The best accessory for an old timer

[David 11084]

Just fitted a 5cm brightline finder to my 1928 1A.....amazing! Now just constrained by the absence of a show for the Fodis rangefinder. I could not believe how much easier it is to frame shots, especially as I often use Neopan 1600 in *** light.
Anyone have a story to tell?
David

 

[splitimageview]

Speaking of the 5cm SBOOI? Those are superb...seemingly brighter than the ambient light and 1:1. 🙂

 

[raydm6]

The SBOOI was the first accessory I bought for my IIIf. Permanently mounted and use it quite often. Love it!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Funny... I sold my SBOOI many years ago because I found it detracted from the pocketability of the cameras I used it on (Leica IIIa and Retinas). A briliant finder, in both senses, and I can see why you might want one on a 1 or A (the usage '1A' never appeared in Leica catalogues), but I'm happier with the fitted finders.

Cheers,

R.

 

[payasam]

The SBOOI is excellent and, more important, far better than the built-in finders of the "Barnacks". However, it does only one focal length; and as a result I used a VIOOH on my IIIc and have another of the same for my IIIa.

 

[Ken Smith]

The best accessory for an old timer

Viagra🙄

 

[summar]

Among my father's LTM accessories was a 50mm finder simply labeled Albada. It surrounds the frame of the lifesize view surrounded by a bright fuzzy outline -- wonderful to use with both eyes open when following action.

 

[FrankS]

I have the 35 and 50mm CV accessory viewfinders for my IIf.

 

[newspaperguy]

I use a CV 35 bright line finder on both my Barnack types, my Bessa L and my Canon G5 (no screen glare there). Back-in-the-day, I used a pair of Leitz bright lines on two Leica 1f's that I carried.

 

[David 11084]

I appreciate Roger's comment about the pocketability of the Barnack camera being compromised by the SB001 but.........it is so amazing that it is permanently mounted.I was literally blown away when I used it for the first time. Yes, it only covers one focal length but then I only use one lens. Loved the Viagra comment!
David

 

[bigeye]

It's a (the?) great compact VF.

But, I agree with Roger on this one. It changes the camera from pocket-able to neck-swinging. The pocket-ability of the III/Elmar combo is pretty unique and one of its most appealing capabilities.

For most of my casual 'walking camera' use, I pause, momentarily debate bringing it, then head out the door without it.

I wouldn't sell it, though. It's occasionally helpful; often on other cameras.

- Charlie

 

[Santafecino]

The CV viewfinders are great, but unfortunately they are corrected for someone who is slightly nearsighted. My 35mm CV finder has -0.1 correction. I'm farsighted, so in dim light I really can't use it; my eye just doesn't adjust. No diopter lenses are available.

 

[David 11084]

Charlie makes an interesting point that I would echo with my Fodis Rangefinder. I always contemplate using it and rarely do. I too wouldn't be without it though and do use it occasionally.
David

 

[Rob-F]

I always use an accessory finder with my Barnacks. I have them for 50, 35, 28, and 25. two are Leitz, two are CV. They are essential!

 

[Steve M.]

I really need something like that for my Bessa RF folder. The finder is small and squinty, which I can deal with, but I've had some surprises regarding what I'm actually getting on the negative, which I can really live w/o.

 

[John Lawrence]

I always used a SBOOI finder with my Barnacks as I found the built in finder just too 'squinty' for my eyes.

John

 

[David 11084]

Apart from Roger we seem united. It is good to be different though!
David

 

[jesse1dog]

The SBOOI finder completely transformed the use of my old VITO B when I used it over 50 years ago. This thread has reminded me that I have it packed away somewhere in its little brown leather case - I'll go on a hunt for it now. Been using an OM so not needed it.

jesse

 

[David 11084]

Then the thread has been worthwhile!
Enjoy.
David

 

[newspaperguy]

Two random thoughts... I used a 50mm brightline finder
on an SLR in some really "availalable dark" situations.

I also use an original Voightlander Kontur finder that I think
would meet Roger's approval.
This works beautifully for both-eyes-open action shooting.
See pix in my gallery labeled "Bessa L Streetshooter"