron. How do people find the SBLOO, how does it compare to the SBOOI

 

[Deleted member 65559]

I like the SBLOO a lot and have used a few over the years. Even on M Leica, i like it for quick street shooting. Unfortunately they've climbed in price. On Leica screwmount cameras it is a bit large. For that use, I like the metal Voigtlander 35mm finder. It is bright and has a good eyepoint.
unnamed by , on Flickr
IMG_6760 by , on Flickr

 

[Richard G]

It’s big. Not the same equation as the SBOOI that might stay on a camera for good.

 

[lxmike]

I like the SBLOO a lot and have used a few over the years. Even on M Leica, i like it for quick street shooting. Unfortunately they've climbed in price. On Leica screwmount cameras it is a bit large. For that use, I like the metal Voigtlander 35mm finder. It is bright and has a good eyepoint.
unnamed by , on Flickr
IMG_6760 by , on Flickr

Thanks for the reply l plan to use the Sbloo on my IIIg and IIIc, l have been offered a very good condition one for £130, its has a slightly loose front glass but is fully working and usable

 

[martinjames]

The view through the SBLOO is excellent, as is the SBOOI. The SBLOO is, however, not a small item. It's huge compared to the SBOOI. I sold the one I used to have but might be needing a 35 finder again soon. And now I'm not sure... I might try one of the smaller finders from Nikon/Canon/VC, etc.

If the physical size and cost of the SBLOO doesn't deter you, it is an excellent viewfinder

 

[lxmike]

It’s big. Not the same equation as the SBOOI that might stay on a camera for good.

Many thanks for the reply, l wonder if anyone has a picture of the SBLOO and SOOBI side by side for comparison

 

[xayraa33]

The SBOOI is svelte and looks good on a Barnack Leica but the gargantuan SBLOO finder is more suited to the M series Leica, like the M3

 

[lxmike]

The view through the SBLOO is excellent, as is the SBOOI. The SBLOO is, however, not a small item. It's huge compared to the SBOOI. I sold the one I used to have but might be needing a 35 finder again soon. And now I'm not sure... I might try one of the smaller finders from Nikon/Canon/VC, etc.

If the physical size and cost of the SBLOO doesn't deter you, it is an excellent viewfinder

many thanks, l am very tempted to grab a SBLOO

 

[Deleted member 65559]

LX..... I'm betting it will sit pretty on the iiig.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Are any of those two, Leica or Viogtlander, 1:1?

 

[zauhar]

I have the SBLOO on my iiig all the time. It has bright view, relatively distinct frame, and the frame stays horizontal - I have had trouble with the frame rotating on two inexpensive finders.

 

[splitimageview]

SBOOI is magical.

The SBLOO is too big and heavy for me, not to mention expensive. I use a very cheap alternative, which some Leicaphiles will probably reject just on principle: 🙂

 

[oldwino]

I use the little Canon finder. No bright lines, but a nice size. Probably about the same as the Voigtlander.

 

[Papercut]

I haven't tried the vintage Canon but the Nikon 35mm that came with my Nikoor 3.5cm/2.5 is really squinty and hard to use for me with glasses. I really like the modern CV Voigtlander 35mm for my IIIc. Seems a perfect match to me. The view with the SBLOO is very nice, but it seemed oversized on my Barnack, and the square corners made it less suitable to carry under my coat or over-shirt (I often carry it slung bandolier style under a long sleeve shirt while teaching). The round Voigtlander doesn't catch on things so it works well.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

The view with the SBLOO is very nice, but it seemed oversized on my Barnack, and the square corners made it less suitable to carry under my coat or over-shirt (I often carry it slung bandolier style under a long sleeve shirt while teaching). The round Voigtlander doesn't catch on things so it works well.

Agreed, I use the SBL00 on my M4 (MP is gone) & the Voigtlander on my '35 black iii model F.

IMG_2799 by \, on Flickr

 

[Timmyjoe]

I really like the Voigtlander 35mm external finder. Have never used the Leitz finder, but the Voigtlander is head and shoulders above the Nikon 3.5cm finder I also have.

Best,
-Tim

 

[lxmike]

LX..... I'm betting it will sit pretty on the iiig.

my thoughts too🙂

 

[lxmike]

I have the SBLOO on my iiig all the time. It has bright view, relatively distinct frame, and the frame stays horizontal - I have had trouble with the frame rotating on two inexpensive finders.

thanks this is very encouraging

 

[lxmike]

SBOOI is magical.

The SBLOO is too big and heavy for me, not to mention expensive. I use a very cheap alternative, which some Leicaphiles will probably reject just on principle: 🙂

Normally l steer away from the expensive but l find the BBLLO very appealing😎

 

[lxmike]

I use the little Canon finder. No bright lines, but a nice size. Probably about the same as the Voigtlander.

Thats one very cool set up