greg_allum Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Hey, Ok this is a reallt simple question but I can't seem to find an answer anywhere. I am thinking of buying a Hasselblad 503CW Kit with 80MM 2.8 Carl Zeiss Lens, but I've never really bought a Medium Format Camera before... I did have a Bronica EC MF Camera lent to me a while back... What I am worried/unsure about is...that if i buy this kit...when I look thru the viewfinder will the image be what I see or will it be upside down/reversed? Is that where I need a prism?? Or does the prism do something else? If i need a prism, any recommendations? Hope someone can help, Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay_. Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 It will be right-side-up but reversed. A minor annoyance when composing if the subject is still, a virtual impossibility if the subject is moving (though someone will undoubtedly chime in that they have no trouble overcoming the human brain's hardwiring). Your only choice if you will be shooting moving subjects is whether you want a 90 degree prism, in which case you will need a handgrip or the motor grip to keep a steady and comfortable hold on the camera; or a 45 degree prism. I prefer the 45 degree because at 6'5" an eyelevel finder makes me crouch or bend much of the time. Shorter people seem to prefer the 90 degree finder because the 45 degree makes them tilt the camera up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_cochran Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 With a waist-level finder, the image will be rightside-up but reversed right-to-left. With a prism, the image will be rightside up and non-reversed -- the same as with most 35mm cameras. <p> A prism for medium format adds significant weight and bulk, and usually isn't worth it, IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
db1 Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I have a 503cw and I have the PM45 prism to use with it. But I find that I mostly use the WLF especially when out in the field. The image is reversed but you will quickly get used to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
greg_allum Posted March 30, 2004 Author Share Posted March 30, 2004 Ah thanks for your help, I was looking at the 45 Degree PM, but it seems a very expensive add on for something that I believe may be possible to overcome with practice. I shoot mainly portraits, people against walls... Would any of you have an idea or recommendations on which is better or the advantages/disadvantages of a 503CW over a 501CM? Greg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marc p. Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Clear advantages include the TTL capability (a must for studio portrait) and the hand grip capability. I would strongly recommend a prism, despite weight and cost, for the occasions where you will want to do informal shots. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeff.grant Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 I use a PME45 on a 503CW. For me, the advantage is being able to use the diopter adjustment on the prism so that I don't need glasses. With a WLF, I have to put my glasses on to see the GG and then take them off to use the magnifier etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tarashnat Posted March 30, 2004 Share Posted March 30, 2004 Greg, If you have no plans to use a Polaroid back, then a Kiev copy of the old 45 deg. prism can be had for a lower price than the Hasselblad version. There is also a spot/TTL meter 45 deg. prism available for a reasonable price. There are times when the waist-level finder shines. For example, if a composition demands the camera be held lower or near the ground, one doesn't have to contort oneself to see the focusing screen. It is also great for candids, as people are more tense when a camera is held at eye level. I shoot with both the waist-level and a 45 deg. prism. I usually have the 45 deg. mounted on the camera, but switch to the waist-level as the situation demands. I would think that the 90 deg. prism is best for a camera mounted high on a tall tripod, where the waist-level and the 45 deg. would be impractical. I don't think that I would want to lift the weight of the camera that high for each exposure handheld as would be required with the 90 deg. prism. Taras Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
audun_sjoeseth1 Posted March 31, 2004 Share Posted March 31, 2004 I'll recommend a 45 degree finder over a 90 deg., the "magnification" is higher in the 45 deg. finder, and the 45 is great hand held. I have 2 WLF, 45deg. finder, 503CW, 2000FC, CF-fle50, CFi100 and 2XE, and I prefer to use the equipment in these combinations: 503CW + WLF with the 50mm at apertures from 5.6 to 22. 2000FC + 45deg. finder with the 100mm with and without the converter often with the lens at 3.5 and with fast shutter speeds. For landscapes with the 100mm (also with 2xe) I stop down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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