Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
The ZM finders, whatever focal length they cover, are brighter than normal human vision. They are simply amazing. The 21mm finder has just a fraction more distortion than a Super Angulon, which is to say almost none. The ZM finders are optical wonders and I think they are better than many lenses these days. If only they had helicoids and apertures. I digress.
I've owned 2 ZM finders and a Leica 21mm finder (later plastic version) and the ZM finders blew the Leica unit away.
I've had to scale down my "collection" of cameras and due to cost and a friendly deal with a fellow RFF member, I have the Leica 21mm finder that I used to own and my friend has the ZM 21mm that he used to own. I sold the 25/28 finder, also back to the guy who used to own it.
The old plastic Leica finder is better than the CV, on-par with the Kobalux/Avenon, inferior to the new variable Leica version and all pale in comparison to the new ZM finders. if i didn't need the cash, I'd still have two of them.
Phil Forrest
I've owned 2 ZM finders and a Leica 21mm finder (later plastic version) and the ZM finders blew the Leica unit away.
I've had to scale down my "collection" of cameras and due to cost and a friendly deal with a fellow RFF member, I have the Leica 21mm finder that I used to own and my friend has the ZM 21mm that he used to own. I sold the 25/28 finder, also back to the guy who used to own it.
The old plastic Leica finder is better than the CV, on-par with the Kobalux/Avenon, inferior to the new variable Leica version and all pale in comparison to the new ZM finders. if i didn't need the cash, I'd still have two of them.
Phil Forrest
ChipShorter
Member
I tried it. I wanted a cheap viewfinder for a pinhole camera and thought I'd take a shot on this.
Absolute, utter, trash.
The image is tiny and very distorted. You have to mash your eye into it to see anything. Avoid avoid avoid.
Absolute, utter, trash.
The image is tiny and very distorted. You have to mash your eye into it to see anything. Avoid avoid avoid.
zauhar
Mentor
Bob, if the VF has a problem that affects framing, then it becomes critical. I struggled with a problematic 21mm VF for a while, now have one that I can trust.
I think it is a mistake to skimp on the VF.
Randy
ChrisN
Striving
Question for those that have the Zeiss viewfinder: does it have a rubber or plastic ring around the eyepice (so as not to scratch my glasses)?
Randy - which VF have you ended up with?
Randy - which VF have you ended up with?
crispy12
Well-known
As a previous poster mentioned, it's really very small. I think it's originally a 28mm finder that the seller taped some electrical tape around.
It does work in the crudest sense. The viewing window is tiny (1.5 x 1 cm?) but it does get the job done. I'd recommend you buy the CV finder if you can afford it. My 15mm finder is an absolute joy to use... only wish they sold the 21/25 in plastic so they'd be more affordable.
Phil_F_NM
Camera hacker
Yes the Zeiss finders have a very nice rubber coated eyepiece, not unlike a Nikon pro body eyepiece (but a different size, of course.)
Phil Forrest
ChrisN
Striving
Thanks Phil. I'm using the Cosina VF atm but I've cracked the foot - will keep my eyes open for one.
john_s
Well-known
They are a bit fragile. Scott at Mainline got me a replacement foot. It took a while but was very reasonably priced. It's just a screwdriver job to replace.
ChrisN
Striving
Thanks John - I've actually exchanged emails with Scott on this subject and expect a spare to show up eventually. 
semilog
curmudgeonly optimist
Great answers here.
To add to the chorus: the ZM 21 finder is insanely good, optically a cut above any other. But it is expensive and it is not small. As such, for most practical purposes it is overkill. I really love using mine… but remember that it does not make the photos better!
By the way, the eyepieces are interchangeable with the smaller Nikon eyepieces such as those found on the FE or FM.
To add to the chorus: the ZM 21 finder is insanely good, optically a cut above any other. But it is expensive and it is not small. As such, for most practical purposes it is overkill. I really love using mine… but remember that it does not make the photos better!
By the way, the eyepieces are interchangeable with the smaller Nikon eyepieces such as those found on the FE or FM.
dweekie
Member
I ended up with a Voigtlander plastic finder. It's very good for the price. However, it seems the original Contax viewfinder may be built specifically for the G body. The Contax viewfinder extends backwards an extra half inch to make it more comfortable to use. Since the in-body viewfinder is centrally located and already protrudes out of the body significantly, this allows the Contax viewfinder to be used without as much interference from the built in viewfinder.
None of the other viewfinders I saw pictures of seemed to protrude backwards either.
If I put the Voigtlander in halfway, it's much more comfortable to use. I need to figure out a way to secure the viewfinder this way while also making it easy to remove as well.
None of the other viewfinders I saw pictures of seemed to protrude backwards either.
If I put the Voigtlander in halfway, it's much more comfortable to use. I need to figure out a way to secure the viewfinder this way while also making it easy to remove as well.
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
You might also want to try looking for the finder for the very good 20mm Russar lens. Or the lens itself for that matter.
There are superb finders out there for people for whom cost is no object. Sadly, I am not a member of that group.
Cheers,
Dez
There are superb finders out there for people for whom cost is no object. Sadly, I am not a member of that group.
Cheers,
Dez
anjoca76
Well-known
I have never used any other 21mm viewfinder besides the CV finder, but I cannot imagine any finder being brighter than that. Even in near darkness, it is extremely bright.
Crazy Fedya
Well-known
Is there are difference between 21mm viewfinders for Contax post-war RF and Contarex? I am talking about ones that came with original Biogon.
craygc
Well-known
I've got a mint Contax G 21mm finder I have no use for... ping me if interested
rbiemer
Unabashed Amateur
I have apparently lost my CV 21 viewfinder.:bang:
So, I've been looking at what's out their for replacing it.
The simple choice will be to just get another one from Stephen but things are a bit tight money-wise right now.
For the moment, I have made a VF from one of my two Konica Wai Wai cameras. Not ideal as the VF was made for 17mm and it is a cheap plastic distortion filled wonder. But it works, sort of.
While looking at ebay, I did see those $20 ones referenced up thread and after reading what folks had to say about 'em, I think I will pass.
BUT. I also came across several DF-12 20mm finders Nikon made for the Nikonos. About $50 and I would expect the quality to be pretty good.
Would the fact that these are designed for underwater use affect the field of view when used above water?
Does any one know how big they are or if they are "high eye point" finders?
Thanks!
Rob
So, I've been looking at what's out their for replacing it.
The simple choice will be to just get another one from Stephen but things are a bit tight money-wise right now.
For the moment, I have made a VF from one of my two Konica Wai Wai cameras. Not ideal as the VF was made for 17mm and it is a cheap plastic distortion filled wonder. But it works, sort of.
While looking at ebay, I did see those $20 ones referenced up thread and after reading what folks had to say about 'em, I think I will pass.
BUT. I also came across several DF-12 20mm finders Nikon made for the Nikonos. About $50 and I would expect the quality to be pretty good.
Would the fact that these are designed for underwater use affect the field of view when used above water?
Does any one know how big they are or if they are "high eye point" finders?
Thanks!
Rob