GRD with or without VF?

[Q-dog]

Hi,
Help me decide. Locally there are two GRD III for sale for about the same money. One is described as in great shape the other has some wear on the display but includes a Voigtländer 28mm VF. I think a VF will make the camera less pocketable but then it might be good on sunny days. What do you think, will I use it or would it be better to buy a camera in better shape?
Regards,
Ola

[Archlich]

You can bring the VF along and mount it when necessary.

[Sparrow]

I keep one in my jacket-pocket with the VF attached ...

[dogbunny]

Buy one of them and enjoy it. If you are concerned about actual use as opposed to wear you can check the shutter count on both.

db

[ottluuk]

I've been fine without an external VF - but that might be because I rarely take photos of any worth in midday sunlight. The screen is pretty good, but shows fingermarks awfully as long as it's turned off. I don't think I have many serious scratches on mine but the fingermarks make it look a bit iffy cosmetically. Turned on, it's still bright and clear. For the same $$$, I might be tempted to try the optical VF, though.

[Speedfreak]

Originally Posted by Q-dog

Hi,
Help me decide. Locally there are two GRD III for sale for about the same money. One is described as in great shape the other has some wear on the display but includes a Voigtländer 28mm VF. I think a VF will make the camera less pocketable but then it might be good on sunny days. What do you think, will I use it or would it be better to buy a camera in better shape?
Regards,
Ola

The OVF is pretty useless as with this type of camera you "point and shoot" anyway.

[paradoxbox]

i strongly disagree that the optical viewfinder is useless

composing a quick shot with the finder is way faster with the ovf on.

you get to see the actual scene in the finder rather than the lcd's version of it.

you can turn off the display screen and all the lights and sounds on the camera and use it like a super stealthy snapshot camera. combine that with snap-focus and you're all set.

i have both the gv-1 and gv-2. the gv-2 is always attached to my camera when i'm using the 28mm lens. i use the gv-1 on very dark nights or when i'm using the 21mm lens.

as far as pocketability the gv-2 (mini finder) doesn't affect pocketability much, but you need to be careful it doesn't fall off when you are placing it in or removing it from your pocket. it will still fit into a pair of jeans pockets as long as you're not wearing rock-star tight jeans.

the gv-1 is much larger but would still fit in the pocket of cargo pants or slacks.

[Q-dog]

A late thank you to all for your input. Of course I waivered too long and missed both of them. But then I stumbled upon another GRD III with GV-2 finder leather case and spare battery. Everything for less than half the price of a new GRD IV. Just got the package and it looks great.

Ola

[sevres_babylone]

Originally Posted by Q-dog

A late thank you to all for your input. Of course I waivered too long and missed both of them. But then I stumbled upon another GRD III with GV-2 finder leather case and spare battery. Everything for less than half the price of a new GRD IV. Just got the package and it looks great.

Ola

I waivered too long about answering

The GRD4 is still edging out the OMD for me as the camera I don't need that I'm likely to buy this year. And contradictions abound. The reason I want to get it is that I've been so happy with the GRD3; the reason I don't need it is that the GRD3 has been so good.

I got the finder and the leather case in a package from Popflash when bought the GRD2, and I kept them both when I sold the GRD2 upon getting the GRD3. My answer to your question would have been that I use the screen most of the time for composition, but that I'm still glad I have the viewfinder. The belt case is a really good accessory, especially when the VF is attached, and most of the time when I use the Ricoh, I carry it on my belt that way. Occasionally i carry it in the case in my camera bag; less frequently I have taken the VF off, and carried the camera in my shirt pocket (at club concerts, when getting in with anything beyond a point and shoot might be problematical).

Congratulations on your purchase.

[lcpr]

The VF is a godsend when it's sunny (yes, that happens every now and then in London), so you made the right choice.