Viewfinder... how to carry?

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robinje

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I don't know which forum to post this in, so I'll just try here... I am going to buy a Zeiss 25/28 external viefinder for my ZI. This viewfinder apparently does not come with a storage case. When not in use and not on a camera, how do you carry your viewfinder around? Is there a suitable small pouch or box available somewhere? Any homebrew storage case ideas? Thanks!
 
Voigtlander make (made?) viewfinder cases, I'm sure one of them will fit.

I just use small pouches from wherever - Muji for one, sell them in various sizes.
 
I carry my CV 21 finder in a converted jewellery ring box. I removed the original interior, and replaced it with a piece of camp foam with the shape of the finder cut out, sothe finder fits snuggly in the cut-out.
I also made a carry case for my varifocal finder using a plastic slide box, with the camp foam insert.
Both holders store the finders safely, and they fit nicely inside my camera bag.
 
I stick a piece of soft cloth in an old 35mm film box, put the finder in that. Replacement units readily available :)
 
One cool thing about the metal CV 28 and 35 metal finders is that they fit snugly into film canisters - which is how I carry them. The Zeiss finder is too big though.
 
finder storage

finder storage

I use small leather coin cases that I bought at a craft show. Check my old post 'Case for 25/28mm Zeiss External Viewfinder' it has photos of the cases I use attached.
 
kully said:
Voigtlander make (made?) viewfinder cases, I'm sure one of them will fit.

I just use small pouches from wherever - Muji for one, sell them in various sizes.
Click to expand...

Voigtlander actually makes double-ended lens cases...one end for the lens, the other for the matching viewfinder.

Another way is to cut a thick enough insert for the bottom of a long enough lens case for the lens+finder...the lens placed on top would never touch the finder.

[Cutting a squarish hole within a round foam piece is easiest. Alternatively, use a sharpened cookie cutter on foam pieces.]

I often got lucky at Muji [Japan], but dense round foam pieces in black are easily found at Daiso [Japanese 100 yen store chain].
 
Frankie said:
Voigtlander actually makes double-ended lens cases...one end for the lens, the other for the matching viewfinder.

Another way is to cut a thick enough insert for the bottom of a long enough lens case for the lens+finder...the lens placed on top would never touch the finder.

[Cutting a squarish hole within a round foam piece is easiest. Alternatively, use a sharpened cookie cutter on foam pieces.]

I often got lucky at Muji [Japan], but dense round foam pieces in black are easily found at Daiso [Japanese 100 yen store chain].
Click to expand...

Gluing the ends of a foam strip together...forming a dough nut insert...also work. Just find a thick enough piece and use contact cement.
 
I use a Leica 24mm viewfinder. It came with a small leather case but usually I just leave it on the camera.
 
Small ring boxes with foam, as per rbsinto's comment, work fine. Most rings, etc., also come with a cloth pouch with a string closure, and they work fine - that's what I use for Zeiss finders.
 
Go to the liquor store during Xmas time (now)... get a few mini bottles of Crown Royal... you get a beautiful felt draw string bag... and a rye and ginger at the same time :)
 
I look around for the old accessory shoes from a bygone era. Take the back cap for the lens and either glue it to the outside bottom or drill a couple of holes and attach it with a small screws. Now you have the lens and finder as one package. Some times the Dollar stores have small, padded pouches that can handle both the finder on the back cap and the lens.
When nothing works, buy a cheap "tea-towel" and wrap the package in that and stuff it into the bag.
 
I put it in my pocket and hope it doesn't get scratched. Obviously I don't keep anything else in that pocket to damage it.
 
Tom A said:
I look around for the old accessory shoes from a bygone era. Take the back cap for the lens and either glue it to the outside bottom or drill a couple of holes and attach it with a small screws. Now you have the lens and finder as one package.
Click to expand...
This is what I do; I have a few back caps that have shoes mounted to them to hold finders. The whole thing goes into a small neoprene pouch in my camera bag or on my belt when not in use.
 
Tom A mentioned 'tea towels', and I use sections cut out of one those cheap fleese? 'throws' (mini-blankets) that seem so abundant now (and cheap.)
 
How not to carry a viewfinder...
my late CV 21mm VF... bit the dust, quite literally, last weekend. Must have knocked it off the shoe on my M2 while changing film only to have run over and flattened by a car:
4359175429_e5b0c729da.jpg
 
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