Hasselblad PM45 prism finder, yellow tint?

cirwin2010 · Jun 4, 2024

I just bought a Hasselblad PM45 Prism finder. When viewing through it I immediately noticed it gives everything a warm, yellowish tint. Waist level finder looks far more neutral. Obviously this doesn't affect the images at all. Just wondering if this is typical or if there is something wrong with the one I bought.

Sirius Glass · Jun 4, 2024

Is there a filter over the eye piece?
Is there anything on the prism opening?

Directly to your question: No there should be no coloration from the prism; it should look like the Waist Level Finder, but larger without stray light coming in from the side.

Pieter12 · Jun 4, 2024

I don't know how strong the tint is in your finer, but it could actually work to your advantage. I find a yellow or orange filter over the lens helps me judge how a scene will look in black and white.

cirwin2010 · Jun 4, 2024

Just to clarify it is a pretty minor tint, but noticeable. It's not like looking through yellow filter. More like a slight warming filter. I don't see anything on the eye piece or bottom glass of the viewfinder.

There is a iridescent purple tint on the surface of the glass. Looks like an anti-reflective coating. Maybe the warm tint is a bi-product of the coating?

Paul Howell · Jun 4, 2024

Not sure if related, I have several Sigma SA 7 and 9 with the yellow prisms, when I asked Sigma about it one of tech managers said that it was caused by the adheavie that held some of the glass elements in place turning yellow.

Alan9940 · Jun 4, 2024

No idea if there's anything wrong with your PM45 finder, but I've had and used one on my 500C/M for 40 years and it's as clear and color neutral today as the day I bought it. Maybe some internal coatings have yellowed slightly?

guangong · Jun 4, 2024

This is a problem shared by Leicaflex cameras, and is the result of deteriorating balsam in the prism. There is no cure. Only replacement of the prism. I had DAG replace prism for my SL2, but decided to leave my SL cameras alone.

cirwin2010 · Jun 5, 2024

Still thinking about it, but maybe I will return this one and try a different copy.

Eff64 · Jun 5, 2024

I have several prisms, and none have any significant color difference to the scene. This is a wall with neutral gray paint, white trim and window shade. The viewfinder image is from a PM45.

Not meant to be scientific, but you get the idea.

BrianShaw · Jun 5, 2024

cirwin2010 said:
Still thinking about it, but maybe I will return this one and try a different copy.

If you continue to be concerned about it then you really should return it. The unhappiness will may not go away unless you do so.

RezaLoghme · Jun 5, 2024

cut your losses early...

Sirius Glass · Jun 5, 2024

cirwin2010 said:
Still thinking about it, but maybe I will return this one and try a different copy.

I agree that if you keep it, you will always have second thoughts, return it and buy another one.

cirwin2010 · Jun 17, 2024

I got another PM45 prism and it is the same as the first. Has a slightly warm tint to the image. I inspected it as closely as I can and like the first, I don't see anything obviously wrong with it. Since I've now had two with same exact coloration I'm just going to assume that is normal and keep this one.

Sirius Glass · Jun 17, 2024

Now there is one less thing to bother you at night and keep you from sleeping.

RezaLoghme · Jul 2, 2024

I have just checked my PME and yes, there is a tint, a hue of some sort, but only if you really look for it.

Hasselblad PM45 prism finder, yellow tint?

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