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645 w waist level finder?


frank_gross

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Hi, Frank,

 

The only AF645 camra that suits your need is Contax 645 system. Although the whole lineup is discontinued recently, it should still be possible to find brand new ones. The only other AF 645 bosies with interchangeable viewfinders are Fuji GX645 and Hasselblad H models (essentially same hardware) but no waist-level finders are provided in the system so far.

 

Having said that, waist-level finder in a rectanglular format should be quite uncomfortable especially when you compose the picture vertically. I would think that the squaer format (6x6 system) is the "only" format in which you can work comfortably. The only AF square format camera is made by Rollei.

 

The AF 645 system of Pentax and Mamiya provide angle finders that can rotate when you compose vertically, but this solution doesn't seem to suit your need.

 

Sorry that there doesn't seems to be good news for you, but I hope this would be of any help.

 

Akira

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The Bronica ETR / ETRS / ETRSi models have an interchangeable finder as well. In fact, the Bronica line offers MANY types of finders such as Waist Level, Eye Level Prism (AE), Prism with Meter (AE II), and several eye level swivel finders.

 

These are great cameras. I personally use the ETRS with an AEII metered prism finder, but often find myself wanting a WLF. I plan to pick one up shortly.

 

After all, Bronica stuff is super cheap nowadays. WLF would make a lot of tripod work much easier, even for verticals. As it stands, I often find myself nearly lying on the floor to compose a shot through the eye level finder when shooting the domes inside cathedrals and the like. A WLF would allow me to compose shots without being a contortionist. Portraits on a tripod would be easier at times as well.

 

Bronica offers a LOT for the money. Interchangeable film backs, finders, and GREAT lenses- not to mention cool accessories like a speed handle and a motorized film winder. Oh yeah... and a nifty sports finder so you can pretend to be a WWII shipboard anti-aircraft gunner!

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If I really needed it, I would make one. The waist level finder is basically nothing but a piece of metal or plastic that blocks unuseful light from the ground glass. But the thing is, a waist level finder is really not that cool on a 645 camera. Not only is the pose very funny when taking a vertical picture, but the image will also be upside down on the gound glass. I am a big WLF fan, but I use 6x6.
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