john_noble1 Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 Besides the 2X magnification of the VN model, is there any real difference between Minolta's two angle finders? Is one brighter/better than the other? Does the magnification feature on the VN have real world utility, or does it just get in the way? Anything else I should know? I'd like to use one of these on my X-700 for both macro and general photography. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoff_mcauliffe Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 I have both, I use the newer version, which has less metal in it and weighs less, for copy work and occasional macro on an X-700. I do like the 2x feature but I find that, if I focus carefully, I don't need it. Also, the 2x feature cuts down the field of view you see so you may wind up switching back and forth between 1x and 2x to check what in in the viewfinder. I have not compared the brightness between the two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael_hohner Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 Of course the 2x magnification crops the field of view. How else could it magnify? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_noble1 Posted March 1, 2005 Author Share Posted March 1, 2005 Thanks for the info, Geoff -- I really didn't think I'd get a response from anyone who had used both of them, let alone owned both at the same time! It sounds like I'd be happy with the V ... which happens to be a lot easier to find & a little cheaper than the VN. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokkor fan Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 The 2x makes a real difference when aiming for absolute manual focus accuracy. I wouldn't be without it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_noble1 Posted March 1, 2005 Author Share Posted March 1, 2005 Darn it, Antony -- there you go confusing me! :-) Thanks for the advice. Wanna trade yours for my quartz date back? Seriously, thanks a LOT for putting up the Rokkorfiles site. I consulted it regularly when putting together my little SLR kit recently, and with your help I feel like I ended up with a pretty decent bag of toys for not much $$. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fmueller Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 Just thought I should point out that the angle finder Vn is still available new at B&H - or at least it used to be until very recently, because it's currently out of stock. Also, new prices always come as a shock when you are used to buying 2nd hand ;-) http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=35664&is=REG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john_noble1 Posted March 1, 2005 Author Share Posted March 1, 2005 Thanks, Frank -- I think B&H had it in stock a couple of months ago but it appears that Minolta no longer distributes it in the USA. As for cost, I just bought a Cable OC and off camera shoe for $70 at a local dealer (ouch! at least they were NIB), so $119 for something that has actual optics in it doesn't sound so bad! Even worse was having to pony up $50+ for a remote release cable for my little Leica. :-/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_bedell Posted March 1, 2005 Share Posted March 1, 2005 I have the V (I think--it's very old and made of metal) and love it. <p> <img src="http://www.lbbfamily.com/albums/Dual-Cats/Haruki_Drinking_1.sized.jpg"> <p> <img src="http://www.lbbfamily.com/albums/Dual-Cats/Katsuo_Around_Corner.sized.jpg"> <p> Shots I would never have gotten without it. ;-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rokkor fan Posted March 2, 2005 Share Posted March 2, 2005 John, sorry this one is staying with me - interestingly, it also fits the EOS 1 series bodies I udse for work as well as my Minolta stuff I use for fun. Thanks also for the compliment for the site! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
littlegreenfern Posted December 1, 2022 Share Posted December 1, 2022 I know this is a really old post, but it helped me as I looked for these units. I finally have used both and my opinion is that the magnification is really useful and the new Vn model is also easier to see through. The construction is MUCH flimsier though. It is not nearly as sturdy as the older V model. Also, this might just be my model, but the diopter adjustment rotates really easily, so it is hard to set and forget it. You will be fiddling with that adjustment constantly. I might try to take it apart to see if there is a seal or o-ring that I can replace to make some more resistance for that adjustment. I wish they would have kept the older construction methods while adding the nice rubber eyecup, the improved eye relief range, and the magnification for sharper focusing. I still can't be 100% certain, but I think I will probably continue using the V model unless I can find a few adjustments in the Vn model to improve its performance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodeo_joe1 Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 (edited) Sorry to tell Minolta fans, but I modified a Minolta RA finder to fit my Nikon DSLR. My old knees had started to complain too much about kneeling down to view low-level shots. I think this must be the V version since it has fixed magnification, and the build-quality is really good. The conversion was easy and reversible. The Minolta eyepiece 'slide' just unbolts and could then be replaced with a modified blinding cap for the Nikon. Edited December 2, 2022 by rodeo_joe1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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