Right angle finder on FM2

[Ricoh]

Looking for advice on using a right angle finder on a Nikon FM2; I believe the DR-3 or DR-4 are appropriate. https://www.nikonimgsupport.com/na/NSG_article?articleNo=000025668&configured=1&lang=en_SG

Using the right angle finder will I be able to see the full screen as seen normally through the viewfinder; is focusing normal or compromised?

Thanks.

 

[Freakscene]

The DR-3 is the native fit right angle finder for the FM2. The DR-4 works but needs a DK-13 adapter for it to fit the 19mm finder. The DR-5 also works if you take off the adapter it is supplied with.

You can see the full screen but not as easily as looking in the finder. The camera focuses as normal although the finder is slightly less bright because of the additional optical elements in the right angle finder.

Marty

 

[Ricoh]

The DR-3 is the native fit right angle finder for the FM2. The DR-4 works but needs a DK-13 adapter for it to fit the 19mm finder. The DR-5 also works if you take off the adapter it is supplied with.

You can see the full screen but not as easily as looking in the finder. The camera focuses as normal although the finder is slightly less bright because of the additional optical elements in the right angle finder.

Marty

Thank you Marty, that’s very helpful.

The FM2 I have has a rubber eyepiece. I’ve not tried taking it off yet, but presumably it unscrews and the right angle finder screws on in its place. Is that correct?

 

[Freakscene]

Thank you Marty, that’s very helpful.

The FM2 I have has a rubber eyepiece. I’ve not tried taking it off yet, but presumably it unscrews and the right angle finder screws on in its place. Is that correct?

Correct. You can see the threads in the photo here: http://www.thaidphoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167304

⚠️ 1. Once you take the eyepiece off it will never be 100% secure on the camera again just by threading it back on. Get a spare (they are cheap) and when you put the eye piece back on use either a little teflon plumbing tape or a tiny dot of releasing (blue) Loctite (but DO NOT USE RED non-releasing LOCTITE!) to keep it on.

⚠️ 2. Do not apply too much pressure on the threaded fitting on the camera through the finder. The metal will split, and Nikon doesn’t repair them anymore, so you’ll need to find a third party repairer who might need a junker camera to get the part. A surprising number of ugly grade FM series cameras already have a dEnted or split eyepiece ring.

Marty

 

[Ricoh]

Correct. You can see the threads in the photo here: http://www.thaidphoto.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167304

⚠️ 1. Once you take the eyepiece off it will never be 100% secure on the camera again just by threading it back on. Get a spare (they are cheap) and when you put the eye piece back on use either a little teflon plumbing tape or a tiny dot of releasing (blue) Loctite (but DO NOT USE RED non-releasing LOCTITE!) to keep it on.

⚠️ 2. Do not apply too much pressure on the threaded fitting on the camera through the finder. The metal will split, and Nikon doesn’t repair them anymore, so you’ll need to find a third party repairer who might need a junker camera to get the part. A surprising number of ugly grade FM series cameras already have a dEnted or split eyepiece ring.

Marty

Thanks for the info, and the warnings! I’m wondering having read this whether I would want to risk damaging my FM2 as it took me ages to find a nearly mint example.
Might switch tactics now and look for a native camera with waist level finder. Medium format are ideal, but I’m more geared up with the process of scanning 35mm. With the appropriate finder I understand the Nikon F or F2 might fit the bill, and I would be able to use the lenses I own.

 

[raydm6]

Ricoh, I see you mentioned the rubber eyepiece. Have you considered the Nikon rubber eyecup (DK-3)?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/37324-REG/Nikon_2362_DK_3_Rubber_Eyecup.html

https://www.photo.net/discuss/threads/nikon-fm2-eyecup-fitting.5508990/

I have one on my FM2 and never take it off. Lovely accessory that makes viewing/shooting more pleasurable.

 

[Ricoh]

Ricoh, I see you mentioned the rubber eyepiece. Have you considered the Nikon rubber eyecup (DK-3)?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/37324-REG/Nikon_2362_DK_3_Rubber_Eyecup.html

I have one on my FM2 and never take it off. Lovely accessory that makes viewing/shooting more pleasurable.

Thanks, I wasn’t aware of this before now. Does it need thread locking in a similar manner, eg Loctite or PTFE tape, I wonder.

 

[raydm6]

Does it need thread locking in a similar manner, eg Loctite or PTFE tape, I wonder.

I've never needed it but then again, I fastened it once and have never taken it off. Mine is threaded snug and has never given me any problems.

 

[Ricoh]

I've never needed it but then again, I fastened it once and have never taken it off. Mine is threaded snug and has never given me any problems.

Thank you, cheap enough and being a spectacle wearer might be beneficial for me.

 

[Freakscene]

Thanks for the info, and the warnings! I’m wondering having read this whether I would want to risk damaging my FM2 as it took me ages to find a nearly mint example.
Might switch tactics now and look for a native camera with waist level finder. Medium format are ideal, but I’m more geared up with the process of scanning 35mm. With the appropriate finder I understand the Nikon F or F2 might fit the bill, and I would be able to use the lenses I own.

You won’t break it if you don’t lever on the finder, but the DW-3 for the Nikon F3, is, however, a better solution for waist level viewing.

Marty

 

[Ricoh]

You won’t break it if you don’t lever on the finder, but the DW-3 for the Nikon F3, is, however, a better solution for waist level viewing.

Marty

That’s even better, thanks Marty.
Shows how little I know about the Nikon clan, doesn’t it! I’m aware there’s a high line version of the F3 as well. But no idea which of the two is preferable (I wear glasses) and whether the DW-3 fits either.

 

[Freakscene]

That’s even better, thanks Marty.
Shows how little I know about the Nikon clan, doesn’t it! I’m aware there’s a high line version of the F3 as well. But no idea which of the two is preferable (I wear glasses) and whether the DW-3 fits either.

The DW-3 fits the non-high eyepoint F3 finder and with the DK-7 it fits the F3 HP. There are different ideal uses for right angle finders and waist level finders. What exactly do you want to do?

Marty

 

[Ricoh]

The DW-3 fits the non-high eyepoint F3 finder and with the DK-7 it fits the F3 HP. There are different ideal uses for right angle finders and waist level finders. What exactly do you want to do?

Marty

Thanks again Marty.
Basically I wish to make some impressionistic photos involving plants, and to do so I need either to get down low on the ground or use a camera that allows right angle viewing, such as mirrorless or a 35mm film camera. Given knee issues crawling on my hands and knees is no longer an option.

 

[Freakscene]

Thanks again Marty.
Basically I wish to make some impressionistic photos involving plants, and to do so I need either to get down low on the ground or use a camera that allows right angle viewing, such as mirrorless or a 35mm film camera. Given knee issues crawling on my hands and knees is no longer an option.

If focus is really critical off centre and the additional eye position distance from the camera helps, the right angle finders are better. A waist level finder lets you see the whole screen and composition better, but have magnifiers that only work in the middle. Good luck.

Marty

 

[wwfloyd]

From your nic, and desire for "waist-level" finder, you might look at the Ricoh TLS 401. It has a viewfinder with a second eyepiece on top, with a switchable mirror, to choose viewing. Not really a waist-level finder, though, as you still must put your eye down to the top viewfinder.

 

[Ricoh]

Thanks for your input and help, Freakscene and wwfloyd. ����

 

[oftheherd]

I hope you will keep us informed and show some examples.

 

[Freakscene]

Thanks for your input and help, Freakscene and wwfloyd. ����

You are welcome. Good luck and I reiterate that it would be great to hear what you get, how you like it and to see your photos.

Marty