When you look through the viewfinder of a Kiev (right of photo), you see two images; one from the viewfinder and one from the other window on the left. You move the lens focus until the two are aligned and then you are ready to take your shot.
Problem is, the viewfinder window shows the field of view of a 50mm lens. What if you are using a lens of a different focal length? The rangefinder focus will still work; but you won’t know what will be included in your image.
Enter the turret. It has a rotating dial with different lenses to reflect the focal lengths of lens available for the camera. You rotate the turret to reflect the lens you are using; move another dial to reflect subject distance (compensates for parallax effects); and then stare into the window at the back to see what you will be photographing.
Yes Spike, very clever, but may I point out that the lenses you have for this camera are all 50mm or thereabouts? Yes, gentle reader, you may. But having the viewfinder gives me management justification for the acquisition of lenses of alternative focal lengths, so I may take advantage of this device. But most of all, it just looks very cool.
Comments 🔗
2012-06-28| Spanky saysI looked at one of those for my E-P1 until I sold it. I saw a bunch for sale at reasonable prices on ebay. You always have the coolest toys.