Medium Format Redux...Again

[ReginaldSMith]

With the Hasselblad V cameras, the following combination helps to be able to see clearly to focus: (1) Hasselblad Focusing Screen Acute-Matte D with Microprism and Split-image 42215; (2) Hasselblad pentaprism such as the PM-5; and, (3) compatible Hasselblad 2x flip up prism viewfinder eyepiece magnifier 42459 which is nicely held in place using a ring around the eyepiece. [Note that the newer style Hasselblad prism finders use a different 2x magnifier which is a kludge that instead hangs off the accessory shoe.]

Thank you for that detail. It really helps me understand how to get this done.

 

[winger]

I really don't think I want a 6 x 4.5 portrait normal format.

The Pentax 645N is landscape as it's normally held - the film goes through top to bottom instead of side to side. There are tripod attachment points for portrait and for landscape.

 

[Sirius Glass]

With the Hasselblad V cameras, the following combination helps to be able to see clearly to focus: (1) Hasselblad Focusing Screen Acute-Matte D with Microprism and Split-image 42215; (2) Hasselblad pentaprism such as the PM-5; and, (3) compatible Hasselblad 2x flip up prism viewfinder eyepiece magnifier 42459 which is nicely held in place using a ring around the eyepiece. [Note that the newer style Hasselblad prism finders use a different 2x magnifier which is a kludge that instead hangs off the accessory shoe.]

The larger viewing screen of 6x6 or 6x7 allows one to carefully examine the composition, getting sharper focus and eliminating any distractions in the background.



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[Sirius Glass]

With the Hasselblad V cameras, the following combination helps to be able to see clearly to focus: (1) Hasselblad Focusing Screen Acute-Matte D with Microprism and Split-image 42215; (2) Hasselblad pentaprism such as the PM-5; and, (3) compatible Hasselblad 2x flip up prism viewfinder eyepiece magnifier 42459 which is nicely held in place using a ring around the eyepiece. [Note that the newer style Hasselblad prism finders use a different 2x magnifier which is a kludge that instead hangs off the accessory shoe.]

I prefer the screen with vertical and horizontal lines so that I can quickly line up horizons and verticals.
Dead Link Removed
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[ReginaldSMith]

The Pentax 645N is landscape as it's normally held - the film goes through top to bottom instead of side to side. There are tripod attachment points for portrait and for landscape.

Oh silly me. I should have known that.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Hasselblad experts: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasselblad...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Does that seem reasonable?

 

[BrianShaw]

Looks like a crapshoot to me. Nothing really in the description except that it has been altered/mistreated.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

right. That one was a bit unknown, so I made an offer on this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasselblad...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

 

[guangong]

Reginald, trifocals? If your eyes are basically healthy it’s time for a trip to a competent optometrist and tell him what your interests are and how he can meet your expectations. If I were you I would prefer contact lenses for viewing through viewfinder and spectacles for everything else. Wearing spectacles whilenlooking through a viewfinder is a PITA. Not to go into details but I now wear two pairs of contact lenses simultaneously (hard over soft) and now have 20/20 vision and no need for glasses whatsoever. You probably have at least another quarter century to go, so why not get get best vision?
For a really bright viewfinder I could recommend the Fuji GF 670 if it were not for the possibility that repair service may not be available. I probably wouldn’t buy mine now. So I will stick with my original recommendations: Hasselblad and Rolleiflex 2.8. I never found their standard finders dingy.
I love my Super Ikonta B which was overhauled by Mr. Umbach about a decade ago but its viewfinder is not its strong point.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Guanggong

I would never, ever, in a million years be able to put something ON my eye! I have a total phobia about anything including eye drops touching my eye. So, that's not in the cards. I am taking these optometry suggestions serious though. Maybe some special glasses, I don't know.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Decision made! I purchased this Hasselblad: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasselblad...d64f8e82b:g:xnwAAOSw0Lha-av0&autorefresh=true

According to the owner, only 1 roll of film has ever been through the camera. I've exchanged some email with him and he seems legit. I probably over-paid, but if so, not by too much I hope. I don't really like buying out of Japan, because communications are so difficult if there id a problem. Anyway, I'm paid up and it will be on the way tomorrow. My GS-1 is on Ebay and that will defray part of the cost. I shudder to think what the Acute-Matte screen will cost now.

 

[BrianShaw]

Guanggong

I would never, ever, in a million years be able to put something ON my eye! I have a total phobia about anything including eye drops touching my eye. So, that's not in the cards. I am taking these optometry suggestions serious though. Maybe some special glasses, I don't know.

I once was like you. But once I got past that I found that contacts made photography a whole lot easier. Unfortunately due to an industrial accident I ended up with corneal damage so contacts aren’t an option anymore.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Guanggong

I would never, ever, in a million years be able to put something ON my eye! I have a total phobia about anything including eye drops touching my eye. So, that's not in the cards. I am taking these optometry suggestions serious though. Maybe some special glasses, I don't know.

I have only had contact lenses since 1974. Hard contact lenses are a challenge to learn to use and get adapted to, however soft contact lenses are easy to learn to use. I make sure that I have my contact lenses on when I take photographs with any camera, 35mm, Hasselblads, 4"x5".



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[mshchem]

A few notes about my vision. I probably went too hyperbolic about how bad my eyes are. Actually, not that bad. I mean I have no cataracts or eye disease, just a guy who wears tri-focal glasses. Probably "average vision" for a 70 year old. I think my trouble is that the glasses are constantly making it hard to look through eyecup viewers. I don't really like taking them on and off to take a picture. And if off, I would need to have a +3 diopter to see a focus screen sharply.

Cameras. I really don't think I want a 6 x 4.5 portrait normal format. I think if I am going for one last try at this I want to get either 6x6 or 6x7. Which means a heavier SLR box, A Mamiya 6, or another try at TLR. Being able to fit optional lenses is always a plus, but I could also probably live with a fixed normal lense. I don't think those Mamiya TLRs are my cup of tea. I remember how darn heavy it was. So far I have not seen a Hassleblad I can afford, but I am looking. And, I haven't actually discovered the weight of it yet. No one mentioned a Rollei, I don't think? Are there super bright focus screens available for those?

You sound like me, same deal progressive lenses in my glasses. I have Bronica SQ- AI outfit that I use a lot but! I am with Sirius Glass on the Hasselblad approach. I recently aquired a 501cm with the Acute-mat screen, I put a nice clean PM5 no meter prison it, and a grip. Super bright ,really bright, like I was amazed how bright that focusing screen is with the 80 2.8 lens. My finder has the simple rubber ring on the eyepiece . I don't fool with diopters, I leave my glasses on and it works great.
Most prisms (RZ 67 II AE finder) weights too much. I'm going to be using the Hasselblad to be making 6x6 slides this summer and fall .

 

[mshchem]

PM5 no meter prison

PM5 without a meter and it's a prism not a prison. I never thought I could get by with a simple matte screen (no split image ) this setup fills the bill very nicely.

 

[mshchem]

Some say that the Hasselblad is more expensive, however the price is way down from its original and it only means that it takes a little longer wait between buying lenses.

I bought a perfect 150mm Zeiss Sonnar 400 bucks free shipping from Japan. Mint, new enough that it says Germany not West Germany on it . That's a steal , the wide angles sell for higher but when you consider what you are getting?

 

[film_man]

Decision made! I purchased this Hasselblad: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hasselblad...d64f8e82b:g:xnwAAOSw0Lha-av0&autorefresh=true

According to the owner, only 1 roll of film has ever been through the camera. I've exchanged some email with him and he seems legit. I probably over-paid, but if so, not by too much I hope. I don't really like buying out of Japan, because communications are so difficult if there id a problem. Anyway, I'm paid up and it will be on the way tomorrow. My GS-1 is on Ebay and that will defray part of the cost. I shudder to think what the Acute-Matte screen will cost now.

If it really had just one roll ever through I would send it straight for a service before I try to touch any of the controls! The lubricants are probably solid tar now.

 

[RattyMouse]

If it really had just one roll ever through I would send it straight for a service before I try to touch any of the controls! The lubricants are probably solid tar now.

You are 100% right. Mechanical devices are best kept alive by use, not storage. Corrosion is also a major concern in addition to almost certain total oxidation of the lubricant.

 

[guangong]

The best thing about my present contact lenses...all four of them...is that unlike my best friend I no longer must spend half the day wandering about the house looking for my misplaced glasses, going out either forgetting my glasses or hanging around my neck. Haven’t been able to see this well for almost 70 years.
As for buying from Japan, my experience is that for whatever reason shipping is cheaper and faster than from Europe. Also, Japanese seem to take better care of their equipment. Unfortunately, like the warnings on over the counter medicines, almost all descriptions of condition read the same...some dust, etc.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

You sound like me, same deal progressive lenses in my glasses. I have Bronica SQ- AI outfit that I use a lot but! I am with Sirius Glass on the Hasselblad approach. I recently aquired a 501cm with the Acute-mat screen, I put a nice clean PM5 no meter prison it, and a grip. Super bright ,really bright, like I was amazed how bright that focusing screen is with the 80 2.8 lens. My finder has the simple rubber ring on the eyepiece . I don't fool with diopters, I leave my glasses on and it works great.
Most prisms (RZ 67 II AE finder) weights too much. I'm going to be using the Hasselblad to be making 6x6 slides this summer and fall .

Great info----thanks. I'm anxiously awaiting my new 500C/M, but it has the original screen, so I will be searching out the Acute-Matte screen and PM5. I hope I can get to the experience you are having with the focusing!

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Oh Lordy...now I need a Hasselblad mechanic before I can even shoot a picture? I may have to sell my car.... And I thought buying a virtually NOS camera would be a score!

 

[Dennis-B]

The best thing about my present contact lenses...all four of them...is that unlike my best friend I no longer must spend half the day wandering about the house looking for my misplaced glasses, going out either forgetting my glasses or hanging around my neck. Haven’t been able to see this well for almost 70 years.
As for buying from Japan, my experience is that for whatever reason shipping is cheaper and faster than from Europe. Also, Japanese seem to take better care of their equipment. Unfortunately, like the warnings on over the counter medicines, almost all descriptions of condition read the same...some dust, etc.

I've bought quite a bit of equipment from Japan, and their descriptions are among the most conservative anywhere. A couple of years ago, I found a Mamiya 645 Pro TL, 80mm f1.9, three backs, extension tube set, power winder, AE prism, 55-110 zoom; all for the princely sum of $500, plus $35 shipping. The equipment was more like NIB than any used category.

I know that I've been fortunate; you just have to be cautious.

 

[Paul Howell]

Guanggong

I would never, ever, in a million years be able to put something ON my eye! I have a total phobia about anything including eye drops touching my eye. So, that's not in the cards. I am taking these optometry suggestions serious though. Maybe some special glasses, I don't know.

As you are in Arizona once you have your Hassy you may want to price a visit to a low vision clinic, there are a number, the 3 I know best are the Viewfinder, Foundation for Blind Children, (low vision clinic also works with adults) and Midwestern University Vision Clinic. If you decide on a low vision evaluation you will want to take the camera so that the O.D can measure the working distance from your eye to the focusing screen and try out several devices, and let them know how much you are willing to spend for a device. On the other hand a good O.D may be able to help, if she/he can measure the distance from camera to eye, maybe just a strong pair of reading glasses. For that matter go to the dollar store and buy +1, +2, +3 reading glasses and see if any of these help.

 

[ReginaldSMith]

Thanks Paul. I think the drug store reading glasses may be worth another try. Maybe 5 years ago, I did try shooting with reading glasses on, and I can't recall the specific camera or result, other than the dealy in switching glasses. Most of my photography is "walking around on the streets and taking pictures I think will look interesting." (Carefull not to EVER say, "street photography" for fear of being mocked by the elite HCB purists). As such, fishing for a different set of glasses was a bit of a hassle. But for set shots, it was probably ok.

I don't really consider myself "low vision." Just a guy who has common refraction and astigmatism problems, wears glasses, and has had a lot of cameras with dull, dim, hard to see focus screens! Gotta say though, you guys are offering some great ideas.

 

[MattKing]

Oh Lordy...now I need a Hasselblad mechanic before I can even shoot a picture? I may have to sell my car.... And I thought buying a virtually NOS camera would be a score!

Hasselblads really shine when they receive regular maintenance.
As do other professional level cameras.
A virtually unused camera needs to be cleaned, lubricated and adjusted (CLA'ed) before use.
A regularly used Hasselblad needs that sort of service every few years.
If you otherwise treat it reasonably, it will reward your care.