I know, but I can dream! : )
But really, I don't understand why none of the fixed focal length compacts (the Ricohs, the Coolpix A, the X70, even the expensive Leicas...) were designed with optical viewfinders in-camera.
It's really simple. In film cameras and early digital cameas, an optical view finder was a necessity, and the choice for implementing one determined much of the design for camera; TLR, SLR or Rangefinder. It was a case of the tail wagging the dog.
The only exception is the Fuji X100 series, and those viewfinders are more complicated than I need. And I understand the benefits of electronic viewfinders in zoom cameras, but didn't simple optical viewfinders in prime-lens film compacts work good enough for framing?
With modern digital sensors having a live readout feature, an OVF is now an unecessary inconvenience by requiring a 2nd optical pathway to be designed and accommodated (volume and cost) purely on the grounds of familiarity and nostalgia.
As the old dogs expire, the argument of familiarity shifts more towards the smartphone photographer generation, so nostalgia will be the last stand of the OVF.
While using the rear screen to compose is obviously still an anathema to some traditionalists, it is easily demonstrated that this is an acquired prejudice and can easily be cured if the patient is willing.
The logic goes thus:
Using an eye level finder naturally places the composition at the photographer's eye level.
As photographers come in a variety of heights, it follows that this viewpoint is convenience based rather than optimal.
Indeed, photographers using eye level finders can often be seen crouching and contorting their body to adjust eye level to a more appropriate position, or even carrying around a step, or balancing precariously on a conveniently acquired chair to adjust eye level.
A rear screen however, places much fewer restrictions on the photographers viewpoint. An arm can be raised, lowered or extended to either side, approximately a circle of 2 meters in diameter of alternative vantage points.
And, as the photographer is still free to crouch, contort and balance, this 2 meter circle is always in addition to the eye level placement.
Telephoto lenses, compositional stability and bright sunlight are the obvious factors that keep the VF concept relevant, but EFV is the obvious choice as it can use the same optical path as image capture, along with offering additional features; exposure simulation, magnification, focus peaking, etc.
But we have to keep it real too, and we all know there are some old dogs who simply enjoy being wagged by their tail.
