Viewfinder Zorki 1 Fed 1 compared to Fed 2 or iiia

[jmcd]

I am wondering how similar the viewfinder's view is on the Zorki or Fed 1, compared to a Fed 2 or a Leica iiia? I haven't been able to get my hands on a Fed 1 or Zorki 1 yet. On a iiia, the window seems tiny, but I can see the edges of the framed view quite easily, a bit easier than I can on a Fed 2.

 

[BigOwl]

I can't answer your question regarding comparison to the Leica iiia, but I have a Zorki 1 and some Zorki 4's and my experience with the Z1 is that the VF does seem tiny, but it is easier to see the boundary of the field of view than with the much larger Z4 with its life-size perspective.

 

[ZorkiKat]

The Zorki-1/FED-1 VF is about the same as the one found on the Leica III, which in turn I think is similar to the IIIa's VF. I also find the Leica IIIc/f VFs similar in terms of what is seen through the eyepiece. The FED-1/Zorki-1 VF gives the best full-frame views compared to the modified VFs of the later models.

 

[jmcd]

Thanks, BigOwl and ZorkiKat. That's what I was hoping to hear. I don't mind a small view, but I want to see the edges.

 

[mh2000]

I will agree that the FED-1 and Leica are pretty much identical (I have a IIIc), regarding the FED-2, it has a combined VF/RF which is nice, BUT it has a significantly darkened VF (to improve RF contrast?) which is a mixed bag. I much prefer the original FED/Leica VF... but the FED-2 is a seriously nice camera...