24-25 with separate finder or 28 without

[kubilai]

I am a fanatic user of 24mm with reflex (since 1984) For a come-back to telemetric camera (late Cle, Ikonta...), I feel wide-angle will be my first lens.
Dilemma :
- 24-25 with auxiliary finder
- or 28 without (but faster)
Has somebody an experience ob both ? Does finder hamper ?

Thanks

[VinceC]

I also was in love with 24mm when I shot SLRs for more than a decade. When I put together my rangefinder kit 15 years ago, the 24/25mm wasn't an option in Nikon RF, so I got a 28mm and a 21mm. Today, I'd get a CV 25mm.

I like separate finders for wide lenses. The view is much closer to what you'd get with an SLR image and focus isn't critical. But it is another piece of gear you have to worry about.

As a longtime 24mm user, I've never been completely happy with the coverage of 28mm in RF.

Slower speed is an issue. I've found that I end up using a fast 35mm f/1.8 when low light is critical and the 28mm or 21mm when there's a bit more light.

If I shot Leica Ms and was putting together a kit, I'd take a very hard look at the new Zeiss 25mm f/2.8. It focuses closer and is relatively affordable compared to the Leica alternative.

[paulh]

If you are using a 24mm on a M6 0.72, you could go without a external finder as I find that the outer limits of the viewfinder is close enough for the 24mm angle of view.
Cheers,
Paul

[FPjohn]

Hello:

Which camera do you intend to use with the 25mm or 28? I've found that the 25mm Skopar I purchased for a M6 has migrated semi-permanently, with its seperate viewfinder, to my 111b. Apparently a natural fit.

yours
Frank