Film camera Rangefinder VI-35 viewfinder USSR order LOMO

Viewfinder

VI-35 is an external viewfinder for a rangefinder camera, to which a lens with a focal length of 35 mm is attached. For example, it could be Jupiter-12 2.8 / 35.

As you know, a photographer with a rangefinder camera, looking through the viewfinder, observes the shooting scene not through the lens. Therefore, changing the lens does not affect the picture in the viewfinder.
The viewfinder of the camera is designed for a standard lens and if it was replaced with something with a strongly different focal length (viewing angle), then it is no longer possible to understand what actually gets into the frame now.

The viewfinders of some rangefinders have been adapted for framing with different lenses. For example, a high-level apparatus of the 50-60s - Leningrad. I have a review of it, and there is a corresponding photo in the collection of pictures given by the viewfinders.

But alas, this was a rare option.

All other cameras required an external viewfinder. It was installed in a flash bracket. At the same time, focusing was carried out using the main viewfinder of the device, and the definition of the frame boundaries - using the external one.

A focal length of 35mm means a wide viewing angle. Such a phased array is very much in demand among amateur photographers, tk. allows you to comfortably shoot architecture, nature, group portraits. But these are the most frequent subjects in amateur photography.

The Jupiter-12 2.8 / 35 lens was not a rare lens (relatively, of course, adjusted for the eternal Soviet deficit). Nevertheless, he met often and in terms of prevalence among interchangeable rangefinder lenses, his competitor, perhaps, Jupiter-11.

This suggests that the VI-35 viewfinder was in great demand.

VI-35 is a order small and light device. Only 32 grams. The main material is plastic, most likely becalite. T-shaped leg - metal.

The viewfinder gives a large and absolutely bright picture. Nice to look in.

Parallax compensation is not available at different distances.

Some time ago I was examining the VI-85 viewfinder (pictured to the right). He himself is much smaller in size and gives a very tiny picture.

True, the VI-85 was manufactured by the Rostov Optical-Mechanical Plant (Rostov Veliky), and the VI-35 was made at the KMZ.
But, judging by the pictures on the Web, the VI-85 produced by KMZ was exactly the same small as the Rostov one.

What is disrespect for the 85 mm FR?
On both of my viewfinders, focal lengths are indicated by the old standard - in centimeters. In the pictures on the Web, I did not find the designations in millimeters.

Does this mean that in the 60s and 70s, for example, these are not produced? And what was offered then to amateurs, after all, system rangefinders were on sale with might and main? Universal revolving viewfinder UVI?

It is, of course, good, but it is more bulky and significantly more expensive.
The viewfinder should be stored in a small bekalite glass with a screw cap.

Strange, but no one thought about the convenience of carrying a pencil case with a viewfinder on a camera strap. This is not provided.

The fact is that with the viewfinder attached, the camera, of course, is not included in its original case. And after removing the viewfinder from the camera, it must be worn separately.

Without a pencil case, the VI-35 normally fits even in a trouser pocket, but the pencil case is large enough and can only be carried in a jacket pocket.

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