Zeiss (ZM) finders - field of view outside framelines?

[Dante_Stella]

Would anyone have a good idea of what would be the outside-the-frame field of view for the 15, 21, and 35 Zeiss (ZM-type) viewfinders? The 35mm is not ZM; it's for the RX-1 - but it's exactly the same design as the ZMs.

For example, is a 21mm like an 18mm FOV if you look outside the framelines?

I have a lot of wide lenses and am trying not to acquire that many finders.

Thanks!
Dante

 

[Sanders McNew]

Dante, I haven't a clue, though I wish I did. I just wanted to say hi!

Given the topic of wide lenses, I've been shooting a 1968 Nikkor-UD (20mm) on an A7 body these days, in large part thanks to your online raves about the 1950-era Nippon Kogaku line of lenses. (And yes, I know the one doesn't follow the other, but the UD is a fantastic lens for shooting landscapes onto an infrared sensor.)

Be well.

 

[ellisson]

There is not much room outside the frame lines on the 21mm Zeiss finder, a circular aperture-like opening surrounding the frame lines comes closest at the corners. Doubtful this would provide a reliable view for framing with an 18 mm lens.

 

[WJJ3]

The Zeiss 21 finder doesn’t have good eye relief and view beyond the frameline. The plastic CV 21mm finder is better in that regard.

Dante, didn’t you do a nice review of the Universal Wideangle Finder? You don’t have one? I use one for 21mm and I really like it.

 

[Dante_Stella]

The Zeiss 21 finder doesn’t have good eye relief and view beyond the frameline. The plastic CV 21mm finder is better in that regard.

Dante, didn’t you do a nice review of the Universal Wideangle Finder? You don’t have one? I use one for 21mm and I really like it.

Hey Will -

I do have the Frankenfinder, but it induces all kinds of paranoia when I am biking (I use it a lot on a Horseman SW612, and I actually created a tether to clip it to the strap lug in case it gets loose). The plus is that whether I shot a 35mm (=15/16mm) or 55mm ont it (=21mm), the Frankenfinder has room left and right of the frame, which allows me to frame 2:1 a little more easily.

I am, though, looking for smaller finders than can do dual duty for two 18mm RF lenses, several 21mm lenses, a 25mm, etc.

Best,
Dante

 

[Dante_Stella]

Dante, I haven't a clue, though I wish I did. I just wanted to say hi!

Given the topic of wide lenses, I've been shooting a 1968 Nikkor-UD (20mm) on an A7 body these days, in large part thanks to your online raves about the 1950-era Nippon Kogaku line of lenses. (And yes, I know the one doesn't follow the other, but the UD is a fantastic lens for shooting landscapes onto an infrared sensor.)

Be well.

Hi back, old friend!

The Nikkor 20s are fantastic. I am having trouble resisting the urge to plug one of the super-old, mirror-lockup ones into a digital body. But eventually, curiosity will get the better of me.

Hope all is well with the family!

Dante

 

[rhl-oregon]

The metal Voigtlander 21/25 has eye-wiggle room outside the 21 bright line. Considering how close the 25 frame is tucked inside it, 18mm looks doable.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Would anyone have a good idea of what would be the outside-the-frame field of view for the 15, 21, and 35 Zeiss (ZM-type) viewfinders? ... For example, is a 21mm like an 18mm FOV if you look outside the framelines? ...

I have all if the ZM finders and none of them have much room around the outside of the framelines.

Therefore, I'd say if you're trying to skimp on buying the wider finder, forget about it.

 

[WJJ3]

Hey Will -

I do have the Frankenfinder, but it induces all kinds of paranoia when I am biking (I use it a lot on a Horseman SW612, and I actually created a tether to clip it to the strap lug in case it gets loose). The plus is that whether I shot a 35mm (=15/16mm) or 55mm ont it (=21mm), the Frankenfinder has room left and right of the frame, which allows me to frame 2:1 a little more easily.

I am, though, looking for smaller finders than can do dual duty for two 18mm RF lenses, several 21mm lenses, a 25mm, etc.

Best,
Dante

Horseman SW612 sounds like fun! So I'm guessing the screw lock on the foot of the Frankenfinder doesn't keep it tight on the Horseman?

FWIW, I compared my plastic CV 21mm finder with the Universal WA finder, and it looks like the entire FOV in the CV finder is about where the 16mm framelines are in the UWA finder...

 

[Godfrey]

Like with a Hasselblad SWC, just learn to estimate accurately. The SWC finders were about 80-85% coverage of the lens FoV ... you learn to "see" the lens FoV and use the finder as an approximate guide. It's not really that difficult.

If you really, really need precision framing, you need a different kind of viewfinder system.

G