Multi-focal viewfinders...

[Luddite Frank]

I've been nosing around the Web, checking-out various camera-maker's approach to the multi-focal legnth viewfinders ( motivated by my unhappiness with Leica's "Imarect")...

I've been able to check-out the Nikon & TEWE varifocals, as well as the Z-I "Turret" finders; all very nice from a user standpoint, but pretty pricey...

Yesterday I discovered that (old) Voigtlander made a multi-focal finder called the "Turn-it"...

Has anyone used one ? What are they like ?


(I'm seeking finders that maintain a constant "full-frame"view as you switch to longer FL's; as opposed to the Imarect's "incredible shrinking image")

Thanks,

Luddite Frank

 

[payasam]

Frank, I never found the shrinking image of the VIOOH/Imarect a disadvantage. The finder was dead accurate -- and of course optically simpler than all constant size types.

 

[michaelging]

I Like the Nikon Varifocal finders for the longer than 50mm lenses, but for my 35mm lenses, I like the Zeiss brightline finder 426, shown here on the Ritz site

http://www.collectiblecameras.com/catalog/images/ZLuminous_426.jpg


I find that it does stick up on the camera, but is very easy to use and compose with . Here are more photos showing it on a camera that was on this site.


http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=512&cat=6

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Frank,

I've had Turnits (all one word -- it's not Turn-It) and they're not very impressive: fuzzy edges, not too sharp. As far as I recall they're 35mm and 85mm only: you turn the finder round (hence the name) for the two views. Bite the bullet and buy a better finder: Soviet turret (Zeiss copy) or Tewe.

Cheers,

R.

 

[brachal]

I'm a big fan of the Soviet turret finder. They aren't exactly cheap anymore, but they're well-made and cover 28mm, 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, and 135mm. Another bonus is that the field of view is not entirely blacked out outside of the viewing area, so you can look through and still see outside of what the lens will see.

 

[rbiemer]

I'll agree with Roger and Bill about the Soviet turret finder. I also note that they are a bit more money than when I bought mine but I think you should be able to get a good one for well under $100 US--haven't specifically looked for one but have noticed in passing that the ones I've seen were around 70 + shipping.
One caveat about them: they are very tough on eyeglasses. But there is a fairly easy fix; I took my finder with me to my local hardware store and found a rubber O ring that would fit tightly around the eye piece. And is also thck enough to keep my glasses from directly hitting it. Took a few minutes but time well spent, I think!
Good hunting!
Rob

 

[wolves3012]

I also use the russian KMZ turret and find it very good. Got mine for £20 ($40 ish) but they seem to be going up in price. Keep your eyes open and you may get one for similar money though.

 

[John Robertson]

I'll agree with Roger and Bill about the Soviet turret finder. I also not that they are a bit more money than when I bought mine but I think you should be able to get a good one for well under $100 US--haven't specifically looked for one but have noticed in passing that the ones I've seen were around 70 + shipping.
One caveat about them: they are very tough on eyeglasses. But there is a fairly easy fix; I took my finder with me to my local hardware store and found a rubber O ring that would fit tightly around the eye piece. And is also thck enough to keep my glasses from directly hitting it. Took a few minutes but time well spent, I think!
Good hunting!
Rob

I agree about the Russian finder, and thanks for the o-ring tip, I will visit the hardware supermarket tomorrow!!

Another similar finder is the French Foca version, equally excellent but more difficult to find.
I had a VIOOH Leitz finder, it may well be very accurate, but the tunnel-vision effect was not to my liking.

 

[oscroft]

I'll cast another vote for the Soviet turret VF - I've had a couple and when they're in good condition they're really pretty good.

 

[Luddite Frank]

Thanks for the replies and tips for protecting the eyeglasses ( I wear them too ! )

I will expand my searches to include the Soviet turret finder...

I have borrowed the varifocal from my father's Nikon S, and it is VERY nice to work with... but I need to get one of my own....


Regards,

LF

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Frank,

The last two Tewes I bought (from a shop in Luxembourg about 3 yrs ago) were about 15 euros/$20-25 each. I've never used the Nikon but I believe they are all but identical: when I gave Kobayashi-san a Tewe his first reaction was, "Ah, Nikon..."

Cheers,

R.

 

[Peter_Jones]

I'll nail my colours to the mast of Soviet turret finders, mine needed a clean but works well now, and covers most classic focal lengths.

 

[john neal]

If anyone is interested, I know where I can buy 3 or 4 turret finders at GBP 35.00 each (no margin for me). I would be happy to buy and ship on behalf of RFF members.

Alternatively, you can make contact yourself with Jem at the Real Camera Comapny in Manchester, UK. Jem is a straight guy and all these are in good condition.

I have no relationship with Jem's shop, other than being a satisfied customer.