Prism finder 45 = pain in the neck

[dick roadnight cotswolds]

I have always used 45 degree prism finders with MF SLRs, but, having

just spent two days using one in the studio (6 120s), I conclude that

the 90 degree version is more ergonomic, as you do not have to bend

to view. Straight finders or standard finders would be worse. Rear

view has always been normal for 35mm and LF.

 

What do you think or use?

[godfrey]

Each has its place. I tend to prefer the straight or 45 degree

finders because I am usually looking for a "lower than eye-level"

viewpoint with my 6x6 cameras. A 90 degree prism is best if you

prefer the higher viewpoint.

 

Godfrey

[david_goldfarb]

Another issue is that 45-degree finders tend to be brighter than 90-degree finders. I presume they don't need as many reflective surfaces to work.

 

Rear view hasn't been normal for LF SLRs. Take a look at a Graflex RB--it's a long chimney finder. Reflex finders for view cameras don't tend to be 90-degree finders either.

 

90-degree finders have a real advantage for shooting handheld candids--when the camera is at eye level, the pictures aren't always looking up people's noses.

[richard_oleson]

45 finders are generally a little less bulky, which i think is why you see them more in MF than smaller formats (although Alpa used them in 35mm and Goerz in a 16mm submimi TLR); i think the main thing though is just what level you want the camera at. 45 and 90 finders should both have 3 reflecting surfaces (one flat lateral surface and one reversing roof), but the light path inside the glass is probably shorter in the 45 so there may be less absorption loss.

 

i like a 90 prism if i'm in a hurry, and a regular reversed-image WL finder if i'm not.

 

:)=

[q.g._de_bakker]

Dick!

 

You do surprise me! You mean to say that you do not have one of those very nice Sinar Bino viewfinders?! They make LF viewing a treat. Much, much better than "rear view"!

 

;-)

[Rob F.]

I like my PME 45 degree prism, because it feels more ergonomic to me not to have to hoist the camera to eye level. My hands seem to reach the controls more naturally that way.

[ramy_sadek]

I've never understood the 90. Why not just use the waist level then? The 90s always seemed to me to be a giant waste.

 

And if you set up your tripod right, you don't have to bend down with the 45 at all.

[dick roadnight cotswolds]

Yes Q.G, I do have have one of those very nice Sinar Bino viewfinders, but the traditional LF dark cloth system was "rear view"

 

Does any body make an MD MF/LF camera with cctv viewfinder and powered, remote control movements and turret mounted lenses, on a pod that walks about by itself?