Horseman angle finder for 6x9 cameras (VH, 985 etc.)

thorirvi · Nov 5, 2019

(Did post this at photo.net as well, but thought this too would be a good place to ask..)

Hi,
Looking for a Horseman angle finder that fits a 6x9 Graflok type of back. So it would have been one made for the 985, the VH and VH-R, if my sources are correct.

Wondering, however, if there are more than one type of the angle finder, they're often announced as items for 980, 985 and VH(R) but if I'm not mistaken the 980 had a different back than the cameras that came later.

Would greatly appreciate first hand info.

Kind regards, Th

Dan Fromm · Nov 5, 2019

I have one, it fits my 2x3 Graphics (all have Grafloks) and 2x3 Cambo International (not exactly Graflok) backs.

I don't use it and don't recommend it, it is very dim.

Besk · Nov 5, 2019

Yes, it will fit the 980. The 980 at least will accept the older style Horseman filmholders with an extra light baffle flange.
The 985's are the same I am pretty sure but also have the struts with a 90 degree elbow allowing more shift with wide angle lenses.

They are dim but good enough outside in good light to be used. I use mine for framing as much as anything.
Maybe Bill Maxwell can supply one of his ground glasses if you want to use it for focusing.

thorirvi · Nov 6, 2019

Thanks for replying, Dan and Bob. I should have added that the idea was to use it with a Century Graphic, not a Horseman. Good to read that they do indeed fit the Graphics (Grafloks), less good are your comments about how dim it is.

Dan Fromm said:
I don't use it and don't recommend it, it is very dim.

Would you perhaps be willing to part with it?

Dan Fromm · Nov 6, 2019

thorirvi said:
Thanks for replying, Dan and Bob. I should have added that the idea was to use it with a Century Graphic, not a Horseman. Good to read that they do indeed fit the Graphics (Grafloks), less good are your comments about how dim it is.

Would you perhaps be willing to part with it?

Sorry, no. Its a long story, mine has sentimental value.

They're not common on the various ebays, but are often offered on yahoo.jp. None there now. I use buyee.jp to view listings on yahoo.jp. buyee is an english language front end to yahoo.jp.

thorirvi · Nov 6, 2019

Dan Fromm said:
Sorry, no. Its a long story, mine has sentimental value.

They're not common on the various ebays, but are often offered on yahoo.jp. None there now. I use buyee.jp to view listings on yahoo.jp. buyee is an english language front end to yahoo.jp.

Understand. Thanks for advice re. buyee!

Sal Santamaura · Nov 6, 2019

Note that, even if one replaces the standard Horseman screen with something like a Maxwell, any rise or shift will make the viewer very dark and difficult to use. It's OK when the lens is on axis.

thorirvi · Nov 6, 2019

Sal Santamaura said:
Note that, even if one replaces the standard Horseman screen with something like a Maxwell, any rise or shift will make the viewer very dark and difficult to use. It's OK when the lens is on axis.

Good point, I've had the same experience with my SLR shift optics. Had pictured using the Horseman viewer for focusing, then adjust rise to comp, then stop down.

Dan Fromm · Nov 6, 2019

If you want a good view for focusing you might look for a Cambo SF-320 in-line viewing hood. I use mine on my 2x3 Graphics and Cambo. Discontinued but you might be able to find a used one.

But if you really want to focus well the SF-320 isn't what you want and neither is the Horseman angle finder because they have no magnification. I know they can be awkward with the Graphic folding hood but you'll do better with a proper loupe. I use a 3.6x Toyo, also discontinued.

thorirvi · Nov 6, 2019

Dan Fromm said:
If you want a good view for focusing you might look for a Cambo SF-320 in-line viewing hood. I use mine on my 2x3 Graphics and Cambo. Discontinued but you might be able to find a used one.

But if you really want to focus well the SF-320 isn't what you want and neither is the Horseman angle finder because they have no magnification. I know they can be awkward with the Graphic folding hood but you'll do better with a proper loupe. I use a 3.6x Toyo, also discontinued.

Oh dear, another autosearch at the auction site ;-)
Seriously, thanks for that! Appreciate it.

Besk · Nov 6, 2019

I too use a 3.6x Toyo for most focusing but also sometimes a late model Hasselblad chimney finder with my Crown Graphic 6X9 and Horseman 980.
BTW, the Horseman angle finder has 2x magnification.

thorirvi · Nov 7, 2019

Bob Eskridge said:
I too use a 3.6x Toyo for most focusing but also sometimes a late model Hasselblad chimney finder with my Crown Graphic 6X9 and Horseman 980.
BTW, the Horseman angle finder has 2x magnification.

The chimney finder as loupe, right? I mean there isn't any way to attach it, is there? At least it seems to be a lot easier to find than a Toyo loupe.
That said, and not (yet) familiar with the practical side of things, the back of a Century that is, given that the GG isn't excactly large I'm tempted to presume that a narrow loupe is the most practical. Or what is your experience? (User perspectives on that one welcome.. : )

KinoGrafx · Feb 11, 2021

Super late to the party here, but I use a hoodman 3.0 (3”) loupe with their hoodriser and it makes a perfect loupe for a horseman 980, and i assume any other 6x9 view camera

Horseman angle finder for 6x9 cameras (VH, 985 etc.)

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency