Hasselblad Viewfinder Criteria

[gerald_di_giampaolo]

I use a 501cm with a waist level finder. I enjoy the 4X

magnification of the flip-up magnifier along with the enhanced

"seeing" capability of the waist level finder. However I've

encountered two problems. I have difficulty using the waist level

finder when shooting macros of flowers, and since I'm only 5'4''

tall, I bypass some shots because I can't see the image. I want to

purchase the PM90 eye level prism because of my height, and for

shooting straight down at some flowers. Should I also purchase the

View Maginifier (2X) to compensate for the 2X magnification of the

PM90 compared to the 4X provided by the waist level finder? What

advantage is provided by viewing at 45 degrees vs. 90 degrees? Thank

you. Jerry

[Robin Smith]

Gerald.

 

The main reason to get the PM90 is if you intend to shoot 6 x 4.5 as you can then have easy vertical/horizontal flip. The PM5 (for 45 degree viewing)has a larger magnification, and in my opinion works much better ergonomically if you are shooting 6 x 6. Of course the metered 90 degree prism is more sophisticated than the metered 45 degree prism, but I do not think this is your concern. If you are shooting general non-macro shots at 6 x 6 then I would go for the PM5. However, how well this prism would work for macro work I really don't know as I do not do much of this myself.

[david_hall]

Hi, Jerry:

 

I'm very comfortable with the W/L finder and it's pop-up magnifier. It seems to be about the right magnification to focus critically on about anything. It's especially good to focus in dim light (wedding groups and the like.)

 

I also use the PM-90 because I love the "Point and Shoot" approach when I've got the whole rig assembled (Stroboframe and Quantum Flash.)

But, the lower magnification of the PM-90 is a problem for me and I really need the extra magnification of the flip-up magnifier. There are times when the camera is too high on a tripod to use the W/L finder and its magnifier; here the flip-up is just great.

 

So...I'm happy with the PM-90 and Flip-up magnifier. It's a little annoying to have it hanging(!) there but it works for me! Good Luck!

DaveinFLL

[peter walker]

Jerry,

 

I chose the 45 degree prism viewfinder because:

 

a. The 45 degree finder has larger magnification (x3) than the 90

degree (x2).

b. all the backs can still be used (with the 90 you can not use the

polaroid back and the 70mm film backs.

c. I do a lot of portrait work and feel that with the camera on a

tripod at the best height for a sitting portrait, the 45 degree finder

is right where it needs to be to look comfortably into the camera.

This is even more so, with the model closer to the ground (e.g.

sitting on the floor).

d. Before I purchased, I handled the camera with both and found that

the camera body sits better in my hands with the 45 degree finder. To

me, it felt that, with the 90 finder, the shutter release finger

position was not as natural.

 

My advice: Go to your favourite Hasselblad shop and try both finders

and see one works best for you. Shoot some shots with both finders,

simulating the kind of shooting environment / position that you

prefer. Buy the one that "feels right".

 

Regards

Peter

[peter walker]

Jerry,

 

One last comment regarding magnification:

 

In my experience, there is always a trade-off with more magnification.

Whilst things get bigger, and therefore easier to focus, they also

distort somewhat. With a magnifier in place your eye can only see

part of the image clearly. The best way, IMHO, to frame and

previsualise an image is directly on the ground glass screen.

However, sometimes the details are too small to be sure about focus.

That's why, the pop-up finder on the standard Hasselblad includes a

little pop-up magnifying glass. But of course, the best way to use

this is to frame the image, pop up the magnifier, check the focus and

then push down the magnifier before taking the shot. I think that, if

you used the magnifier all the time, your images may not be well

framed. This is becaue, with a magnifier in place, you have a move

your eye around to see the whole image. You can not see the full

effect of the whole image.

 

So my point (I am wandering a bit), is that, if the magnifier is

easily removed, then it might be useful sometimes to pop it on to

check focus in a complex image. But if it is more-or-less permanent,

then I would not recommend it.

 

Personally, I do not feel a need for an additional magnifier with the

45 degree prism. Its inbuilt 3x magnification seems to be enough for

accurate focusing in all my shooting situations (portraits, travel and

architecture). However, your photography work may require more

difficult focusing, in which case the magnifier might be justified. I

guess I have talked myself around to repeating my original suggestion:

Try both the finders both with and without magnifiers and see what

combination feels right for you.

 

Regards

Peter

[gary_voth]

I agree with the comments above about the benefits of 45 degree viewfinders. The Hassy is a bit easier to hold cradled in the palm. At eye level with a 90 degree finder you don't have the same ergonomics. (Of course, this is only pertinent if you are not using a tripod.)

 

Nonetheless, I bought and use a PME-90 prism with my 503CW. The reason is this finder is a "high eyepoint" type that provides greater eye relief if you wear glasses, and for me is much easier to view. I also use the great Winder CW, which makes the camera much easier to hold at eye level.

 

Since you want to do some shooting directly down, a 90 degree prism may be a better choice.

 

-Gary