FDA-A1AM

[Dr. Harout]

Got me a right angle finder (Sony FDA-A1AM). And since there is no section for accessories (yet), I thought this would be the most suitable place.
Before posting any thoughts read David's article here: http://www.photoclubalpha.com/2008/04/1 ... pha-dslrs/
The one I have is the Sony one, not Seagull.
The Pros:
1- much beautiful than the Seagull (from pictures)
2- the lever to change the magnification is bigger
3- seems a bit smaller and tougher than its counterpart
4- has the Sony name and the Alpha sign for a show off
5- light and seems durable
6- rotates around the axis not loosely, same for the focus (hope doesn't get loose in time)
7- bright

The Cons:
1- on 2x the view is fine at center but deteriorated at the edges
2- on 1x the view is fine but the panel underneath is a bit out-of-focused somehow (and worse on 2x magnification)
3- not so 'clever' bag.

I wonder how will it perform on A900 viewfinder as it is compatible.

[Birma]

Hi Doc, thanks for the review. I remember reading David's article in the magazine and thinking that the Seagull version seemed a very good deal (around 25GBP), especially as the Sony was quite expensive (around 100-130 GBP). The Seagull was therefore on my "want" list, but hadn't made it to the "need" list as I'm not entirely sure in what situations I would find it useful. From your review it sounds as if the Sony is nicer / better build quality. In what sort of situations are you using it? Do you thinkk a flip out screen and live view would make it redundant?

[Dr. Harout]

Hi Birma,
Live view is definitely not for me (not now anyway). Suppose you want to shoot from a low level, the angle finder is there to help you, or you want to go unnoticed, you just sit somewhere and look down on your camera, so no one will ever think you're photographing them (as an example).
On the other hand, when doing some macro shots, you sometimes need that fine tuning for a very precise focus (even with 2x).
The build quality is very decent. I like it.
Just to name a few. Overall, it's a very nice toy and a must have.

[Birma]

Thanks Doc - I start to see the usefulness of the Angle Finder, in particular for macro shots. Perhaps if I go for the Seagull version I can get a bottle of Laphroaig as well I have just got back from shopping in town, and despite it only being October, the shops have their Christmas decorations out Perhaps with Christmas in mind I will put these items on my list for Santa.

[Winston]

I have the Minolta version (Angle Finder VN). I believe it is the same as the Sony. I completely agree with the Doctor's assessment. I don't use mine much but it's always with me.