Hasselblad non-metered prism finders

[simonpg]

I've searched the site without success. I use a 501CM with a WLF. I'm

interested in buying a 45 degree non-metered view finder - but am

unsure about the specific differences between the current PM45 and

(what I think is the earlier model) the PM5 I see advertised second

hand. Pictures don't show much difference, but prices are very

different.

 

I wear glassed especially for reading so need them on when using the

WLF except when I use the maginifier, which works well for me.

 

What are the specific differences between the 2 models? Are they both

nice and bright? Does eye relief differ especially when wearing

glasses? Does magnification differ, and if so is one better than the

other? Is sharp focusing easy and as accurate with the prism finder

as it is with the WLF magnifier?

 

Many thanks for your help.

[Ed_Ingold]

The PM45 is the latest model, and has 2.5x magnification and an adjustable eyepiece diopter. The PM5/51 is older, the eyepiece is not adjustable (but replaceable with different diopters), and the magnification is 3x. Some older PM5 prisms cannot be used with Polaroid backs.

 

Magnification is not as high as the WLF (which is about 5-6x), but unlike the WLF, applies to the entire field of view. You can also use a prism while wearing glasses - difficult with the WLF magnifier.

 

I have never used a WLF since buying a PM51 prism.

[johnmarkpainter]

Simon,

 

Take a look at the prisms at www.keh.com

 

http://www.keh.com/shop/product.cfm?bid=HH&cid=13&sid=newused&crid=7574448

 

They are pretty good about telling you the differences between models. I have the NC2 (it

was less than $100). I haven't put my WLF back on since I got the Prism. The NC2 works

fine with my Polaroid backs too.

 

jmp

[ulrik_neupert]

If you prefer wearing glasses when looking through the prism over adding a diopter to the prism eyepiece than take the new PM45 type. If you can live with a diopter eypiece (where you have to take off your glasses) even the old NC-2 type prism is very good (and cheap, and not so ugly!).

 

Ulrik

[Aoresteen]

I have the PM5 finder. The reason I got it is that it will show all the viewfinder data for the 200 series cameras (it has the blue bars on the side).

 

Right now I would buy the PM45 as my eyes have started to go (I didn't need reading glasses when I bought the PM5 5 years ago)and it's very nice to be able to adjust the diopter rather than use the diopter replacement lenses.