Zeiss Viewfinder ZI for Zeiss Ikon Camera When Used with 21mm ZM Lens

Comments about Zeiss Viewfinder ZI for 21mm ZM Lens:

Beautiful bright VF that is well mad. It is also much cheaper than the equivalent Leica VF.

This VF is designed for the Zeiss Ikon on which the hot-shoe sits directly above the mid-lens axis. On my M9 (and other Leica RF cameras) the hot-shoe is offset from the mid-lens axis which leads to rotational errors of framing using this VF on the Leica. This is barely noticed with standard photography, and of course RF framing is always somewhat imprecise. With more precise architectural photography or similar this error creates significant problems.

The Leica 21mm VF hot-shoe mount is set to one side of the base of the VF to correct for offset hotshoe and therefore sits the VF over the mid-lens axis. I have bought the Leica VF which has resolved the problem and will sell the Zeiss VF.

In summary, I would

Comments about Zeiss Viewfinder ZI for 21mm ZM Lens:

Purchased to frame a CV 15mm f/4.5 on a M8. I am blown away by how bright the subject is through this thing. Bigger and brighter subject than the Leica Brightline VF - no squinting to frame the subject. Framing is reasonably accurate with slight barrel distortion. Not as compact as the Leica VF but less than half the cost. However, parts of the brightlines can be difficult to see under certain lighting conditions because the optics are so bright.Another con, I had to go t[...]and find the smallest gift box I could find to to store the finder. I can't believe Zeiss doesn't offer a leather case for such a fine optic. I would gladly pay more to get a protective case.None of this diminishes what a joy it is to use this viewfinder.

Comments about Zeiss Viewfinder ZI for 21mm ZM Lens:

All is great about this product:
all metal
very clear optic
design
fixation
bright lines in the viewfinder are precise