Viewfinders on Barnack style cameras

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brianentz

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I’m just wondering what the people here think about the use of finders, or the need for finders mounted in the cold shoe on older Barnack cameras? Like a leica iiif or a canon iv sb? Are there universal turret style finders you prefer? Do you prefer using finders specific to lens? Or do you not really find there to be much need for finders?
I’m just getting into rangefinder Photography and I’m curious.
 
For a time, I owned an attractive Leica vario finder which seemed like the ideal solution for wider lenses, as one finder covered 21, 24 and 28 mm focal lengths, but don't think I used it once. Today, inexpensive Chinese-made finders are readily available, and I think these would be an attractive solution, because plastic is generally light weight, less likely to scratch the camera, and can be had an a variety of colors.
 
I like Barnacks because they are small and prefer to just use the 5,0cm Elmar with built-in finder. I also like to shoot 28mm and have the 2,8cm Summaron. Voigtlander made a mini 28mm finder for it. It’s so small almost invisible. Anymore complicated I’d just use an M camera.
 
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I have a Nikon Varifocal finder which covers 35mm - 135mm; it is ok but it pales in comparison to SBOOI-like finders with brightlines. Plus it adds more weight and bulk to my Barnacks.
 
The SBOOI for the 50mm lenses is a great finder. I use mine constantly. I also have a Leitz 35mm finder, but no 35mm lens at the moment. I have to remedy that...
 
I think it really depends on what lenses you use. My only Leica is a IIIa w/50 mm lens and the built in finder isn't great but it does keep the camera small and light. For my Contax cameras, I have lenses from 21-180 and a number of different finders, both single focal length and turret finders. The post war 440 finder for 21,35,50,85 and 135 lenses works pretty well for me and it has diopter correction that allows me to look through it without my glasses and easily see the full frame. Parallax correction is good with this as well if you remember to check what distance you're at and set that on the finder. I definitely prefer that to the 35-135 Nikon finder that I also own. For single focal length finders, the Leica SBOOI is hard to surpass. Also good (but scarce) are the later Nikon RF finders for individual focal lengths. I have them for 105 and 135 and they are very bright and clear and better than the Zeiss post war turret for their particular focal lengths.
 
Couple of basic principles to consider:
  1. a brightline finder will typically be brighter than a straight-through finder;
  2. not all brightlines are created equal, and some have framelines that will disappear in the wrong light;
  3. multi-focal-length finders are useful, but turrets tend to be large, and cropping finders (a la VIOOH) result in tiny boxes to look through at the longest end;
  4. using viewfinders of one brand on another brand's camera typically causes framing issues (or won't fit correctly);
  5. you'll want some way to store, carry, and protect them. Most of them have lost their original cases now - little leather or cloth drawstring bags will do the trick.
I was going to write up a description of every finder I own, but realised that would go on a bit - 17 at current count! - but those general rules pretty much cover it. I will say I've never seen much point to using the SBOOI on a Leica that has a 50mm finder included, but it is very nice. However, one of the huge benefits of a Barnack setup is you can choose exactly the right viewfinder for you; all the combined RF/VF setups feel like a compromise compared to some of the external VFs I've got lying around.

Also, you mention the IVSb; I hate the viewfinder in those early Canons. Whenever I use either of mine (a IIIa or a II-F, which is very similar to the IVSb), I leave the viewfinder in the camera set to 1.5x and put a VIOOH on top. It's a much nicer experience over dealing with the poor eye relief and fuzzy edges of the built-in Canon finders.

And on the storage note: a company here in the UK called Futon make these great trinket shelves, which are perfect for displaying your favourite finders and keeping them safe. The VIDOM sticks out a bit too far, but other than that: perfect.

IMG_0583.jpg
 
I have Jupiter 12 lenses for both my Leica IIIa and my Kiev IIa, and an inexpensive Russian finder which I use with both. The combination is a real joy to use. My Hektor 135 and a turret finder seem to me to be too awkward and impractical to get any use from.

0496.jpg
0117b.jpg
 
Coldkennels said:
Couple of basic principles to consider:
  1. a brightline finder will typically be brighter than a straight-through finder;
  2. not all brightlines are created equal, and some have framelines that will disappear in the wrong light;
  3. multi-focal-length finders are useful, but turrets tend to be large, and cropping finders (a la VIOOH) result in tiny boxes to look through at the longest end;
  4. using viewfinders of one brand on another brand's camera typically causes framing issues (or won't fit correctly);
  5. you'll want some way to store, carry, and protect them. Most of them have lost their original cases now - little leather or cloth drawstring bags will do the trick.
I was going to write up a description of every finder I own, but realised that would go on a bit - 17 at current count! - but those general rules pretty much cover it. I will say I've never seen much point to using the SBOOI on a Leica that has a 50mm finder included, but it is very nice. However, one of the huge benefits of a Barnack setup is you can choose exactly the right viewfinder for you; all the combined RF/VF setups feel like a compromise compared to some of the external VFs I've got lying around.

Also, you mention the IVSb; I hate the viewfinder in those early Canons. Whenever I use either of mine (a IIIa or a II-F, which is very similar to the IVSb), I leave the viewfinder in the camera set to 1.5x and put a VIOOH on top. It's a much nicer experience over dealing with the poor eye relief and fuzzy edges of the built-in Canon finders.

And on the storage note: a company here in the UK called Futon make these great trinket shelves, which are perfect for displaying your favourite finders and keeping them safe. The VIDOM sticks out a bit too far, but other than that: perfect.

View attachment 4859473
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Very helpful information. Much appreciated
 
mconnealy said:
I have Jupiter 12 lenses for both my Leica IIIa and my Kiev IIa, and an inexpensive Russian finder which I use with both. The combination is a real joy to use. My Hektor 135 and a turret finder seem to me to be too awkward and impractical to get any use from.

View attachment 4859475
View attachment 4859476
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Very interesting. Why do you like Jupiter lenses? Is it their unique character?
 
I use my Barnack cameras, mostly my IIIb, for hiking with either a 50mm, 40mm, or 28mm lens. Since for hiking I prefer light weight equipment, small bright line finders like the Voigtländer Minifinder work best for me. I have two turret-type finders, while convenient they don't provide the bright view of bright line finders and the camera strap more easily gets entangled.
 
maddoc said:
I use my Barnack cameras, mostly my IIIb, for hiking with either a 50mm, 40mm, or 28mm lens. Since for hiking I prefer light weight equipment, small bright line finders like the Voigtländer Minifinder work best for me. I have two turret-type finders, while convenient they don't provide the bright view of bright line finders and the camera strap more easily gets entangled.
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Yes, that is the picture that seems to be developing. I imagine especially so in dim light
 
SBOOI. 50. Always on my IIIf. Unless I get out the II when I need a folded piece of paper to lock the finder on.
SBLOO. 35. Too big. Unbalances the camera. I don’t use it.
SVGOO. 90. I use with M9 at events. I’ve already focussed and framing with external finder enhances the experience.
SHOOC. 135. Makes the 135 much more pleasant shooting, like with the 90.
 
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