What size is your folder's ocular?

[Argenticien]

Greetings — this may sound like an oddly specific question, but I'm wondering if a few of you folder wizards might measure the RF ocular (or combined RF-FV oculars, where applicable) on your folders and post the diameter, if circular, or width if square, of just truly the glass in the opening, not the metal rim around it etc. I'm trying to figure out what folder might have a bit larger ocular than my Bessa RF. Its RF is a challenging 5 mm in diameter, and the separate VF is 7 mm. (Are any smaller, actually?!)

I know size isn't everything 😀 when it comes to eye relief, but I think it would contribute a lot to usability. I'm especially interested if anyone's got a Welta Weltur or Balda Super Baldax they could measure. I get an idea these have larger RF/VF than my Bessa, based on seeing pictures online, but I'm not sure, and where I live I have no prospect of ever encountering one of these beasts in the flesh.

Thanks!
Dave

 

[jeanba3000]

Hello

The ocular's width was a relatively important criteria for me when I searched for my RF among others like 6x6 format, lens quality, couplings… and my choice went to the Mamiya 6 Automatic 2.

I can't measure it now, it's being CLA'd, but you can have a look at this page (not mine) to get an idea, it's pretty wide, maybe not the widest.

 

[Argenticien]

Hello

The ocular's width was a relatively important criteria for me when I searched for my RF among others like 6x6 format, lens quality, couplings… and my choice went to the Mamiya 6 Automatic 2.

I can't measure it now, it's being CLA'd, but you can have a look at this page (not mine) to get an idea, it's pretty wide, maybe not the widest.

Yes clearly that one is massive! I don't know if I'll encounter an Automat soon at a reasonable price, but you did get me thinking about the older Mamiya Six models again. They've not got as large a window as your Automat, but should be less costly and would still be less winky than the Bessa. (Somehow I had been thinking mostly German until now.)
Thanks guys!
--Dave

 

[Krosya]

Welta Weltur 6x6 (and 6x9):

Looks to be about 3/4 inch:

 

[sevo]

Well, the size of the ocular does not tell that much - that is the construction principle of pinhole "spy" lenses. If both sides of the finder are small, the system is restricted in either magnification or eye relief, but that is about all you can say from the outer appearance...

 

[MaxElmar]

I'll measure my Balda later and get back to you - but the answer is almost always "too small." It's about 4mm. My Balda has a combined RF/VF but it's not coupled. I added an inexpensive plastic Russian 35mm VF to the shoe and masked it for 6x6. Easy and fun - works like a charm.

 

[Argenticien]

Looks to be about 3/4 inch:

Well, and this is not being argumentative, just looking at your second picture, the actual glass of the ocular looks about 5 ticks on that tape, so 5/16 inch, or about 8 mm, which seems to match what Andrew said as well. I'm glad I asked, because having never seen them in person, only in pictures, I had the impression the Weltur's was substantially larger than the Bessa's.

Andrew, agreed that more than just size enters into overall eye relief. I'm especially sensitive to these things, wearing eyeglasses as I do. I'm starting to wonder, as well, if a Weltur or Super Baldax with its only slightly larger VF/RF, but a coincident RF patch, may be even harder for me to use than the Bessa with its slightly smaller, but split-image, RF. (The size of the separate VF window, by the way, doesn't bother me.)

--Dave

 

[Krosya]

I just wanted to add to everything that was already said - and this is just a personal view from experience - Having tried many different vintage folders at one point - Weltas, Baldas, Agfas, Zeiss, Iskra, etc, - I settled with Weltas because , among other things, they were really well made and had superb VF/RF. Even compared to much later produced folders. While I dont often wear glasses - mostly contacts, - when I do wear glasses I find my Welturs still pretty usable. I suppose its always better to just try and see, because personal perseption is different for any user. But whatever you decide - give Weltur a consideration - they are very special cameras IMO.

 

[Argenticien]

Many thanks guys. Yesterday in the middle of something else, I did have a brief thought that I should be thinking area of the RF or VF glass, not simply diameter ... then I never got around to it. So Andrew you are always a step ahead, even doing the calculations! (Must be the time zone difference...) Anyway thanks for all the advise and testing. I'll definitely give the Welturs consideration. They tend to be a bit pricey on eBay, but if I think of the alternative as being the modern Fuji folder (USD 2000+) to get an absolutely brilliant finder, that really puts into perspective the relatively small premium for a Weltur over something more squinty.
--Dave