Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Takes some getting used to. Like the design.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

-is that the viewfinder field view is ONLY (and ONLY!!!) 82%. That is info from the package insert, and I would never buy it if I knew it. And that also means that you do not have any idea what exactly you are going to have in your picture until you see it on LCD of the camera itself or on the monitor. Anyway, you will have 18% more than you see via this optical viewfinder. Yes, it is a wonderful piece of glass giving you a bright and clear view of reality. But what's the point in spending [$] and not being able to see exact frame of your future picture? I do not see any, so I have returned it and thank you again, B&H, for your generous Return Policy!

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

I put off buying this for a long time. I wasn't sure how much I'd use it. I looked at several used 'turret' style Russian viewfinders but none offered exactly 24mm. Since my LX-3 has limited telephoto capabilities and the shutter lag that all cameras of its type have (rendering it not too good for portraits), I decided to keep the camera for the excellent wide angle results from its Leica lens. (Couldn't buy a good fast 24mm wide angle for my Nikon D90 for what the LX 3 and viewfinder cost now). This viewfinder compliments the lens at 24mm very nicely.

The price went up $10.00 shortly before I finally decided to buy it. Still considerably lower than when it first came out. Not a bad buy. It looks good on the camera. I'd buy it again.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Incredibly useful for framing as long as you don't have to zoom. Saves battery. Works well. Not worth the price, however. It's almost half what the camera itself costs. Loses a star for price.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

It has fixed optics and does not have parallax adjustment, but it's tiny, bright and really cool. I prefer looking through a viewfinder on my D-SLR, but must admit using the beeautiful screen on the LX-5 more than the viewfinder. Yet, I am really happy with it.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Very useful in bright sunlight where the LCD screen is difficult to see. Also saves battery power power since the LCD can be shut off (except for exposure information and photo reviews). Excellent workmanship and optics. Of course, it can be used on the Leica D-Lux 4 as well as the Panasonic.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Surprisingly bright and usable, sits tight in the hotshoe (at least for now). I have found it excellent for wide-angle shooting, but framing for zoomed shots would take a bit of practice.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Useful for low light, wide angle shots on the run.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Very basic viewfinder for wide angle only. Has no adjustments and I think it's overpriced! Comes in a cheap cloth bag that offers very little protection.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

I bought this because I like a viewfinder and not hold up the camera to my face-I think it very obvious and you look like an idiot. Also, in dark places, like churches, the light from the screen is very distracting. I take photos in a lot of religious buildings, and discretion is a must.

I like the fact that the viewfinder allows you to frame a photo very quickly, and take the shot.

I don't like that it doesn't zoom when you zoom.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

I was using a small Ricoh for extensive overseas travel but the big problem was always the screen - I couldn't see a thing in sunlight. Along came my new Panasonic Lumix and a friend recommended picking up the external optical viewfinder as well. Wow! Suddenly I can actually see what I'm photographing - no more chopped off detail at the top, no more ruined photos. The view finder only works on wide angle but for landscapes and scenery it's no real drawback. The quality of the lens in it is fantastic, providing absolute clarity. I heartily recommend this view finder to ensure there are no missing bits in your shots

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

I use it all the time,crystal clear image I wish it had more superimposed frames for selected focal lengths.Great product,excellent workmanship.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

High quality tho pricey product. The optics are great, I use it on field expeditions to extend battery life by leaving the screen off. It does not tie into the zoom at all, so you must be careful about properly framing the subject if zoomed in. I wish this had included integrated flip-up lens covers so that the fine optics were better protected.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Great item. quality made, giving you a better feel when shooting a slow shutter speeds.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

I am DSLR person at heart and really enjoy the connection of bringing the camera to my eye. This accessory really brings that to life, the item is very well built and the clarity of the optics is excellent.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

When I first put the viewfinder on my Lumix LX5 and had my first look, I was amazed by the clarity and brightness. I figure that this precious little piece of glass was probably made by Leica. It is worth every penny I spent on it.

I look forward to easier viewing and a more steady hold on this small camera, the Lumix LX5. I also look forward to longer lasting battery usage, now that I use the LCD screen only for playback. In other words, I'm glad I have it on my camera.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

I grew up with viewfinders built into the camera,not an LCD. Maybe some can use those in bright sunlight but not me. So I purchased this to use with the Panasonic LX3. Solves the problem for me. A bit expenses but allows you to take pictures in bright sunlight. Find it very useful.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

I use both this view finder and a 50mm view finder on my D Lux 4. This allows the photographer to compose and make the image quicker than composing on the LCD screen. It's expensive but well made and provides real value to the photographer.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

Whilst the LX3 is a lovely piece of kit, the screen is almost impossible to see on a bright day, even when turned up fully. The external viewfinder cures this, but only of course fixed at 24mm equivalent. So if you use the zoom, remember to zoom back again. Ludicrously expensive in England, more reasonable in the US, but I guess it's Leica made, same as the lens.

Comments about Panasonic DMW-VF1 External Optical View Finder:

First, you understand (or should) what this external optical viewfinder (EOV) does NOT do. It does not give you a live view of what the camera's sensor is seeing. It doesn't zoom when the camera's lens zooms. It doesn't even change aspect ratios with the camera. The guidelines visible in the EOV are fixed at 3:2.

NEVERTHELESS, if you understand and accept those facts, you may find, as I have, that this is the perfect accessory for what I think is just about the perfect compact camera, the LX3. Viewing through the EOV, it's easier to hold the camera steady. In addition, I've always felt that using a viewfinder allows me to feel more in touch with what I'm shooting; I find it easier to see my shots. Using the EOV simply bypasses the problem of seeing the LED in bright sunlight—because you're NOT looking at the LED. With the EOV installed, you can in fact simply turn the LED off and save a fair amount of battery power. (This was my original reason for buying the EOV.)

I might add that the EOV looks fairly cool.

Using the EOV, I find it slightly difficult to frame shots precisely. This is to be expected. I simply make sure I have a tiny bit of cropping room on the edges, and it's never been a problem. Shoot in 3:2 aspect ratio and everything is easier.

Oh, this EOV doesn't interfere with the flash, unlike some of the third-party products.

An outstanding add-on for this outstanding camera.