Hasselblad Prism Finders

Ara Ghajanian · Aug 31, 2005

What do you Hasselblad users use for prism finders. I just want to get an idea of which features you like/dislike about the various finders available. I have a 500c/m and I'd love to hear what users of this camera think.

Also, what do you think of the Kiev brand finders. Are they worth buying as a cost effective replacement for a Hasselblad finder?

Thanks in advance,
Ara

esanford · Aug 31, 2005

I have an old Ruyssian Kiev on my 500 C/M that I bought off Ebay for a real cheap price. For me, I am a real simple guy... as long as I can see the image, I'm fine. It even has a meter which I have never used. Because I use the zone system, I use a handheld Pentax spot meter which has been zone VI modified. When you get my age, you have difficulty seeing out of any kind of finder so I couldn't see putting a lot of cash into one. Also, I have become very adept at using the depth of field scale on the Hassy lenses to make sure that I have end to end focus... My philosophy was to put the $$$s in lenses and backs. I have 3 lenses and 3 backs... This gives me a lot of flexibility. I am very satisfied with the way everything works. I guess I said more then you asked for....

Ed Sukach · Aug 31, 2005

I use the "regular" Hasselblad PM-5 (?) 45 degree prism, without the exposure meter.
The 45 degree prism allows the use of a Polaroid back - the ninety degree prisms do not.
At first, viewing at 45 degrees seems awkward, but I found that I adapted to it *very* quickly.

I've been mulling over an ARAX modified, quality-ized metered prism, as, more or less a "back-up" for both the Hasselblad prism and my exposure meter. Good price, and so far, I have heard nothing but favorable comments about ARAX.

Anyone out there have any additional comments?

waynecrider · Aug 31, 2005

I bought the latest Kiev TTL model. The first went back for two reasons, the first being that one of the three set screws in the meter adjustment dial was not able to screw against the cam when I calibrated the dial for correct exposure reading. This is a must do thing with these Kiev prisms. The other problem was that the meter was no good and gave different readings all the time. The prism was taken back with no problems and another was sent, but for the $79 price I paid I'm not even going to worry about using the incorporated meter, and I'll use a handheld instead. The prism is nice to use but the vertical size, although not overly big, puts me off a little as I have to lay the camera over in my camera bag. Maybe I just need a bigger bag. Overall for the $79 it was a good buy and I'd do it again. Maybe one day I'll actually calibrate the meter and try using it.

wfe · Aug 31, 2005

I have the 45 degree with meter and I love it. I have difficulty (old age) using the regular waist level finder. I do use it at times when shooting something that I am spending a lot of time with.

Ed Sukach · Aug 31, 2005

waynecrider said:
I bought the latest Kiev TTL model. The first went back for two reasons, the first being...

Was that from ARAX? Are we taking about the prism itself?

mikebarger · Aug 31, 2005

I have a Kiev NC-2 copy and a Hasselblad NC-2.

I can't tell a difference, and I got the Kiev for $13.00 on Ebay.

Mike

Dan Henderson · Aug 31, 2005

I also use an old Kiev 45 degree finder from eBay on my 500CM. It works great for me, and although I periodically put the waist level finder on, I always seem to go back to the prism finder. Mine has a meter in it also, but I can't read cyrillic so I have no idea what battery it takes. And like another poster above, I'm a zone system shooter and always meter with my Pentax/Zone VI meter.

André E.C. · Sep 1, 2005

Well, I`m a snob, so I`m using a Hasselblad PM-5 Prism.
I have some friends using various ARAX acessories on their Hasselblads, they seem happy with them.
When the budget is low, ARAX acessories can be a valid alternative for sure.

Cheers

André

Ed Sukach · Sep 1, 2005

Juba said:
Well, I`m a snob, so I`m using a Hasselblad PM-5 Prism.
I have some friends using various ARAX acessories on their Hasselblads, they seem happy with them.
When the budget is low, ARAX acessories can be a valid alternative for sure.
André

Kiitoksia paljon!

ARAX seems to be reputable. I'll probably order one of their metered prisms, soon.

André E.C. · Sep 1, 2005

Since Ed talked about it and it`s indeed a valid option, here goes the link just in case.

http://araxfoto.com/

Cheers

André

Ara Ghajanian · Sep 1, 2005

Andre,
I just looked at the Arax Photo web site and I'm impressed by the prices. All I really need is a 45 degree prism with no meter. I was tracking a used Hasselblad one on eBay and it sold for over $200. At $65 brand new for the same type Kiev it's awfully tempting.

Has anyone had any bad experiences with Kiev products? At least it's made in the Ukraine and not China.
Ara

Hasselblad Prism Finders

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