R4 vs Multiformat external finder

[dostacos]

I am kinda anti aux finder, because I tend to switch lenses a lot and have a habit of forgeting to add the finder when I use the 21 or 28 the R4M solves that for me

 

[BillBingham2]

T,

The only place I would say the R4 rocks over external finders is when you are shooting a lot of wide closeups. No CV wide finders have parallax correction, not sure of the older Leica multi finder, I know the big boxy one does. If you fill your frame a lot with stuff close up and do not want to guess on the shift you need, the R4 rules.

I used at T for years and as such have no problem with external finders. I've never had the need to have the 25 RF coupled, and LOVE IT on my Bessa L.

Enjoy your 21 on your M, it's a great combination. Pick up a used L for cheap, they are a wonderful carry everywhere camera.

B2 (;->

 

[Tuolumne]

Bill,
The point about shooting a 21mm closeup is well taken. One would probably be well-served with the parallax correction of the R4 in those situations. I guess I'll just wait and see how often I shoot it closeup. I've been using it mostly as a lanndscape lens, which is an application where the finder isn't that important anyway, so I'll just have to wait and see how often I use it close up. Could justify buying the R4 in that case.

/T

 

[rxmd]

I think there is little point with using a rangefinder (which will detach at 0.7 or 0.9 meters) for shooting closeups with a 21. It won't look particularly close anyway. At those distances at least to me it actually seems easier to guess focusing. My favourite camera to use with the 21 is the Zorki-1, and I actually might consider getting a Bessa T eventually for those moments where I do feel like I need a meter.

 

[peter_n]

I ended up buying a used R4A in the classifieds (thanks Ryan!). For those with the wide Leica lenses - 21mm ASPH & 24mm ASPH - to my eyes anyway the blocking of the VF by about 20% with the hood on is OK. That was my major worry about this body. If you like the effects of a very wide lens for close-ups then the R4 is definitely worthwhile. It's well made and I'm happy with mine. As Bertram said above this is an innovative product and pretty much makes the 0.58 mag M7 superfluous.

 

[sepiareverb]

I've just gotten the Leica finder to use mainly with my on the way ZM25. I also wanted the option of putting the 28 on my M5- I don't see the 28 lines well there. I initally thought I'd use the entire .58 VF for the 25, but find that even with the 28 lens I lose too much of the VF for my needs, and those 28 framelines are closer to the edge than I was expecting. My only experience with aux. finders is the CV/Rollei 40 and the Contax G 21. I must admit to being a little disappointed that I don't get a Leica-like view, there are no frame lines, only a window opening, so I don't see more than my film area. In use, for me, aux. finders are fine- I've not minded the two eyepieces one to focus one to check framing- and with these wides that check of focus is not going to be as critical in much shooting. I don't do much close-up work with the wide lenses, so I'm not feeling the need for the apparently incredible R4A VF, and I've always been one to make an extra negative or two if I have doubts on framing- even with the 50 I have moments of uncertainty exactly what's going on film- usually not an image breaker, but if in doubt I just cover myself.

I will certainly peer through an R4 when I get the chance- the .58 really opened up my working with the 35 lens a whole lot, and I'm hoping the Leica VF will be enough to do this with the 28 & 25, lengths I was very attached to in my SLR days. If not then maybe the R4A is in my future.