Samouraï
Well-known
Alright, I've been meaning to make this post for a little while now. Having shot with the DP2M for a couple of weeks with 3 different optical viewfinders, and finally doing a more lab-like comparison test, I am ready to make a recommendation.
First, the 3 viewfinders tested were the Sigma VF21, the Voigtlander 40mm, and the Pentax 47mm.
The Voigtlander and the Pentax look exactly the same, save for the branding and the fact that the Voight sits off center of the lens/hot shoe, and the Pentax sits dead center. Both of these viewfinders feel a little airy and jiggle slightly in the hot shoe (they aren't going to fall out, but there is a slight amount of play compared to the Sigma). I suppose this allows for shimming.
The Sigma is much more compact, and as a result, feels more rugged and dense in the hand. It also fits into the shoe very snugly and genuinely feels a part of the camera, rather than an attachment. There is no play in the shoe when it is mounted. It also has ridges on the side that facilitates removing the ovf from the shoe. The plastics are all equal for the three.
Optically, the Pentax and Voigt offer a much higher magnification than the Sigma, which is preferable to me, coming from a Leica M3. As a result, the Sigma is less enjoyable to use. I would imagine that Pentax and Voigt are optically superior, but I have no idea. The framelines are all equally bright. The Sigma has thin solid framelines. The Voigt and Pentax are fatter and rounder, more closely resembling the M3's.
As for using these viewfinders, in a locked down test, the 40mm Voigtlander was the most accurate at all distances. The Sigma is reasonably accurate at long to medium distances, but has issues at very close range. The 47mm Pentax is generally the least accurate, being too tight at every range, but is very usable across the scale, especially up close, compared to the Sigma.
In general handheld use, it really comes down to the individual. The Pentax and Voigt sit a little far into the body, meaning that their viewfinder is a little difficult to get to when wearing glasses. The Sigma sits closer to the back panel of the camera body, so it is much easier to get your eye close to the viewfinder.
The Sigma is a little tiny for my taste. But it feels more solid, and is unmovable when attached to the hotshoe--a true extension of the camera body. Further, because of its size, it really doesn't get in the way (as the large Voigt and Pentax are wont) when not operating the camera. The front lens is slightly recessed, so I wouldn't be afraid of scratching the glass, and would have no problem packing it into a camera bag, with the Sigma VF21 left on top (within reason). That said, it isn't much fun to use.
The Voigt and Pentax are more fun to use. Both viewfinders are quite large, and not quite as solid as the Sigma. These viewfinders have big, bulbous front elements that seem as though they might be easily scratched, though I haven't had any issues.
While the Voigt is the most accurate viewfinder, it is pretty difficult to use when wearing glasses because the edge of the camera blocks your lens from getting right up next to the viewfinder. If you don't wear glasses on a regular basis, no big deal. If you do, then the Pentax and Sigma are much easier to use. And I have preferred the Pentax on most occasions because of this.
Best Overall: Voigtlander
Wearing Glasses: Sigma/Pentax
Size Concerns: Sigma
For me, personally, I have found that I prefer the Pentax despite the relatively inaccurate frame. Most people probably won't. When wearing my contact lenses, I prefer the Voigt. I would recommend the Voigtlander, regardless, though.
And for the money, the 40mm will be usable on other camera systems, whereas the 47mm is an oddball length meant for M4/3 (and has a slightly squarer aspect ratio because of this, I believe).
First, the 3 viewfinders tested were the Sigma VF21, the Voigtlander 40mm, and the Pentax 47mm.
The Voigtlander and the Pentax look exactly the same, save for the branding and the fact that the Voight sits off center of the lens/hot shoe, and the Pentax sits dead center. Both of these viewfinders feel a little airy and jiggle slightly in the hot shoe (they aren't going to fall out, but there is a slight amount of play compared to the Sigma). I suppose this allows for shimming.
The Sigma is much more compact, and as a result, feels more rugged and dense in the hand. It also fits into the shoe very snugly and genuinely feels a part of the camera, rather than an attachment. There is no play in the shoe when it is mounted. It also has ridges on the side that facilitates removing the ovf from the shoe. The plastics are all equal for the three.
Optically, the Pentax and Voigt offer a much higher magnification than the Sigma, which is preferable to me, coming from a Leica M3. As a result, the Sigma is less enjoyable to use. I would imagine that Pentax and Voigt are optically superior, but I have no idea. The framelines are all equally bright. The Sigma has thin solid framelines. The Voigt and Pentax are fatter and rounder, more closely resembling the M3's.
As for using these viewfinders, in a locked down test, the 40mm Voigtlander was the most accurate at all distances. The Sigma is reasonably accurate at long to medium distances, but has issues at very close range. The 47mm Pentax is generally the least accurate, being too tight at every range, but is very usable across the scale, especially up close, compared to the Sigma.
In general handheld use, it really comes down to the individual. The Pentax and Voigt sit a little far into the body, meaning that their viewfinder is a little difficult to get to when wearing glasses. The Sigma sits closer to the back panel of the camera body, so it is much easier to get your eye close to the viewfinder.
The Sigma is a little tiny for my taste. But it feels more solid, and is unmovable when attached to the hotshoe--a true extension of the camera body. Further, because of its size, it really doesn't get in the way (as the large Voigt and Pentax are wont) when not operating the camera. The front lens is slightly recessed, so I wouldn't be afraid of scratching the glass, and would have no problem packing it into a camera bag, with the Sigma VF21 left on top (within reason). That said, it isn't much fun to use.
The Voigt and Pentax are more fun to use. Both viewfinders are quite large, and not quite as solid as the Sigma. These viewfinders have big, bulbous front elements that seem as though they might be easily scratched, though I haven't had any issues.
While the Voigt is the most accurate viewfinder, it is pretty difficult to use when wearing glasses because the edge of the camera blocks your lens from getting right up next to the viewfinder. If you don't wear glasses on a regular basis, no big deal. If you do, then the Pentax and Sigma are much easier to use. And I have preferred the Pentax on most occasions because of this.
Best Overall: Voigtlander
Wearing Glasses: Sigma/Pentax
Size Concerns: Sigma
For me, personally, I have found that I prefer the Pentax despite the relatively inaccurate frame. Most people probably won't. When wearing my contact lenses, I prefer the Voigt. I would recommend the Voigtlander, regardless, though.
And for the money, the 40mm will be usable on other camera systems, whereas the 47mm is an oddball length meant for M4/3 (and has a slightly squarer aspect ratio because of this, I believe).
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