Petri and Yashica tele-wide

[ctdogs]

I am comparing and testing a Petri tele-wide viewfinder and a similar Yashica tele-wide on several Russian rangefinders with a 35/2.8 lens.

So far I have had good results with the Petri on a Zorki 4-K. It looks like both finders provide a good approximation for 35mm lenses. Is the tele frame of any use at all? It looks like the tele frame is about 60mm. Could it be used with a 75mm lens?

Has anyone out there used these viewfinders on Russian rangefinders? Mostly interested in comparing notes.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Frontman]

I just checked out my Yashica telewide finder against the 35mm frame lines in my M4, and once again using a Leica VIOOH accessory finder. The telewide does not show as much field of view as the M4 and Leica finder, the frame lines in the telewide seem to come closer to a 40mm field of view rather than that of the 35mm.

But, the telewide shows quite a bit of area outside the frame lines, with a little practice it would probably work okay. The tele looks pretty close to 75mm, probably close enough to use.

You can find the old VIOOH finders rather cheaply on eBay if you look around enough. I bought mine (in good condition) off eBay a month or two ago for less than $30.

 

[ctdogs]

Hello Frontman,

Thanks for the information. I'll look for a VIOOH. Was looking for a FSU turret finder, but the good ones go for about $100 now. Sounds like VIOOH might be a more economical alternative.

Best regards, Ctdogs

 

[batterytypehah!]

I used the Petri for a while and found that the WA view was very close to a 35mm on ground glass. Unfortunately, it didn't have enough eye relief for me (I wear glasses), so I gave to a fellow RFFer.

The Petri also isn't particularly well made. The silvering was starting to go on mine.

I find the turrets, VIOOHs etc. way too big, but I'm half way done fashioning a WA finder from a $1 thrift store camera, inspired by zorkikat's instructions here: http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page358.htm

 

[Frontman]

I like the VIOOH mainly for it's 50mm field of view, which is much more accurate than what is shown through the viewfinder of my old Zorki. That it also has settings for 35mm and other lenses is a bonus for me.