Has anyone used the Voigtlander Low Angle Finder? It seems like a very useful accessory, particularly for stealth photography. Any recommendations / feedback, etc. would be appreciated.

Regards,

-- Jay Davidson (jayd@netvigator.com), April 15, 2002

Answers

Hi Jay,

I have two of them. They are very good for getting low down. For stealth photography--maybe. I shoot waist-level (which is my problem). The 12, 15 and 25 mm frames are better than eye-level finders. They work most smoothly on automatic cameras (CLE, Hexar). I think the right angle finder is very useful, though I don't use it all the time.

Why don't you try one out. You'll probably most questions.

Best,

Alex

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@pp.iij4-u.or.jp), April 15, 2002.

AFAIK these Cosina finders are not waste-level finders. You still have to put the finder eye-piece up to your eye to see an image, which means you have to put the camera near your face, which means absolutely no 'stealth'.

The ideal waist-level finder solution for rangefinder cameras is still the 1930's AUFSU. I just wish Cosina would realise this and make a few updated versions. They would sell 1000s of them if they did!

-- Andrew Nemeth (azn@nemeng.com), April 15, 2002.

Alex,

Please email me on how to get one of my very own from Japan or otherwise. cameraquest is overpriced ($500+). I saw one on a Japanese web site long ago for 33,000 Y, and don't remember where. i guess a google search is in order.

Maybe I can pry one from you (?).

S. Gandy calls 'em waist level too, i'm confused.

-- Steve (leitz_not_leica@hotmail.com), April 15, 2002.

Andrew - yee-hah. Exactly right. C"MON Cosina! I'd like one that shows 15mm field of view full-frame - with cropping lines or masks for 21/24 lenses.

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), April 15, 2002.

This is for Steve--also everyone.

Steve, I checked Stephen Gandy's prices and the $500.00 low angle finder is a special limited edition for the Hasselblat SWC

For RF's the finder goes for $165.00. The 12 attachment is $65. The 15, 21, 25 attach's are $50 each.

My rec.: Go with Stephen Gandy rather than search for stuff in Japan. In current cash (131 Y = $1) there is little difference between discounts in Japan and Stephen's prices. Stephen is easy to work with. Chasing bargin in Japan via e-mail and then ordering is a pain, I promise you. Even if you get a better bargin in Japan from someone willing to mail order by the time you pay special postage and customs your special deal will be greatly reduced.

Also, yes, low angle finders aren't waist level finders. I shoot from the waist without a finder--"blind."

Alex

-- Alex Shishin (shishin@suma.kobe-wu.ac.jp), April 17, 2002.