M43 with optical viewfinder, which one?

[msbarnes]

I want an M43 and I want to use an optical viewfinder. (I'm most likely getting the GX1). The lens will be a Panny 20mm f1.7, nothing else planned really.

I'm considering these two viewfinders: Cosina 40mm and Olympus VF-1.

I'm aware that a lot of people prefer EVFs but I'd rather try an OVF first. I'm also aware of the framing differences. I figured that I can go Cosina and 3:2 or Oly and 4:3. Is that the right thinking?

Is there a difference in build/durability/size/accuracy? If not, then it seems to come down to format you and price. If that is the case then I'm not going to sweat it and just flip a coin because I feel that I can use either ratio.

Also does the viewfinder block the flash? Not that big of a deal but something good to know.

 

[CVickery]

I used the Olympus VF-1 with the Panny 20 on my E-P1 and was very satisfied. The framing seemed to be reasonably accurate in spite of the fact the VF-1 is aimed at 17mm lens users. The build seemed good. I don't know about flash use since the E-P1 doesn't have a built in flash.

 

[Bingley]

I started out using a CV 40 optical vf w/ my E-PL1 and the Pany 20/1.7 lens, but found there were accuracy issues in framing. I got the Olympus EVF for the E-PL1 and have not looked back.

 

[justins7]

I've used a 40mm optical viewfinder with my 20mm lens, and found that it wasn't the framing that was a problem but the auto-focusing: I never really know for sure where the focusing point is.

 

[traveler_101]

I use the Olympus VF-1 on my E-P1. Its a nice brightline finder that goes perfectly with the Panasonic 20/1.7 lens.

I've used a 40mm optical viewfinder with my 20mm lens, and found that it wasn't the framing that was a problem but the auto-focusing: I never really know for sure where the focusing point is.

The way I handle this problem is to use the viewfinder in tandem with the LCD screen. This permits me to use center point focus. Think of how a Leica Barnack camera works; you have two windows: a rangefinder and a viewfinder; the rangefinder is for focusing (albeit manually), the viewfinder is for framing. I use my E-P1 the same way. I bring the camera up to eye level, focus on a point with the LCD screen and then move my eye to the viewfinder, frame and shoot.

It involves some customising of the camera. I have turned off every live view screen mode EXCEPT the cross hairs. So when I look at the LCD screen I can pin point exactly where I want to focus. I have also reassigned focus from the shutter to the AEL/AFL button. Focus is effectively locked.

I like this method because it gives you opportunity to keep one eye on what's happening around you as you use the LCD screen and move from screen to viewfinder, but at the same time it also gives you a viewfinder to hold the camera properly as you take the shot.

 

[grouchomarx]

Helios Viewfinder Multifinder Mk 2

Often hard to find, the Helios 35 85 135 multifinder is an optical viewfinder designed for use with Zorki, FED, Kiev, Leica and similar rangefinder cameras - fits any camera with a standard hotshoe.

Brightline frames each marked for 35mm, 85mm and 135mm can be seen, showing the correct framing for these lenses. The 35 works well for my Pana 20mm f1.7.

I bought mine from tunznath at ebay.co.uk. My Poor Man's Leica is now complete I believe.