VF brightness

[Photog9000]

I am considering returning to film now that I am no longer working full time as a newspaper staffer. I have a Yashica Electro35 GS but am considering an interchangeable lens RF such as the ZI, mainly because of its long focusing baselength.

My question is this if anyone knows - knowing the only RF expereince I have is with the Yashica, how does the brightness of the viewfinder patch compare? I have read the ZI "is as good or better" than a Leica M7 but I have never used an M7 so I am clueless. Also, for those with the experience, how does the patch compare with a DSLR, say a Nikon D2H (my current camera of choice)?

Just trying to decide what I am going to do with the rest of my life now that my photographic focus will be changing from that of a daily shooter.

Thanks for any help the more experienced RF shooters can provide.

 

[MRohlfing]

Some time ago, just for fun I have tried to measure the brightness of most of my camera finders with a spot meter:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71298
See the results near the end of the thread!

But though the Zeiss Ikon has a very bright and beautiful finder, focusing for me is easier with my old Leica M2

 

[MRohlfing]

This might be interesting for you, too:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71600

 

[Steve M.]

I'm not sure I've ever seen a RF patch on a DSLR, so that's out. I wouldn't worry about brightness (unless a camera has a dark one, like a Fed 2 as an example), I'd be looking at how easy it is to focus. Contrast and size and color of the patch are important. A Bessa R has a much brighter VF than an M3, but the M3 is much easier to focus due to a better VF and higher magnification.

 

[Photog9000]

Thanks for the links!!!

 

[Photog9000]

I'm not sure I've ever seen a RF patch on a DSLR, so that's out. I wouldn't worry about brightness (unless a camera has a dark one, like a Fed 2 as an example), I'd be looking at how easy it is to focus. Contrast and size and color of the patch are important. A Bessa R has a much brighter VF than an M3, but the M3 is much easier to focus due to a better VF and higher magnification.

I just meant overall VF brightness of th ZI as compared to an SLR/DSLR, Steve. Sorry for the confusion. There is no rangefinder patch on SLR-style cameras as you noted...

 

[shadowfox]

My personal opinion, ok?
In RF world, nothing beats a Leica M body in regards to rangefinder implementation and sturdy body construction.

Those are the two main reasons I choose them. As to which M-body, just remember that there are far simpler bodies (as in less things to break down) than M7 that will do just as well (provided you're not married to AE metering).

If you're open to film SLR's it's hard to beat Olympus OM-1's viewfinder.

 

[EdwardKaraa]

IMHO, the Leica M may be the world champion in body sturdiness, but the Zeiss Ikon has the best VF. This is according to my short experience with my own cameras.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Probably the ZI is brighter, but the Leica seems 'crisper'. Frances prefers the ZI; I prefer the Leica. There's not enough in it for either of us to worry about.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I never noticed a difference in crispness/sharpness - but then I never looked for that, either.

I think it's so subjective as to be very nearly a meaningless statement, possibly produced by someone who is seeing what he wants to see.

But then, 'very nearly meaningless' is not the same as 'completely meaningless'.

Cheers,

R.

 

[jgeenen]

Comparing Leica and Zeiss viewfinders, I find advantages for both. I like the bigger ocular, the frame lines, the brightness and the clarity of the rangefinder patch of the Zeiss, but I like the moving patch and the exposure controls of the Leica. So kind of remis, especially because rating on frame lines and brightness is on a high level.

I had a Yashica Electro 35 GS, too. It wasn't in the best shape, so a comparison would be a little bit unfair - but to my point of view there are lightyears between the average Yashica finder and the premium Zeiss and Leica glasses.

 

[Paddy C]

I have a Yashica and had a ZI. Not sure what analogy to go with so I'll just use the old "night and day" one. The ZI is day the Yashica night.

Incredible viewfinder on the ZI. Bright, big and crisp. I always found the rangefinder patch easy to align and I wear glasses.

 

[Photog9000]

Thanks for all the responses especially Johannes and Paddy C concerning the difference between the ZI and my Pop's old GS especially since I also wear glasses!!

 

[Photog9000]

My personal opinion, ok?
In RF world, nothing beats a Leica M body in regards to rangefinder implementation and sturdy body construction.

Those are the two main reasons I choose them. As to which M-body, just remember that there are far simpler bodies (as in less things to break down) than M7 that will do just as well (provided you're not married to AE metering).

If you're open to film SLR's it's hard to beat Olympus OM-1's viewfinder.

Thanks for the input! I started out with Olympus in 1978 quickly progressing from the entry level OM-10 to the OM-2S and ended with the OM-4T with its top of the line spot metering capability!

 

[chathaway]

Probably the ZI is brighter, but the Leica seems 'crisper'. Frances prefers the ZI; I prefer the Leica. There's not enough in it for either of us to worry about.

Cheers,

R.

ditto.....