Bruin
03-03-2008, 15:11
I got this idea from this Leica FAQ page: http://leica.nemeng.com/027b.shtml
It's basically a pentaprism glued onto a double bubble level, which provides the hotshoe foot and perpendicular surfaces to align the prism to. I got a 1-inch square pentaprism from Anchor Optics, but you can find them a little cheaper at Surplus Shed (make sure it has reflecting surfaces). I chose the Jobu Design bubble level because the shell and foot are made of hard-anodized aluminum. Superglue provides a strong bond between the etched prism side and an anodized side of the level.
As is, the finder gives a pretty narrow FOV. I originally wanted to cement a plano-concave lens to the front of the prism to give a wide-angle view. It was a challenge to find the right size and strength surplus lens, and it wasn't completely flat on the plano-side. Twice I tried optical cement to glue it to the prism, but after curing any slight pressure on the lens would begin to compromise the bond :( The surfaces are too smooth for the cement to really hold.
With the prism alone, I have to hold it fairly close to my eye to get a decent view, making it more like a right angle finder. If you guys have any ideas on how to attach a negative lens on the front, let me know! :cool:
BTW, someone looking at you while you use this WLF will see your single eye staring at him/her. It's kinda creepy...:eek:
It's basically a pentaprism glued onto a double bubble level, which provides the hotshoe foot and perpendicular surfaces to align the prism to. I got a 1-inch square pentaprism from Anchor Optics, but you can find them a little cheaper at Surplus Shed (make sure it has reflecting surfaces). I chose the Jobu Design bubble level because the shell and foot are made of hard-anodized aluminum. Superglue provides a strong bond between the etched prism side and an anodized side of the level.
As is, the finder gives a pretty narrow FOV. I originally wanted to cement a plano-concave lens to the front of the prism to give a wide-angle view. It was a challenge to find the right size and strength surplus lens, and it wasn't completely flat on the plano-side. Twice I tried optical cement to glue it to the prism, but after curing any slight pressure on the lens would begin to compromise the bond :( The surfaces are too smooth for the cement to really hold.
With the prism alone, I have to hold it fairly close to my eye to get a decent view, making it more like a right angle finder. If you guys have any ideas on how to attach a negative lens on the front, let me know! :cool:
BTW, someone looking at you while you use this WLF will see your single eye staring at him/her. It's kinda creepy...:eek: