Question: IIIf finder blockage

[zeshootist]

Hello all,

Just got a pretty little IIIf. It's fun to use, but when my Summitar is extended, it blocks enough of the bottom of the viewfinder to interfere with composition. Annoying.

Is the FOV of the IIIf viewfinder very close to what the 50mm lens sees, or is there a bit "extra?" I find the blockage distracting and would like to ignore it if there's enough leeway in the VF field of vision.

Thanks!

 

[furcafe]

Not sure about the precise FOV of the IIIf, but I think all the "Barnacks" (including copies) are about the same, equivalent to 100% coverage at 9-12 feet (3m), so you have some extra at infinity & none close up. Get an SBOOI (or modern CV equivalent) accessory for a brighter, less obstructed view (w/tick marks for close adjustments, too).

Edit: found this old Photo.net thread that discusses the change in FOV at different focus distances & contains references to some other accessory VFs:

http://photo.net/leica-rangefinders-forum/00PVn6

 

[NeeZee]

I second the SBOOI recommendation. Best 40€ I ever spent. Transformed my IIIf from the prettiest camera on the shelf to my main picture taker...

 

[KoNickon]

I think introducing an external viewfinder just adds more uncertainty in framing -- even with a parallax correction feature. You're that much farther from the lens's axis. Seriously, I suggest you learn to ignore the corner of the Summitar in the viewfinder. I just tried mine out and it looks like it's <10% of the viewfinder area.

 

[summar]

With a lens blocking the right bottom corner on my IIIf, I just take a fast glance to check that there's nothing unwanted lurking in that area, then frame and shoot.

 

[zeshootist]

With a lens blocking the right bottom corner on my IIIf, I just take a fast glance to check that there's nothing unwanted lurking in that area, then frame and shoot.

I think that this is the approach that I will go with. It isn't ideal for composition, but adding an external finder would negate what I see as the advantages of this camera: size, adjacent RF/VF.

 

[furcafe]

The SBOOI or CV equivalent is pretty small. You don't have to use it all the time, but it's nice to have it in the accessory shoe when you feel the need.

I think that this is the approach that I will go with. It isn't ideal for composition, but adding an external finder would negate what I see as the advantages of this camera: size, adjacent RF/VF.

 

[stillshunter]

The SBOOI or CV equivalent is pretty small. You don't have to use it all the time, but it's nice to have it in the accessory shoe when you feel the need.

+1

My SBOOI arrived today and I could not believe how small it is on the IIIf. Hood on the Summicron and zero blockage. Anyone who tells you that adding this VF negates the saving in the size of a Barnack is trying to sell you something….and I assume it's their M 😉

 

[sanmich]

a IIIf with SBOOI is a great tool, in some regards better then an M:
very small, great focus precision, fantastic real size viewing...
(and it's from someone that have decided to concentrate on M's)

 

[stillshunter]

a IIIf with SBOOI is a great tool, in some regards better then an M:
very small, great focus precision, fantastic real size viewing...
(and it's from someone that have decided to concentrate on M's)

So glad you said this Michael. I mean I agree wholeheartedly and was thinking it, but since the IIIf, Cron, SBOOI combination is my new baby I would be talking with a father's eye. 😱

Sorry but it does bear repeating, the view through the SBOOI is extraordinary. 😱 So clean, zero distractions (which you get with the RF patch even in the best of modern RFs) and the two-eyed shooting is super fun. Highly recommended for anyone with a Barnack and 50mm!!!
…now to fight the urge to buy a CV50/1.5….