Lightest prism finder for Hasselblad 500?

crumpet8 · Jan 12, 2017

which is lightest? And is it ok? Thanks

crumpet8 · Jan 12, 2017

Just found a site that said the Kiev is lightest (nc2 copy). Sorry for the duplicate thread etc.

Theo Sulphate · Jan 12, 2017

Consider the old HC-3/70 right-angle finder. It has 4x magnification of the entire groundglass, diopter adjustments, and can be found for under $100.

Sirius Glass · Jan 12, 2017

I do not think that Hasselblad does anything light.

crumpet8 · Jan 12, 2017

Lighter than my m645 when considering the extra film size thanks for the tip, I'll look into one of those! How is it to use? I had the 45 degree finder on an older camera...

itsdoable · Jan 12, 2017

The Lane Prism is probably the lightest, though the FOV is poor.

The PM5 is lighter than the NC2 as the casing is plastic. The weight difference is minimal as the glass accounts for most of the weight.

HiHoSilver · Jan 12, 2017

The Prism part is the weight - and dims the viewfinder, compared to WLF or the magnifying finder, sometimes called the chimney finder. 'Had focus issues that had me chasing solutions in screens, finders, when a good CLA w/ new mirror foam did the trick. Several on other forums w/ similar issues recommended the chimney for low light environs. It now lives on my main blad body. WLF is on the other. The prism *does* correct the left/right reversal, which is nice.

HiHoSilver · Jan 12, 2017

The Prism part is the weight - and dims the viewfinder, compared to WLF or the magnifying finder, sometimes called the chimney finder. 'Had focus issues that had me chasing solutions in screens, finders, when a good CLA w/ new mirror foam did the trick. Several on other forums w/ similar issues recommended the chimney for low light environs. It now lives on my main blad body. With only ocular glass, I would think it would be the lightest. WLF is on the other.

Sirius Glass · Jan 12, 2017

My PME finder is bright with the AccuMat D screen and appears larger than with a WLF. I have a WLF which I have never used.

Chris Livsey · Jan 13, 2017

Not a prism finder but in chimneys Hartblei made/make a x4 finder for those struggling with focus it can be great help, built in diopter adjustment. Obvious build quality is adequate and full frame is visible but requires looking around.
http://www.hartbleilens.com/product_info.php?products_id=6

PM45 is 2.5, NC-2 is 3.3x
HC 3/70 (52043) is 4x

Agree the NC2 has highest reputation. I think the weights are marginal and cancelled out by changes in lenses where weight is considerably different.

bdial · Jan 13, 2017

The PME prism is noticeably lighter than the NC2, at least that's my experience. IMO, the prism does a better job at excluding extraneous light, and gives better contrast on the screen, even though it reduces the light a bit. I don't use an Acute Matte screen. When I use a WLF, i use it more like a chimney finder, focusing and composing with the magnifier, and hardly ever holding it at my waist and peering down.
I don't know how the PME compares to the Kiev finder for weight, or how noticeable the difference might be.

Chris Livsey · Jan 13, 2017

Weights are quoted here:
http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/HasselbladFinders.html
PM 45 is 20g lighter than Kiev
I can find no weight for an NC-2, perhaps an owner could oblige?

RalphLambrecht · Jan 13, 2017

crumpet8 said:
which is lightest? And is it ok? Thanks

the WLF that comes with it and yes, it works.

Sirius Glass · Jan 13, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
My PME finder is bright with the AccuMat D screen and appears larger than with a WLF. I have a WLF which I have never used.

Chris Livsey said:
Not a prism finder but in chimneys Hartblei made/make a x4 finder for those struggling with focus it can be great help, built in diopter adjustment. Obvious build quality is adequate and full frame is visible but requires looking around.
http://www.hartbleilens.com/product_info.php?products_id=6

PM45 is 2.5, NC-2 is 3.3x
HC 3/70 (52043) is 4x

Agree the NC2 has highest reputation. I think the weights are marginal and cancelled out by changes in lenses where weight is considerably different.

bdial said:
The PME prism is noticeably lighter than the NC2, at least that's my experience. IMO, the prism does a better job at excluding extraneous light, and gives better contrast on the screen, even though it reduces the light a bit. I don't use an Acute Matte screen. When I use a WLF, i use it more like a chimney finder, focusing and composing with the magnifier, and hardly ever holding it at my waist and peering down.
I don't know how the PME compares to the Kiev finder for weight, or how noticeable the difference might be.

And the PME is also a great light meter. It has never given me a bad reading.

bdial · Jan 13, 2017

Sirius Glass said:
...And the PME is also a great light meter. It has never given me a bad reading.

I wish I could say that for mine. When I first bought it, it was off by a few stops and I had it serviced and recalibrated for use with a standard screen, it was fine for a few years, and now it is a couple or 3 stops off, so I've been using an external meter until I can have it serviced again. I wish the Acute Matte's weren't quite so dear.

crumpet8 · Jan 15, 2017

Thanks for the tips everyone

Lightest prism finder for Hasselblad 500?

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