Which Finder ???

[Wedge632]

Hi everyone,


I'm planning to add a finder to my Leica III C. I don't really know which one I should opt for considering there are quite a few. Any thoughts and advice is welcome as I don't really know what are pros of using an external finder...


Thanks in advance.

 

[Scrambler]

What are you adding the VF for? Better 50mm view, variable view, Larger view AND variable view?

And how much money do you want to spend?

Basically there are either fixed, zooming, variable framing and interchangable lens viewfinders.

The zooming kind are rare and not made by Leica. Optical quality is usually compromised compared to other types. Some appreciate them, others don't.

The VIOOH/ Imarect is a good example of the variable framing. Same type of quality and image as the inbuilt VF but you can chose the dimension of the visible area. No projected or reflected framelines.

The interchangable lens type is seen in the FSU finders with a selection of focal lengths. Optical quality is good, image size changes but is still smaller than the final type. No framelines.

Single focal length (or at most 2 FL) external viewfinders with reflected framelines give the most pleasing and large viewfinder experience, but good ones cost a bomb and you need one for every focal length you use.

You makes your choice and pays your money...

 

[Wedge632]

Thanks for your reply Scrambler.

I'm adding it for two reasons: 1- Larger view, (note that I don't really know what a variable view looks like) 2- I can't stop buying Leica, Leitz accessories and a VF is kind of missing in my list.

If it helps, my III C is mounted with a Summaron 3.5.

 

[Scrambler]

Thanks for your reply Scrambler.

I'm adding it for two reasons: 1- Larger view, (note that I don't really know what a variable view looks like) 2- I can't stop buying Leica, Leitz accessories and a VF is kind of missing in my list.

If it helps, my III C is mounted with a Summaron 3.5.

By variable view I meant different focal lengths. For example I have 21,35,40,50,55,85 and 100mm lenses. I could get 7 external viewfinders, compromise with the odd ones (35 and 50mm VFs are much easier to find than 40mm and 55mm ones) or use just one or two variable viewfinders to cover the range.

A quick look at ebay suggests that around USD$100 give or take is the price for a Leica SBOOI for 50mm. SBLOO (for 35mm/ 3.5cm) looks to be around twice that, again quite variable. Given that that puts a SBLOO at about the price of a IIIc body you would really need to want it.

Shooting the Summaron, you will need something to frame with. The Russian 35mm viewfinders or generic brand Japanese viewfinders will probably give you the best function at the least price, but they are not Leica collectables...

Or try one of these: http://www.ikodot.com/takealook.html

 

[Richard G]

A SBOOI went on my new II With 50 Elmar as soon as I got it and it won't be coming off. The framing through the SBOOI is very nice. With glasses on I can't see the 50 frame edges in the camera's viewfinder. The SBLOO is quite bit bigger but likely to increase your enjoyment of the camera a lot. I'd just get those two to start with.

 

[stillshunter]

I can't help with a single finder to suit all your needs, but have voice my resounding vote for the SBOOI. Oh man it is superb on a Barnack. I loved my IIIf before but now, boy 'o' boy!

 

[Luddite Frank]

If you're really planning to shoot with it ( as opposed to having "the complete set in your curio cabient" ), and you're going to be changing lenses, I would recommend one of the true "zoom finders": either the Tewe Polyfocus or the Nikon Vari-Focal.

Either one works like a Zoom-lens on an SLR: the image you see stays the same size, dialing the finder brings it nearer or farther.

The Leitz VIOOH "Imarect" finder, while it is also a "variable image" is of the "shrinking mask" variety, where as you dial it from Wide-angle down to long-focus, the mask shrinks smaller and smaller, and the image gets squintier and squintier.

Others here will probably disagree with me, but I find the VIOOH practically unusable.

So, that said... The Tewe finders turn-up frequently on e-bay... the Nikon version is pricier and just about the same animal.

Good luck !

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Others here will probably disagree with me, but I find the VIOOH practically unusable.

Image quality is also somewhat lower because it's bouncing off of 4 prisms. I have mine on a IIIc at the moment. But only because it was the first 35mm option at hand for the VC 35mm f/1.7 I've got on the camera at them moment.
I prefer the VIDOM over the VIOOH/IMARECT, eventhough the image is inverted, because it has one less prism in the optics. It is also slightly smaller.

I find the FSU / Contax style revolver viewfinders too bulky.

ROSOL sports finder? Hmmm. I haven't actually used it yet, but I'm finding it to be an awkward accessory to use.

As others have said. I also really like the SBOOI Bright Line Finder when I'm using 50mm lenses.



Good luck in picking one

 

[newspaperguy]

Purists may disagree, but I've found the CV brightline finders equal in quality and far superior in price. (Yes, I have owned both the 50 & 35 Leitz versions.)

 

[newspaperguy]

BTW - If you don't mind bulk, you might want to check out a vintage Voightlander Kontur finder... 50mm only, and you shoot with both eyes open.

This one now lives on my KIEV II.

 

[Dez]

If you're really planning to shoot with it ( as opposed to having "the complete set in your curio cabient" ), and you're going to be changing lenses, I would recommend one of the true "zoom finders": either the Tewe Polyfocus or the Nikon Vari-Focal.

Either one works like a Zoom-lens on an SLR: the image you see stays the same size, dialing the finder brings it nearer or farther.

The Leitz VIOOH "Imarect" finder, while it is also a "variable image" is of the "shrinking mask" variety, where as you dial it from Wide-angle down to long-focus, the mask shrinks smaller and smaller, and the image gets squintier and squintier.

Others here will probably disagree with me, but I find the VIOOH practically unusable.

So, that said... The Tewe finders turn-up frequently on e-bay... the Nikon version is pricier and just about the same animal.

Good luck !

I agree 100%. Carrying around multiple finders for different focal lengths is very inconvenient and will slow you down a great deal. I have used the Tewe finder years ago, but I don't really recall it. I do have a Nikon Vari-focal; it is extremely convenient to use, and provides a good non-"squinty" view. While extremely well made, it is not cheap, but will almost certainly cost less than any Leitz single focal length finder. It covers focal lengths from 35 to 135mm, and an accessory diopter can be found that provides a 28mm view. This last part is quite hard to find, and a proper Nikon one may cost about $200, or you can easily make your own for about ten bucks.



Cheers,
Dez

 

[Wedge632]

Thanks all,

Yeah, my bank account does not allow me to get a SBLOO for my 35, I'll opt for the VIOOH first. I think to start with it's pretty standard and more versatile...I did try the SBLOO in-shop and the brightness is amazing, so that'll be my next buy for sure.

 

[Vics]

I use a CV VF for my 35mm lens on my M3, and it works fine. Nice and bright, if a bit distorted, but the price has gotten a bit high, making the Leica ones more attractive.

 

[B-9]

VIOOH is the best bang for your buck right now, cheap as chips, and if your not going to use it a lot its a great look on a classic Leica. A must have for any display kit, or just a bit of accessoriezing.

If you intend to use it extensively, save, buy a SBLOO, you won't do better for the price.

 

[rfaspen]

I'll reiterate some of what was said above:
The Imarect/VIOOH is so inexpensive right now. I'm surprised I don't have one. It's something I will probably get just to have a more complete set of gear for my barnacks.

I also have the CV finder (for 35) and I truly love it. So nicely made, so bright, and appears to be accurate field of view. I think they have gone up in price lately, so I won't mention what I paid for mine. Still worth more than a squinty Imarect to me.

The Kontur has always intriged me. I'd like to look through one sometime. I read that there is a 50mm and a 35mm Kontur finder -- and that its nearly impossible to tell which one you have. There are confusing markings on them that cause people to think the 50mm finder is a 35mm version.

 

[summar]

I'm with newspaper guy. I don't have a Kontur, but I do have a 50mm finder just marked "Albada" that I found in my father's collection of Leica accessories dating back to the 1930s. It's a pleasure to use with my IIIf -- life-size image, frame with both eyes open.
My father bought his first Leica in Holland, so it makes sense. The inventor, L.E.W. van Albada, was Dutch. I imagine the finder was not expensive then, but I just looked on the auction site, and see the same finder listed for more than $300. Guess I have a collector's item.

 

[peterm1]

Be aware that some multi finders, even good quality ones do not give a really sharp image at all focal lengths. This is not the case with Leicas VIIOH model but the after mrket ones that use lens groups to zoom the image such as some tube finders similar to the tewe and some turret finders. I have owned a lot of finders - even collected a few and found this to be common. A better view can be had with a single focal lenght finder usually. But there is no denying the convenience of the other type.

 

[Fixcinater]

I had a TEWE just recently and was put off by the changing diopter as one zoomed from wide to tele. It was definitely better in image quality than a cleaned out VIOOH, so for use over collecting, maybe try a TEWE if you can't find the single focal length variety to suit.

 

[Wedge632]

Thanks all for the replies.

So in the end, after several ebay bargains, I got a SBOOI and VIDOM for less than a 80$,

The SBOOI is clear crystal, it's amazingly pleasant to use. ( question what is the doted line in the upper part of the rectangle ? artificial horizon ? )

The VIDOM (chrome version) will do now for my Summaron 35mm, until I can get a SBLOO. I like the VIDOM for it is quite smaller than the VIOOH, and allows my IIIf to fit in my jacket pocket. Not too clear though, I'm thinking of getting it cleaned if that's feasible. Not bothered a bit by the "reversed" effect !

Thanks again for the help and advice. Cheers !

 

[raydm6]

Thanks all for the replies.

So in the end, after several ebay bargains, I got a SBOOI and VIDOM for less than a 80$,

The SBOOI is clear crystal, it's amazingly pleasant to use. ( question what is the doted line in the upper part of the rectangle ? artificial horizon ? )
...

Wow! Well done! Nice examples of the SBOOI are going for big bucks.

The dotted line is there to alert you to parallax errors when focusing at close distances. Use it as a guideline and keep the framing below the dotted line when focusing at close distances.

Congrats!