Leica LTM where to buy a finder?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
See if you can still get one of the Helios finders. They are quite good for 35mm, and there's a 85mm frame, too. They used to be on sale for ridiculously low sums at MrCad in England, where I ordered two for under 20 EUR including shipping IIRC.

At the moment somebody (who actually posts on RFF every now and then) is selling them on eBay for $40 BIN (140201385295). There's another here: 180210566451.
 
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One of the least expensive, but good finders, is the
35/85 combo made in Germany for the Kodak Retinas.

Unfortunately, they don't work on early Leica types...
they're offset to the right - blocks the shutter speed dial.

Work fine on KIEVs and others.

I have several Helios finders, but have a hard time alligning
my eye (glasses) to see the frame clearly.
 
the KMZ Rostov 35mm finders are very good for around 40 dollars.
easily found for sale on that auction site.
 
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See what ritz collectibles has in their "Leica screw-mount copy accessories" dept...

They might have something in your price range...

A friend just scored a Voiglander Turnit 35-50-100 finder w/case on eBay as a BIN... for $50...

Good luck...

Luddite Frank
 
I'll second the Ritz suggestion

I'll second the Ritz suggestion

I just got VIOOH that they described as "rough" and actually it looks and works well. Just missing some paint where you grab it to take it off. Cost=$35+shipping.
 
Yeah, the VIOOH is a fine 35mm finder, very accurate, and easy to clean internally. (It's a pretty marginal finder for 90 to 135mm lenses.)
 
Watch the classifieds here for used metal CV finders. I just sold mine for $100 in MINT condition. The metal CV finders are the best. Also you might find some alternatives to brightline finders in the classifieds now too (RASAL). A great sports finder covering every major focal length between 35 and 135.

The 35/80 Retina finder is fine, but the offset messes with Bessas too.

B2 (;->
 
I use a Canon 35mm finder. Pretty cheap from KEH...don't remember what I paid. It's not a brightline finder, however, so it's not as nice as the E. Leitz or CV models.
 
There are a couple of good options for less expensive 35mm finders. The Canon 35mm finder for their rangefinder camera is small unobtrusive and can usually be found on eBay for not much money. From memory they can be found for under $100. They are reasonably common.

Variable finders are bigger and can be pricey (As they are beginning to be considered collectible) but there are bargains.

The Leica VIOOH finder is a multi finder and does go down to 35mm. These too can be picked up reasonably cheaply. They are well bult and especially at the wider end give quite a good clear view. (I find them a bit problematic at the longer end as they do not magnify, they just screen off the area so at 135mm the view is tiny.)

There are also a range of turret finders of various sorts including the Russian version someone else has mentioned. These ifnders have several lenses at the front and these rotate to give the correct veiw for different lenses focal lenghts. They have the advantage that they enlarge the image (for longer focal lengths) and provide an acceptable view for shorter lenghts. One problem is they are complex with lots of lens surfaces hence if not cared for they can need a service to get rid of the grunge and provide a clear view.

The prices on these turret finders variy a lot with condition and rarity. One good one I have used because its a bit smaller than the rest is a Braun turret finder. Its designed for a 1950s Braun camera but works fine with any Leica or Canon camera. Its realtively cheap (I think I got mine for under $50.) Its solid and well made.


All are regularly found on Ebay. Its just a matter of waiting and pouncing when you see one that is a reasonable price.
 
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