Leica LTM VF conversion to 35mm FoV ?

[Fuchs]

After reading the post by Solinar "Why do you use such a fidgety camera?", I realized that the most important reason behind I never used seriously a Barnack (or an M3) was the 50mm finder. It is big just enough, reasonably located, 1:1, etc, but I tend to use a 35mm 99% of the time.

So I got to think if it was possible to convert the 50mm VF to a 35mm one. Does anyone know if this conversion is/was done by anybody or even possible to do on a Barnack? Anyone at RFF interested to explore such a project? I am aware of Leica LTM prototype cameras in the 1950's with a tubular (galileian?) wiade angle finder.

I'd really love to have a IIIF with a compact Summaron 35/3.5 and NO accessory VF in my pocket.....

 

[ferider]

Try a Canon P. Smaller than an M, and 35mm frameline in 1:1 finder.

Best,

Roland.

 

[lmd91343]

You have two other alternatives.

1)Use a Canon V (any variety) or Canon VI (any model but the "P"). They both have 35mm selectable VF. They have user selectable choices of 35mm, 50mm or tele. All the non trigger models are the same size as the "P". Don't use a Canon 7. They don't have a rotating VF cube. The have parallax corrected projected bright lines like Leica M. The "P" is a model VI camera that has reflected framelines for all the FLs in one view.

2) If you wish to use a barnack type camera, buy a "parts" Canon V or VI (not the "P"), remove the rotating VF cube and replace the rotating VF cube in a good Canon IV. The Canon IV models have user selectable views of 50mm, 80mm, and 105mm. The cubes allow four VF views, however the rotation mechanism allows only three. If this could be done with a Canon IV Sb2, you would have a killer barnack! I plan on trying this when I find a broken or parts V or VI. This is an experiment on my part. I have not done it yet. I have yet to verify that the cubes can be interchanged. Peter D or Peter K could probably provide answer about the interchangeability.

 

[payasam]

Possible, I'm sure -- but the accessory VF is not all that large, and the SBLOO at least gives a bright line frame.

 

[Dralowid]

It is still just possible to find a Leica I with the viewfinder factory modified to a permanent 35mm field of view.

I have never seem the same done to II or III, doubt it is practicable.

Neither common nor cheap.

Michael

 

[Solinar]

It doesn't sound like that you are ready for a Barnack or a Barnack copy, yet.

Barnacks and Barnack copies are a different animal than later cameras for other reasons as well, but I'm hooked on viewing through external finders, as they lack the somewhat distracting RF patch in the middle during composition and are so much brighter than in-camera finders that include the RF patch in the viewfinder. There is no beam splitter to filter 50% of the light. So the view is usually crystal clear.

The aforementioned SBLOO is a large finder, but it fits the M3 perfectly and it's a 1:1 finder unlike others which use a .72 magnification and once again it is also brighter than any the built-in combined viewfinder / rangefinder apparatus that I've had the pleasure to use. This particular finder is something extra to fiddle with for sure, but in use it is such a pleasure to compose with.

 

[John Shriver]

Depending on the lens, with the finder so close to the lens, you might be seeing a lot of the lens in the 35mm finder.

Sure, it can be done. But you need to replace all the optics in the finder, and have them all custom made. A bit impractical.