Hasselblad PME-45 vs PM-45

Jager · Sep 20, 2015

I'm contemplating adding a prism finder to my V-system kit, for portraits, headshots, and weddings. I expect I'll continue to use the waist-level finder most of the time (I love composing that way).

Anyway, I'm debating between the metered PME45 and the unmetered PM45. Nordin's Compendium lists the weight of the PME45 as 440 grams; but does not list the weight for the PM45. Anyone know what the difference is?

Luis-F-S · Sep 20, 2015

The PM is a about the same weight from my recollection when I had both, if you want the lightest, get the older NC-2 prism. L

bdial · Sep 20, 2015

I have both, like Luis-F-S, I've not noticed a particular difference. I'd expect the PME to be slightly heavier due to the battery and such.
The PME's meter is convenient in that it's always there and you don't have to carry something else, but, it's a little fiddly to work with. Workflow-wise it's not much different than working with a hand-held meter.

RalphLambrecht · Sep 20, 2015

Jager said:
I'm contemplating adding a prism finder to my V-system kit, for portraits, headshots, and weddings. I expect I'll continue to use the waist-level finder most of the time (I love composing that way).

Anyway, I'm debating between the metered PME45 and the unmetered PM45. Nordin's Compendium lists the weight of the PME45 as 440 grams; but does not list the weight for the PM45. Anyone know what the difference is?

I got a Hasselblsd because I wanted a reliable mechanical camera without electric/electronic components;for that reason,I picked a viewfinder without batteries and carry the same lightmeter I use will all my other cameras.That way, I work with familiar equipment and keep my V system as simple aspossible

Alan9940 · Sep 20, 2015

I've had both and like bdial said it's "fiddly" and IMO not as accurate (at least, in my use) as my handheld meters. Sold the PME and kept my PM. Like Ralph, I prefer my know meters for all formats--35mm to 8x10.

Best regards,
AlanH

jerrybro · Sep 20, 2015

I have the PME and the standard waist level. I use the PME with a hand grip and flash when shooting indoors, events, and gatherings. When out and about I prefer the lightness of the waist level. That is what I like about the blad, the ability to change the configuration to suit the need.

RobC · Sep 20, 2015

how do you do your metering normally. If its with a hand held meter then I see no need for a PME.
If you are planning on using zone system I would get a spot meter. So again, I see no need for a PME
If you are planning on getting an incident meter, then again I see no need for PME
If just want to use it like a point and shoot then get a PME

RalphLambrecht · Sep 20, 2015

RobC said:
how do you do your metering normally. If its with a hand held meter then I see no need for a PME.
If you are planning on using zone system I would get a spot meter. So again, I see no need for a PME
If you are planning on getting an incident meter, then again I see no need for PME
If just want to use it like a point and shoot then get a PME

Exactly

MattKing · Sep 20, 2015

Metering finders are very useful if you are doing lots of close focus work. They do all the exposure adjustment work for you when extension tubes or other close focus aids come into play.

Alan Gales · Sep 20, 2015

When I had a Hasselblad I had a Stroboframe flash holder that held my flash above the camera so I couldn't use the waist level finder. I used the NC2 nonmetered prism finder when using a flash and I liked it fine.

Dead Link Removed

Sirius Glass · Sep 20, 2015

I have the PME and the standard waist level. I use the PME all the time; the waist level finder gets carried around for exercise and to get it out of the house. I would always choose the PME over the PM period. The difference in weight is negligible.

Jager · Sep 22, 2015

Thank you, gentlemen!

As bdial mentioned, I indeed expected the PME-45 to be notably heavier than the unmetered PM-45. Since that doesn't seem to be the case (emphasis on 'notably' - I expect the PME to be modestly heavier), I elected to go with the PME-45. I ordered one from Japan (the best copy I could find) and so it'll take a week or two to get to the States.

As for the sentiment to keep things simple, I couldn't agree more. As I've said before, using a fully manual camera makes you see light, in a way that more modern cameras never will. That said, I've yet to meet the photographer who doesn't utilize electronics and batteries somewhere in their process. And although I expect my two Sekonic incident meters will continue to get the yeoman's work with respect to confirming light and exposure, I can definitely think of scenarios where having the ability to quickly check an EV value on-camera would be very helpful.

Thanks again...

Sirius Glass · Sep 22, 2015

Jager said:
... I elected to go with the PME-45.

You make a wise choice, you will get much pleasure from the PME-45.

Hasselblad PME-45 vs PM-45

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency