dll927
Well-known
If I type "Zorki universal finder" into e-bay, I get four. For Kiev, only one. This seems to imply that there is a difference. I've also seen something about "right-handed" and "left-handed". But some of the ads seem to say that the finders can be used on any of the brands of cameras. Can someone fill me in?
phototone
Well-known
All the "Universal Finders" from the FSU will work just fine on top of a Leica, however the ones designed for the Kiev (Contax) style camera extend out over the shutter speed dial on a Leica and may make setting the shutter speeds difficult. They are all identical optically, and offer a fairly good view, even with glasses.
In other words, there is only one base design, however they are made so the large circular ring that contains the different objective lenses either extend laterally out to the left or the right of center, when looking at them from the back of the camera. If you want the most convenience in use, you need choose one that extends to the left, not blocking the shutter speed dial of the Leica or Fed or Zorki clone. For the Kiev, since the shutter speeds are set with a ring around the film advance knob, one would think that either type would work fine, and indeed they will, but the one designed for the Kiev takes into account the difference in height from the center of the camera lens to the center of the viewfinder objective, thus delivering a more accurate view of what you are shooting with a Kiev.
While giving a good view, these are not built to the accuracy of the finders available currently, and you may find some discrepencies between finders in their view in relation to what the lens sees. Best to compose loosely.
In other words, there is only one base design, however they are made so the large circular ring that contains the different objective lenses either extend laterally out to the left or the right of center, when looking at them from the back of the camera. If you want the most convenience in use, you need choose one that extends to the left, not blocking the shutter speed dial of the Leica or Fed or Zorki clone. For the Kiev, since the shutter speeds are set with a ring around the film advance knob, one would think that either type would work fine, and indeed they will, but the one designed for the Kiev takes into account the difference in height from the center of the camera lens to the center of the viewfinder objective, thus delivering a more accurate view of what you are shooting with a Kiev.
While giving a good view, these are not built to the accuracy of the finders available currently, and you may find some discrepencies between finders in their view in relation to what the lens sees. Best to compose loosely.
darkkavenger
Massimiliano Mortillaro
I've a turret universal KMZ viewfinder that I use on my Zorkis, Feds and Kiev-Contax II, it is very helpful, yet for aesthetical reasons I'm considering getting a 35mm viewfinder. It is very helpful 
dll927
Well-known
Chances are I would use the finder more on Zorkis, so I'd want to look for a finder that doesn't interfere with shutter-speed dials.
I assume the statement about "higher" on the Kievs refers to those with the light meter on top. This would certainly raise the finder farther above the center of the taking lens. But I have a Kiev 4a (no meter) and would probably use that one more. I don't much trust those old meters, anyway.
In any case, I'm just sort of shopping around. I don't have any lenses for either of the brands yet except the 50's that came with the cameras.
I assume the statement about "higher" on the Kievs refers to those with the light meter on top. This would certainly raise the finder farther above the center of the taking lens. But I have a Kiev 4a (no meter) and would probably use that one more. I don't much trust those old meters, anyway.
In any case, I'm just sort of shopping around. I don't have any lenses for either of the brands yet except the 50's that came with the cameras.
RJBender
RFF Sponsoring Member
darkkavenger said:I've a turret universal KMZ viewfinder that I use on my Zorkis, Feds and Kiev-Contax II, it is very helpful, yet for aesthetical reasons I'm considering getting a 35mm viewfinder. It is very helpful
Does the KMZ viewfinder have any adjustments for parallax?
I recently bought a Steinheil 35-85-135 finder designed for the Tower RF. It has an adjustment lever that tilts the front of the finder up or down depending on distance. I checked it with a ground glass in the film plane of my Kiev with my 85mm and 135mm lenses at various distances and it was right on.
I originally thought I could train my eye to use the lenses without a finder, however, two rolls of film proved otherwise.
R
Roman
Guest
RJ,
the insufficient correction for parallax is one of the weak points of the KMZ universal finder - it only has (very inaccurate) marks for 1 m (1.5/2 for longer lenses), and those, along with the tolerances in the foot, make parallax a real problem with longer (85mm) lenses at portrait distances. For 35mm lenses this is not a problem.
Roman
the insufficient correction for parallax is one of the weak points of the KMZ universal finder - it only has (very inaccurate) marks for 1 m (1.5/2 for longer lenses), and those, along with the tolerances in the foot, make parallax a real problem with longer (85mm) lenses at portrait distances. For 35mm lenses this is not a problem.
Roman
darkkavenger
Massimiliano Mortillaro
There is only a position for 1m and infinity ... not really wonderful, but if you're not shooting too close, it's allright. Like Roman says, if you're shooting 35mm or 28mm it's ok
Mike Kovacs
Contax Connaisseur
The left-handed model interferes with the rewind knob on the Kiev/Contax. Otherwise its completely workable. Mine frames 1.5m perfectly with the 135/4 lens.
Apostata
Significant Other
Aha - if I may take advantage of this thread...
I have a KMZ viewfinder also, awaiting a 35mm lens for my Zorki. I'm concerned about the height of the viewfinder in relation to (as dll927 put it) the taking lens. Anyone out there try a similar combo - results?
I have a KMZ viewfinder also, awaiting a 35mm lens for my Zorki. I'm concerned about the height of the viewfinder in relation to (as dll927 put it) the taking lens. Anyone out there try a similar combo - results?
phototone
Well-known
Apostata said:
I have three of these finders, two for the Leica/Zorki/Fed style cameras, and one "mirror image" one for the Kiev/Contax style.
None of them agree on framing. While this is of little concern with a 35mm or 28mm lens, it can be a great concern with an 85, or 135mm lens. It would be best to test out your individual finder on a camera that has a removable back, or at least a back that flips up, like an "M" Leica so you can put a piece of ground glass or frosted tape on the aperture plate opening, and view a scene through the camera lens and compare it to the view through the viewfinder. You can turn the finder upside down and loosen screws on the the foot on the viewfinder and shove little bits of shim material (paper) in the back or front between the foot and the finder to adjust the view up or down to come close to the view of the lens at infinity. This is a trial and error process, and don't forget to retighten the screws that hold the foot to the finder after each shim installation. Don't assume that these finders are calibrated at the factory! If you are willing to diddle with it to get it fairly accurate, these finders can represent the most "bang for the buck" of any auxiliary finder, as they have a quite nice, clear view, with crosshairs, and good eye relief for eyeglass wearers.
dll927
Well-known
Let's throw another angle into this - are the finders for individual focal lengths any more accurate? I don't see many of those available.
Interestingly, I have an old (probably 1930'S) Welti 35mm that appears to be a close kin to the Kodak Retinas. It has a little catch on it that raises the viewfinder slightly for close-up. Maybe it's no wonder they invented SLRs!
Interestingly, I have an old (probably 1930'S) Welti 35mm that appears to be a close kin to the Kodak Retinas. It has a little catch on it that raises the viewfinder slightly for close-up. Maybe it's no wonder they invented SLRs!
K
Kin Lau
Guest
FOV on longer lenses are also suppose to _change_ depending on whether you're focusing near or far, and none of these aux finders take that into consideration either.
I'm going to try a test with the Bessa R, the Turret finder and the VIOOF (I think that's it) Leitz finder and see how close/far off we are.
I'm going to try a test with the Bessa R, the Turret finder and the VIOOF (I think that's it) Leitz finder and see how close/far off we are.