question for owners of Nikon varifocal finder

J

joeswe

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I just purchased a varifocal finder for my Leica IIIf, finder serial number is 334336, that is one of the variety where the parallax correction is dialed in via the small knob at the base of the finder.
What puzzles me a bit is that when the finder is mounted on a camera with the parallax setting at infinity, the finder barrel is not completely parallel to the mount/base and camera top, but still slightly angled downwards. The rear can be pressed down a bit further so it comes completely flush with the base, but there seems to be some kind of spring that pushes the rear slightly up as soon as you let it go.
Can anyone who ones this finder confirm that it is normal that the finder is angled down at infinity?
 
That is correct, there is the slightest of tilt, and you can press down on the resistance in the back. I use it with the Nikon S2. The 3.5-13.5 Nikon is the only external viewfinder I have used so I don't know if others at infinity have the same characterisitc.
 
I've been thinking about buying a Varifocal for my S2, but I'd like to see the view first! and the web has no examples of images through the finder.

If any of you can post even the gnarliest example of how the Varifocal view looks, I'd appreciate that. Or a descriptive comparison/contrast to the superb 50 finder of the S. thanks, robert
 
I use the Nikon Vari-focal on my Leica screw-mounts... that or the Tewe Poly-Focus. Both are excellent finders.

No more "incredible shrinking mask" VIDOM or VIOOH for this Leica-nut !

The image as-viewed through the Nikon Varifocal finder might not be as good as with the dedicated FL finders, but I find it much more convenient than acquiring / carrying / swapping between three or more single-FL finders...

Luddite Frank

I don't even begin to know how one would go about shooting an "as-seen" image through the Varifocal... :(
 
I was thinking too, how does one get a picture of the view through that tiny finder? Macro lens?

But do take our word for it, the finder, if the glass is clean, works very well.

I have also looked at those turret finders but never gotten those since the Nikon verifocal does the job.
Luddite Frank said:
I use the Nikon Vari-focal on my Leica screw-mounts... that or the Tewe Poly-Focus. Both are excellent finders.

No more "incredible shrinking mask" VIDOM or VIOOH for this Leica-nut !

The image as-viewed through the Nikon Varifocal finder might not be as good as with the dedicated FL finders, but I find it much more convenient than acquiring / carrying / swapping between three or more single-FL finders...

Luddite Frank

I don't even begin to know how one would go about shooting an "as-seen" image through the Varifocal... :(
Click to expand...
 
The Nikon finder is very good but since I wear glasses, I find I have a little trouble seeing the edges of the view. The Russian finder works very well for me. It has a 28mm view but is a bit bigger than the Nikon finder. My favorite multi finder is made by Steinheil. It offers 35mm, 90mm and 135mm but I can easily see the whole frame with my glasses. I tend to favor individual finders as they are smaller and have better views. To help with that I have made several rear lens caps where I have attached a flash shoe so the finder stays with the lens. Nikkormats had a nice flash shoe that unscrews so you can attach just the shoe to the lens cap. Joe
 
It is REALLY hard to get a useful picture of the view through this finder with my trusty little 4/3 camera, so I'll give up on that and rely on words. The view is bright and clear, and fairly large, shrinking about 1/3 as you zoom from 35 to 135mm. It is varifocal, so depending on your eyesight, you may find it clearer at some settings than others.

Nikon provided a 28mm adapter lens that fits on the front of the varifocal, but these are scarce and ridiculously expensive. If you are the least bit handy, you can cobble up one of these yourself for around ten bucks.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=125895

Personally, I think this is the best of the classic adjustable viewfinders, only surpassed by some of the large and costly ones from Leitz and Cosina.

Cheers,
Dez
 
I stumbled upon this thread searching for a descriptive difference between a Varifocal and a Variframe. From what I can gather, I take the latter as being akin to the VIOOH/VIDOM with the view rotating into position as the FL is selected, and the former acting almost like a zoom lens. Is that a fair understanding/description?

Thanks in advance!
 
Yes Jeff I believe that is a good description. BTW I love my Varifocal and mine has the same position at infinity as the OP's.
 
The Varifocal finder is a zoom optic. The image frame stays the same while the image increases or decreases in magnification. The variframe finder has a a constant size image and a changing frame. Note that Nikon made several versions. The ones for the Nikon have click stops for 35, 50, 85 and 135 only. Later, the 105 setting was added. There is also a slight over mag for close distances. The version for the Leica includes click stops for 35, 50, 73, 85, 90, 105 and 135—if my memory is correct. So if you want one for your Leica and use, say, a 90, you might want to look for the Leica-specific version. PRices for either version are about the same with the Leica version sometimes cheaper. Hopes this helps, WES
 
wes loder said:
The Varifocal finder is a zoom optic. The image frame stays the same while the image increases or decreases in magnification. .... The version for the Leica includes click stops for 35, 50, 73, 85, 90, 105 and 135—if my memory is correct. ...
Click to expand...

This being a Nippon Kogaku conversation I have to add something, there are many variations, I have one that lists 12.5

Who has a 125mm lens?

Kiu
 
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