n00b here: question about 50mm alternative viewfinders for leica IIIc

[anoldsock]

Ok, ok! I'm a total n00b when it comes to rangefinders, so go easy on me guys.

So here's my situation:
I have just purchased a Leica IIIc. I understand that because we're not looking through a reflex mirror, and due to parallax error the Leica viewfinder does not represent the true image. To combat this there are alternative viewfinders which compensate for parallax error.

Assuming this is true, and because I only use a 50mm lens, I am now in the market for either the 50mm Voigtlander Bright Line or the 50mm Leica (SBOOI) Bright Line viewfinder. Can someone please confirm that the Bright Line viewfinders indeed compensate for parallax error, or if it's even worth it to purchase one?

I'm a bit embarrassed to be asking this question, and I don't mean to be so thick headed, but thanks in advance.

 

[Rico]

Only TTL viewing can fully eliminate parallax. For external VFs, the standard method involves a secondary frame or edge to be used for closeups. This is used by SBOOI and the C/V equiv. For 90mm, the SGVOO and C/V equiv have a frame that moves by dialing the subject distance by hand. Very fancy VFs (typically inbuilt to the camera) can move and resize the frame (although I doubt this includes the brightline designs).

 

[Roberto]

...
Can someone please confirm that the Bright Line viewfinders indeed compensate for parallax error, or if it's even worth it to purchase one?

I'm a bit embarrassed to be asking this question, and I don't mean to be so thick headed, but thanks in advance.

Yes it does compensate, there a second dashed line on the top of the frame below the main solid one: this line indicates how to compose when focusing close (maybe 1m away?)

But that's it, nothing more than this...

PS: I have the SBOOI and I find it really good.

Rob.

 

[FrankS]

Rangefinders are not the ideal tool for precise framing but this is rarely an issue. Both finders you are considering are great and well worth the money!

 

[xayraa33]

I practice the SBOOI finder will not compensate for parallax error and even if it was cammed to do so, the error will still exist, it is the nature of the rangefinder camera.
As a Leica III/IIIf user, I highly recommend the SBOOI finder as it makes a big difference in the use and enjoyment of these cameras.
Those built in squinty viewfinders "aint so great".