squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Someone posted a link on here once to a company that makes old-fashioned lensless viewfinders made of wire. I can't seem to remember it...anyone know what I mean?
Cale Arthur
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BillBingham2
Registered User
It's a cute idea but I question how much accuracy there is. Close up for 21, further back for 35 and way back for 50. I know RFs are not as accurate as SLRs but I would much rather use a RASAL from Leica.
Take a look here....
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5383096
I have two and love them, mines chrome though.
B2 (;->
Take a look here....
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5383096
I have two and love them, mines chrome though.
B2 (;->
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
Bill, what focal lengths does a RASAL cover? Will it do a 21?
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Aha! Thanks, that's it.
How does the RASAL work? Does the smaller frame move closer and farther away from the large one?
How does the RASAL work? Does the smaller frame move closer and farther away from the large one?
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Holy crap! I just saw the price. A hundred bucks?!!? I'm going to make one out of a paper clip.
Of course, it does have a red dot on it...
Of course, it does have a red dot on it...
BillBingham2
Registered User
Take a look here for some pictures of a clone.....
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=955602&postcount=230
and in some attached below.
It gives you either a peep hole or a box, but something to reference against rather than just air.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograph...ources/RF-Nikkor/Leica_RF/LeicaSportframe.htm
None go as wide as a 21, 35mm is as wide as I can see.
B2 (;->
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=955602&postcount=230
and in some attached below.
It gives you either a peep hole or a box, but something to reference against rather than just air.
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photograph...ources/RF-Nikkor/Leica_RF/LeicaSportframe.htm
None go as wide as a 21, 35mm is as wide as I can see.
B2 (;->
Attachments
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Well, here it is: the exclusive RAXBO sports finder, complete with patent-pending PILGU orange focusing dot (x2) and NUPLI ebony flexible adhesive, sold separately.
Attachments
Cale Arthur
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Well played! I always knew that capacitors were handy for more than just storing electrons... 
--c--
--c--
BillBingham2
Registered User
I forgot what happens in Upstate when the snow storms hit!
Well done.
B2 (;->
Well done.
B2 (;->
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
And only $49.95 plus shipping and handling! Order now, operators are standing by!
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
Seriously, I could see an external finder on the same principle as a Nikonos finder. I have one like this and it works well - it could be made much smaller for use without a diving mask.
See the photo in the Nikonos III section at mir.com:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/nikonos13.htm
See the photo in the Nikonos III section at mir.com:
http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/companies/nikon/htmls/models/htmls/nikonos13.htm
amateriat
We're all light!
mabelsound: you just bleeping rock.
- Barrett
- Barrett
Bill58
Native Texan
I can't imagine the ikodot being that much faster than the VC/ CV accessory VFs I use in 21/ 25/ 35 configurations. BTW--Canon made a solid steel sports finder for RF cameras too.
akalai
Well-known
I own and use two Ikodot finders on various cameras and find them well worth the asking price.
The main focal length I use them with is 28mm, one is mainly used on a Ricoh GRD and the other alternates between a Leica If/Voigtlander T. However I also particularly like using them with a 21mm and 35mm focal length.
With just a little use the Ikodot is very easy to get used to and I find you quickly develop a physical memory of where you need to place the camera and finder in front of your face to get the appropriate field of view. I have also found that the Ikodot is very good at training your eye for seeing different focal lengths and their field of view before you lift the camera to your face.
As for accuracy, well I find them accurate, but then I am not shooting subjects that require great technical accuracy as I am usually more concerned with the overall composition and for this the Ikodot does the job!
What's with the whining over the price? I had a quick look at Ebay and the price for two completed RASAL finders was $69 and $165, the last surely being collectors item, but in the case of the Ikodot is $100 really that much more for a new item? The RASAL is also a LOT larger and when folded still takes up a great amount of space and is of no use for fields of view wider than 35mm. Plus the RASAL, when unfolded, looks like the aiming device on a stinger missile! The Ikodot in comparison is positively transparent.
The Ikodot is a quality item, incredibly well made, being put out there by a motivated range finder fan who does this in his spare time. He's a great guy to deal with and I think he should be supported. So before you discount this item check out the website, thoroughly, and if you have questions fire off an email to Fritz. Explore the website;
http://www.ikodot.com
And here is an older pic I framed with the Ikodot mounted on my Ricoh GRD;
The main focal length I use them with is 28mm, one is mainly used on a Ricoh GRD and the other alternates between a Leica If/Voigtlander T. However I also particularly like using them with a 21mm and 35mm focal length.
With just a little use the Ikodot is very easy to get used to and I find you quickly develop a physical memory of where you need to place the camera and finder in front of your face to get the appropriate field of view. I have also found that the Ikodot is very good at training your eye for seeing different focal lengths and their field of view before you lift the camera to your face.
As for accuracy, well I find them accurate, but then I am not shooting subjects that require great technical accuracy as I am usually more concerned with the overall composition and for this the Ikodot does the job!
What's with the whining over the price? I had a quick look at Ebay and the price for two completed RASAL finders was $69 and $165, the last surely being collectors item, but in the case of the Ikodot is $100 really that much more for a new item? The RASAL is also a LOT larger and when folded still takes up a great amount of space and is of no use for fields of view wider than 35mm. Plus the RASAL, when unfolded, looks like the aiming device on a stinger missile! The Ikodot in comparison is positively transparent.
The Ikodot is a quality item, incredibly well made, being put out there by a motivated range finder fan who does this in his spare time. He's a great guy to deal with and I think he should be supported. So before you discount this item check out the website, thoroughly, and if you have questions fire off an email to Fritz. Explore the website;
http://www.ikodot.com
And here is an older pic I framed with the Ikodot mounted on my Ricoh GRD;
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Ikodot can charge whatever they want! I was just kidding around. As it happens, my little joke finder actually works. I compared it to the finder in the R4A and tweaked it until it was right. For me, $99 is too much, and prices for the Leica finder are simply ludicrous. But if the market can bear it, more power to 'em...it's a cool little device and looks great.
The fact is, though, it's totally reasonable to shoot without any finder at all if you know your lenses well. I do this shooting street all the time. The thing I find a little irritating about the sports finder method is that the "framelines" are extremely blurry, as are the dots...it's just very pleasant to use a finder with glass and brightlines...everything is in perfect focus, the image and framelines all at once.
The fact is, though, it's totally reasonable to shoot without any finder at all if you know your lenses well. I do this shooting street all the time. The thing I find a little irritating about the sports finder method is that the "framelines" are extremely blurry, as are the dots...it's just very pleasant to use a finder with glass and brightlines...everything is in perfect focus, the image and framelines all at once.
mabelsound: you just bleeping rock.
- Barrett
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
Well played! I always knew that capacitors were handy for more than just storing electrons...
--c--
I'll tell you what, I actually have some mini LEDs and 1/8-watt resistors...I was thinking of trying to make the focusing dots actually light up. But we're going to need another foot of snow before I go that far!
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
akilai, you say it's well constructed. I've always been concerned with bending the wire. Can you comment? Are the wires hinged or otherwise protected? How well does it stay in the shoe?
akalai
Well-known
No the frames are not hinged. Keep in mind the small overall size of the Ikodot (approx. 33H x 36W x 14L mm) means that having folding frames would make it a much more complex design and really ruin what is a simple and elegant design. The gauge of the metal used for the frames prevents them from being easily deformed, while still allowing for some play which again is useful for the times when you might give the finder and accidental knock.
The base of the Ikodot is CNC/machined from brass and nickel plated. Milled recessed slots on the base both align and support the frames. There is also an angled bevel milled from the base to allow it to fit Leica "M" type shoes and I was told it was also incorporated to allow unseating the finder when needed a little easier. I have not had any problems with teh Ikodot slipping out of place, the fit of the Ikodot in the accessory shoes I have used has always been very snug.
I think if you have more questions you should really get in touch with Fritz at Ikodot. He is a really good guy to deal with and will give you much more information than I can.
I have attached some pics that hopefully give you a better idea of the construction and quality of the Ikodot.
Attachments
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
Thanks - I've been looking at them for years. If I buy a 21, I'll probably give one a spin.