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Additional
information on
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Nikon (Nippon
Kogaku K.K.) Finder Group of Accessories
for Nikon S-Mount Nikon Rangefinder (RF) cameras - Part II
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HTML File Size: 72K Loading ... 3rd Draft
06.04.2011
Part Three:-
Multi-focal lengths (Universal)
Nikon Variframe Viewfinder Models
Most of the Nikon rangefinder
camera models after 1957 with the SP release have built-in bright-line frame as visual
composition and focusing guide. There are cases where some model(s0 only supplied
with scaled down frame lines and or for pre-SP era bodies that may not has one of
the popular focal length lenses, special finder designed to suit the lens becomes
necessary which can be easily installed on top of the accessory shoe for such purpose
The basic option is to get a single focal length Finder type to suit the lens in
use (Nikon referred them as "Individual Finder"). Some are supplied as
standard accessory but most are sold as optional and usually, parallax correction
is provided for longer telephoto finder on the specific type. While an individual
viewfinder is good for single specific focal length only, an universal finder type
is designed as multi-focal lengths from 35~135mm. There are basically two types of
universal viewfinders: Variframe and Varifocal Zoom Finder. |
| The Universal Variframe Finder varies
the picture frame area in accordance to the field of view of the lens in used. The
Size of the image shown in the finder always remains unchanged. Just slip the finder
onto the accessory show at the top of the camera. It has a dial at the base of the
finder for adjusting to the focal length of the lens in use. Focus the lens first
and then set the pallrax adjustment at the thumb wheel at the base in accordance
to the focused distance set on the camera lens. Handling of the variframe finder
is more of less the same with the Varifocal Finder introduced at later stage. EXCEPT
the Variframe finder has NO graduation indicating 1X and 0.5X image magnification.
Further, the magnification of the image DOESN'T vary as in the case of Varifocal
finder type. Variframe finders are the earliest optical finder accessory that offer
multi-focal lengths framing guides in a single finder. It varies the picture frame-size
to conform to the field of view for Nikkor lenses from 35-135mm. They have a larger
dimension than single focal length Finders. It was believed Variframe finder has
been supplied as an optional accessory way back to the Nikon M. As the long production
from then on, many variations could have been produced all these years as Nikon had
kept on improving the models. Generally, you may use three stages to guess their
rough year of produce. The early series may has "MIOJ", followed by "Nippon
Kogaku Tokyo" and "Japan" as the closest to last quarter of the '50.
Another small area which might be able to help as pre-Nikon S2 cameras had not adopted
the 36x24mm format yet, you may see 32 x 24mm which may suggest they are the earliest
versions. |
 This was a Nikon M Variframe finder with
S/N 902407 but has an early 24 x 36mm format indication along with "Nippon Kogaku
Tokyo" + "MIOJ" -Rare accessory for the dedicated Nikon M Rangefinder
Rare in the sense as you may also notice it also has a calibration of additional
10.5cm as well as 7.3 and 9cm settings. The shoe mount doesn't look Nikon fit either.
These may suggest it was a produce for Leica but made during the M period. |
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| Credit: Image courtesy
of camera$@EBAY®. He also operates a popular EBAY STORE where he often lists many used RARE pieces
of Nikon, Leica and other old classic photo equipment, Images are also well taken
for visual confirmation for buyers - he is also one of my favorite bookmark Ebay
dealer. Image copyright © 2006. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual
property of the contributing photographer. |
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| CLICK to view:- A Series of Variations/Models on Nikon (Nippon Kogaku
K.K.) Variframe Optical Viewfinders by Mr. Richard Leon
from CLASSIC
Collectibles®. |
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The shown Finder has a black finishing with almost similar
configuration with the chrome version stated above. Obviously, with the different
material used, it is lighter in weight. Nikon had produced variation with mounting
foot for Contax cameras too but I don't have a Variframe version to show. Note the
change of name to "Nippon Kokaku Tokyo and the 24 x 36 film format.
I guess if we go into details, the entire page will not be able to accommodate the
variations on this Variframe finder.
Credit: Image at the left
courtesy of Mr. Kelvin Li from his popular gokelvincameras
@ Ebay Store
which retails for many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax oldies. Image Copyright
© 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing
photographer.
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A Nikon own version with most common Nikkor standard
focal lengths marked on. This model shows "Made in Occupied Japan" (MIOJ)
as well as Nippon Kogaku Tokyo at the back:-
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| Credit: Image at the left
courtesy of Mr. Kelvin Li from his popular gokelvincameras
@ Ebay Store
which retails for many hard-to-find Nikon, canon, Contax oldies. Image Copyright
© 2003. All rights reserved. Please respect the visual property of the contributing
photographer. |
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In most cases, the calibrating focal
length for a Nikon Variframe is provided for 3.5, 5, 8.5
and 135mm. Late models could also include 10.5cm. It was also a fact that early Variframe
Finder are more like Leica copies. It closely resembles Leica VIOOH (1940~64) Imarec model and VIDOM universal finder series. Many of these early series of Nikon Variframe Finder made for
Leica may be able to verify via inclusion of odd focal lengths such as 7.3cm and
9cm which are not available in the Nikkor lens series.
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A Nikon Variframe
Finder with MIOJ marking. This one has an additional eyepiece for further image magnification
Quite an interesting add-on.
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Nikon black bodied Variframe Finder Type/ Variation/
Model 9 showing various popular Nikon focal lengths Nikkor lenses. This version has NO accessory shoe. It has a similar design with DUAL dials/rings control for parallax
/ focal length adjustment (the close focus compensation are also color-coded) . This
has almost the same design with the last version of the Nikon VARIFOCAL Finder model.
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| Some were also being produced with a
Contax accessory shoe mounting foot. So far, I have found An illustrated history
of Nikon rangefinder cameras by R. Rotoloni has the best description to absolute
details in version history. IF you have special interest in the versions, you may
consider getting a copy of his journal as reference. |
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Zeiss Jena Finder
(left) with provision for 2.8, 3.5, 5, 8.5 and 13.5cm. The Zeiss Ikon's 440 Turret (above right) has an ultrawide 25mm with
35, 50, 85 and 135mm calibration.
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Leica VIOOH Finder
with 35, 50, 85-90,135 mm settings.
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Leica IMAREACT VIOOH
Finder
| LINK
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Leica VIDOM Turret
Finder
| LINK
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NOTE:-
Comparing Nikon designed Finder Types with some of the popular Contax Carl Zeiss Jena / Zeiss Ikon Finders (NEW)
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