Hasselblad PME45 viewfinder enhancements

[squareframe]

Hasselblad users,<br><br>

 

I recently submitted my evaluations of the PME45 prism viewfinder to

Hasselblad for review, and would like other PME45 users to pass along

their comments. Do you agree? Do you find additional gaps in the

functionality and user-interface restrictions? I would gladly compile

a listing and forward them to Mr. Pettersson.<br><br>

 

My recent 203FE purchase has allowed me to assess the differences

when using my 503CW and PME45 combination, and the restrictions are

quite obvious after a comparison of the two camera systems.<br><br>

 

Daniel Taylor<br>

Lightsmythe Studios<br>

Oregon, USA<br><br>

 

------------------------------------------------------<br>

Victor Hasselblad AB<br>

Goteborg, Sweden<br><br>

 

Mr. Erland Pettersson,<br><br>

 

Hasselblad USA asked me to direct my observations and questions to

you regarding the Hasselblad PME45 metered prism viewfinder. I have

been using the PME45 for the past year and am generally very pleased

with its offering. The high-eyepoint, clarity of the optics, and

accurate metering are greatly appreciated and contribute positively

to my photography. The past year has allowed a few observations and

recommendations to surface. The largest restriction is the lack of

holding an exposure value in spot and integral metering modes.

Incident metering allows two modes, continuous and sample-and-hold.

This same scheme is not allowed on the current implementation of spot

and integral metering. this is a large gap in functionality that I

would like to be reviewed and considered for inclusion into future

firmware upgrades. A typical user-scenario would be to find a mid-

toned area, meter and hold, recompose, and expose. On my 203FE, this

is facilitated within the lock function by half-depressing the

shutter release. This allows storage of the selected reading, and

holding that through recomposition. On the PME45, this does not

exist. The user can sample and store the reading, but it is now only

used as a reference, and the metering remains continuous. The user

must set the aperture/shutter from memory, or store the reading by

pressing the sample button two seconds, recomposing, and then

mentally offsetting the display exposure by the reference offset. As

in incident mode, disabling the reference function should disable the

continuous sampling and allow sample-and-holding for both spot and

integral mode. In fact, the sample button has no function in spot and

integral mode other than turning on the lightmeter. It is my belief,

that these two modes should have the same options allowed in incident

mode. My second observation is that the metering mode selection

process is not efficient. Presently, the metering-mode button must be

depressed and then the increment/decrement buttons used to select the

mode. A more logical approach, would be to scroll through the

selections with each press of the select-mode button. The first press

displays the current mode, and additional pressings scroll through

the selections. This is more efficient and obviates the need for

locating (fumbling) another set of buttons to push. A useful feature

that is very cumbersome to emulate at present, is to allow metering

as the user scrolls through the metering mode offerings. This affords

the user a quick assessment of differences between spot, integral,

and incident metering.<br><br>

 

Please accept these recommendations for review. I strongly believe

they will enhance an already excellent product in the PME45.<br><br>

 

Kind regards,<br><br>

 

Daniel Taylor<br>

Lightsmythe Studios<br>

Oregon, USA<br>

[kevin_kolosky]

which is why I use the pm 45 and a handheld meter.

 

Kevin

[paul_lassiter]

Hasselblad should offer diopter correction eyepieces for this and the PM45 viewfinder. While it is true this viewfinder has an adjustable diopter correction range, it does not cover those users outside the built-in range. Hasselblad offers a supplemental eyepiece for the PM90 to extend the range but does not, for some reason, offer a supplemental eyepiece correction eyepiece for the PME45 to extend the range of the built in diopter correction range. Hasselblad's answer seems to be, "If your eyes don't fall within our built-in correction range, just wear glasses or live with it!"

[ted_ylauan]

I use separate handheld meters. However, I do have a PME45 on my 503cw for times when I want the convenience of an on camera meter.

 

I do agree with Daniel's recommended enhancements. As an eyeglass wearer, I also agree with Paul's as well.

[gary voth]

I have the PME90 and have recently purchsed (but not yet received) the PME45. I beleive the two metering systems are operationally identical.

 

This is probably the opposite of Danile's issue, but I for one would like to be able to set a much longer auto-off period for the meter. I like to have the metering operate continuously to track changes in lighting, and I have need to check it frequently when I am working with the camera hand-held. It seems the maximum of 60s is just too short, the meter invariably shuts off and then I have to find my way to the activation button again...

[gl5]

having just recently acquired a PME45 i have to say that i agree with your suggestions. the metering mode adjustment method being the most significant flaw in my opinion.

 

also, i wish the meter wasn't quite so bulky...