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Prism finder

F

flashbulbman

Member
Having trouble using prism finder. I bought 2 finders to make sure I had a good view through the lens. One is a HC-1 90 degree finder and the other is a Keiv 45 degree finder I got for $50 at a camera show.


I like the way I see better through a 90 degree finder, which is a straight on view, just like using a regular SLR 35mm camera. However, I wear glasses and can see a vignetted view only. I can not see all four corners, only the center area.

I tried the 45 degree finder and found it very difficult to use for moving subjects and for a wedding. I did not like looking down from an angle. However, it was ok when the camera was on a tripod.

The 90 degree prism was much better, but not seeing the whole square is a bummer. Is the PM 90 prism any better? I have not tired one nor seen one. Will I have the same problem not seeing the total image with any prism since I wear glasses?
 
The PM90 is much better than the HC-1 to view through with glasses. I can see the entire frame. The reason this is possible is because the PM90 has only a 2X magnification, so you are looking at a smaller image. Even at that, I would always choose the PM90.

Terry
 
Thanks Terry. How about the PM prism at 45 degrees with a flash shoe atop it? I can get a nice one cheap. Is that a 2X ? Is it brighter? What is the purpose of a 45 degree prism. They seem akward to use in my opinion, especially for moving subjects? Were they for tripod use only?
 
Hard to me to use prism (I have the old PM and the new PME). The maginification is not enough. As the PM-90 is only 2x I will never try. With digital, focussing is a really harder job. So standard viewfinder or 4x4 is a must.

With the new PM and 4x4 it is possible to modify dioptry in a second, so no problem with glass, Just do not use it !
BTW, yes it's not easy to keep flash on Hasselblad !
 
The PME90 is much better than the older versions.
Just got one at a good price and im really happy with it.
But keep in mind to also get Acute Matt-D if you do not have it anyway ;)
 
The older PM and PM5 45 degree prisms have a 3X magnification and are easier to focus. I have no trouble using them but I only shoot stationary subjects. The newer PME45 and PM45 have a 2.5X magnification. Not quite as good but still quite usable. My favorite is the PM-5 45 degree model. 3X mag and they are quite inexpensive these days. They flash shoe on top is usable but makes the whole rig top heavy and somewhat unstable.

Terry
 
flashbulbman said:
Thanks Terry. How about the PM prism at 45 degrees with a flash shoe atop it? I can get a nice one cheap. Is that a 2X ? Is it brighter? What is the purpose of a 45 degree prism. They seem akward to use in my opinion, especially for moving subjects? Were they for tripod use only?
Click to expand...


The Hasselblad prisms with 45 degree they are easier to use from the sense of greater magnification. It makes correct focusing much easier. I have a PM90 which from this respect I'm not as happy as with the 45 degree. However if you need a fast change of camera position when working with particularly long lenses the PM90 is easier and faster to work with, albeit more difficult to see what is in focus.
 
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