Leica plastic finders

[TJV]

Hi all.
I'm wondering what the quality of Leica's older plastic finders is like. I'm particularly interested in the 28mm finder, and would much rather get the metal SLOOZ, but the plastic (BL?) finders are a lot cheaper. Is the optical quality as good as the SLOOZ? What is the plastic like? Is it brittle or robust? I'm really sceptical about how long it would last being pushed and pulled out of bags etc.

Thanks.
T

 

[back alley]

the cv 28 finder is metal and very bright.

 

[TJV]

the cv 28 finder is metal and very bright.

Yeah, it's a bright finder but I don't really like it.
I have one already but I find it doen't have enough eye relief. The Leica SLOOZ that a friend has I find much better. For the price, the CV finder is great but I shoot with it a lot and would prefer using the SLOOZ.

The Zeiss options are obviously really good too but I'd rather not have the 25 AND 28mm lines in one finder. The less clutter the better.

 

[sleepyhead]

I agree about the Zeiss 25/28 combo - why did they do that? Very few people I imagnine would use those two lenses side by side.

The CV 28/35 combo finder makes much more sense in my opinion. It's also quite a nice finder, and tiny. I have one pretty much permanently on my Leica M3 body.

But to answer your question, I use the Leitz 21mm plastic finder, and it's seen professional use before me, and is holding up just fine in terms of build quality.

 

[TJV]

But to answer your question, I use the Leitz 21mm plastic finder, and it's seen professional use before me, and is holding up just fine in terms of build quality.

That's great. I've got my eye on one metal Leica finder but will keep looking at the plastic option as well.
T

 

[sanmich]

That's great. I've got my eye on one metal Leica finder but will keep looking at the plastic option as well.
T

I think there is such a finder at KEH for a fair price...

 

[chikne]

Well, if your problem is eye relief then forget about the leica plastic, it's even worse if you wear glasses.

Try Kobalux/Pasoptik or Zeiss

 

[TJV]

Thanks guys.
I just bought a black SLOOZ off BrettS here at a really good price.
And sold my VC finders to help make the process less financially crippling! I hope it is as good as the other Leica finders I have used.
Thanks again.
T