R2* and 28mm Lenses - External viewfinder necessary?

[Mr. Inky]

I have an R2A and would like to get a 28/1.9. I've read that the entire viewfinder window of the R2A could be used as a good approximation of the 28mm field of view. I'd love to hear any opinions on this, and if you think the external viewfinder is necessary. How accurate is using the entire viewfinder of the R2A?

Thanks!

 

[dostacos]

well I have used the 28 on my R without the external viewfinder because I forgot to put it on. I had no problems I think it will depend on how concerned you are about finding more on the negative than you thought you had

 

[brachal]

I tried that trick with the 28mm Skopar on my R in Hawaii a few months back and wished that I hadn't. I took about 3 rolls of the amazingly beautiful N'apali coast of Kauai, and wound up with bits of the boat in about half my shots. From now on, if the shots are important, I will always use a finder with that lens. I'm a big fan of the Soviet turret finder, but that's just me. 🙂

 

[John Robertson]

There is really only one answer, as they say "suck it and see" if it works for you--fine, if it does not- get a v/f!
BTW I am also a fan of the Russian turret finder, when I was "all Leica" I much prefered it over the VIOOH which consequently I seldom used. I like how it lets you see a little outside the frame.

 

[BrianPhotog]

It works fine for me with my street photography, where there is an element of 'randomness' anyway. However I recently returned from a trip to the central-eastern coast of Taiwan with some landscapes I wished I had used a VF to frame.

 

[Mr. Inky]

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Brian - I think you summed it up well from what I understand. For street work, going without the VF would be ok, and perhaps even desirable to be more discrete. For landscape shots, I think have a more precise VF would be the way to go. I only wish the VF didn't cost so much!

 

[BrianPhotog]

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Brian - I think you summed it up well from what I understand. For street work, going without the VF would be ok, and perhaps even desirable to be more discrete. For landscape shots, I think have a more precise VF would be the way to go. I only wish the VF didn't cost so much!

I understand how you feel. I had the cool-looking metal one for a couple of months before losing it somewhere at the San Diego Zoo 🙁

 

[John Robertson]

I just wish that CV would find some simple way whereby the finders could be locked securely in the accessory shoe, surely it is not rocket science, and would not add substantially to their price?? My flash has a smple screw down ring around the mounting point! My turret finder has spring loaded ball bearings which at least makes it a tightish fit.

 

[BrianPhotog]

I just wish that CV would find some simple way whereby the finders could be locked securely in the accessory shoe, surely it is not rocket science, and would not add substantially to their price?? My flash has a smple screw down ring around the mounting point! My turret finder has spring loaded ball bearings which at least makes it a tightish fit.

I already found one: electrical tape 😀

 

[John Robertson]

I already found one: electrical tape 😀

yup I use a similar "lash up" but it shouldn't be necessary, unless they see a real solution as a threat to replacement sales!!:bang: