3D WLF for Pentax 67

Hassasin · Jun 6, 2024

Just came across this WLF for P67 Looks pretty good, with fun part being customized badge, if one so chooses.

Has anyone tried one of these?

choiliefan · Jun 6, 2024

Still a bit expensive for me.
I see someone is working on one on thingaverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6622447
Looks like he'll be selling a kit sometime soon.

OAPOli · Jun 6, 2024

I think that's really neat, thanks for sharing.

Hassasin · Jun 6, 2024

choiliefan said:
Still a bit expensive for me.
I see someone is working on one on thingaverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6622447
Looks like he'll be selling a kit sometime soon.

They made a pretty good looking replica, that also seems to work as original, as oppose to thingaverse seemingly just trying to make something to function and fit.

DREW WILEY · Jun 6, 2024

The folding focus hood is the most compact and lightest weight way to go. But it's certainly not as deluxe as the tall chimney finder. Neither of those are convenient for vertical compositions. I don't know why someone would need a 3D printed replica when the original metal kind are still relatively easy to find.

Sal Santamaura · Jun 6, 2024

DREW WILEY said:
The folding focus hood is the most compact and lightest weight way to go. But it's certainly not as deluxe as the tall chimney finder. Neither of those are convenient for vertical compositions. I don't know why someone would need a 3D printed replica when the original metal kind are still relatively easy to find.

I purchased a "new unused" sample from an eBay seller in Japan. It went back when, like every other item I've bought from Japanese sellers, it was extremely musty, something I can't tolerate, especially when using the finder involves placing my nose right next to it. The islands are so humid that this is apparently unavoidable. With rare and desirable lenses, I've been able to use dilute bleach to "de-must" their non-porous surfaces. The finder, however, has porous leatherette that I wasn't willing to risk exposing to bleach. That's my reason for being interested in this new, nylon version. The only question I have about it is how the lack of a foam seal on its bottom affects performance.

DREW WILEY · Jun 6, 2024

The lack of a perimeter seal has less of an effect than with a prism finder where the gap might allow condensation from breath in cold weather. But you could put a little strip of removable tape along there anyway. I generally only use a folding finder in order to keep weight down when carrying a second P67 body, since interchanging a prism finder from another body back and forth is rather quick. I'd put b&w film in one body, color in the other - sometimes on trips to the Hawaiian Islands - and yes, condensation is often a risk there too.

In my little accessory kit I have a small roll of 1/8" wide black graphics tape for sealing any finder gaps. I still need to replace the deteriorating gasketing on my oldest prism.

AZD · Jun 6, 2024

I made my own hood in 1995 using heavy paperboard and balsa wood. I could sometimes borrow the school’s 6x7 over the weekend and wanted to use it like my TLR. It worked perfectly.

blee1996 · Jun 6, 2024

It seems waist level finders become fashionable again, even for rectangular format such as 35mm. I guess there were several semi-famous yourtubers who rave about them. For example, price of Nikon DW-3 finder for Nikon F3 has shot through the roof. And there are plenty of Nylon 3D printed versions for sale on eBay.

I did like the novelty of WLF while I first got my Exakta Varex VX, but it is neither precise in focus nor convenient for vertical shots.

If I really want to enjoy WLF, I go for 6x6 medium format cameras with a bight screen.

Hassasin · Jun 7, 2024

DREW WILEY said:
The folding focus hood is the most compact and lightest weight way to go. But it's certainly not as deluxe as the tall chimney finder. Neither of those are convenient for vertical compositions. I don't know why someone would need a 3D printed replica when the original metal kind are still relatively easy to find.

Actually they are not all that easy to find anymore (WLF that is), and most have asking price in 200+ $ range, especially if they are in good condition. I've found this offering intriguing partly because they have clearly put in a lot of work to replicate the original. The front label customization is icing on the cake.

loccdor · Jun 7, 2024

I actually found that a finder-hood meant for using a Sony NEX-3 digital camera LCD screen in bright sunlight fits almost perfectly on my Mamiya 645 (magnets hold it in place), and the lens you look through also is correct.

It's this thing. I think it was only like 30 bucks.

You might see if a similar item meant for a larger LCD screen could be used, if you don't need the foldability.

Hassasin · Jun 7, 2024

loccdor said:
I actually found that a finder-hood meant for using a Sony NEX-3 digital camera LCD screen in bright sunlight fits almost perfectly on my Mamiya 645 (magnets hold it in place), and the lens you look through also is correct.

It's this thing. I think it was only like 30 bucks.

You might see if a similar item meant for a larger LCD screen could be used, if you don't need the foldability.

Thanks, but not really looking for solutions not built for the camera. I have chimney finder which is indeed, I agree, best for P67, but bulky at the same time, and sometimes WLF is one to use.

DREW WILEY · Jun 7, 2024

I remember the yearbook staff in High School running around with Rollei twin-lens 6X6's and waist level finders. They never got sharply focussed prints, but it didn't matter. The school bought those expensive cameras because nothing else seemed to hold up to the routine student abuse.

Oldwino · Jun 7, 2024

You should buy one, and then let us know how it is.

3D WLF for Pentax 67

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