• Welcome to Photrio!
    Registration is fast and free. Join today to unlock search, see fewer ads, and access all forum features.
    Click here to sign up

Medium format SLR vs. TLR - IQ vs. Portability

Dali said:
Proportion of 35mm SLR cameras with WLF compared to pentaprism? 1 to 1000 maybe?
Click to expand...

The problem, as TTL metering became adopted as de facto in 135 SLRs starting in the late 1960s, was the fact that most TTL meters (with exception of the Topcon Super D) make waist level finders in SLRs disabling of the camera's metering capabilities! So I would say that after the Topcon RE was launched in 1963, waist level finders in 135 SLRs very rapidly vanished in availability. Even Nikon adopted the integrated prism housing.
The Nikon F and the Topcon Super D had WLF, but the Nikon lost its metering capability without the Photomic T finder. The ratio I guestimate is closer to 1:500,000, and closer to Infinity in the days of dSLR. I doubt there is ANY dSLR with a waist level finder for many reasons.
 
Last edited:
IIRC, some of the Miranda SLRs had a WLF option as well.
 
I use my Rollei 2.8E when I want light weight and a classic look. I use my Hy6 Mod 2 when I want the absolute best in class image and ultra modern operation.

Generally though if you compare a Hasselblad 80 CF and a Rollei 2.8F, you'll find that the Rollei lens has lower contrast, especially in color. Rollei's also flare in a weird 'blob' type of way. However, I prefer the Rollei images to the 80mm CF images. Just a lot more character and the B&W negatives come alive. Not to mention the fact that the Rollei is a heck of a lot more fun to use.
 
MattKing said:
IIRC, some of the Miranda SLRs had a WLF option as well.
Click to expand...

Indeed. like so many other SLRs before TTL metering, Miranda had interchangeable finders. Doing a small bit of research, I learned what I did not previously know...Miranda took an approach very similar to Topcon, in putting the CdS sensors behind small slits in the reflex mirror. So its meter continued to function even with installation of the WLF. Thanks for the reminder.
 
Hy6 manual:
 
Everyone should try shooting with a waist-level 35mm camera at least once. It is a different type of experience.

 
wiltw said:
Well, OK, but TTL metering regardless of finder?! What brand body is this?

BTW my prior comments were in regard to 135 format bodies, triggered by a statement that WLF was never provided.
Click to expand...

Believe it or not, the Nikon F3 has the metering cell in the body, and you could get a waist level finder for it. I've never tried it. See

There are pretty simple reasons WLF is associated with medium format. The focusing screen of a 35mm camera is smallish and most easily viewed with an eyepiece, while the prism needed for an MF camera is much larger and heavier than for 35mm.
 
Hmm just followed up a hunch -- there was a waist level finder available for the Canon original F-1 and also later versions. At least some included a magnifier. I was thinking almost any 35mm SLR with an interchangeable prism finder might offer that sort of option. (I have an F-1 body -- maybe I should add another seldom used trinket!!!)
 
Last edited:
The 45º prism finder for my MF Rollei SLR weighs close the the same as the camera body itself.
 

I suspected that Nikon kept the interchangeable finder in the successors to the F, but I did not know with certainty...how far down the lineage beyond the F3?
 
grat said:
On the other hand, put a Bronica SQ-A next to a Mamiya C33 with a 180mm lens, and the Bronica starts looking like a nice, portable camera.
Click to expand...

Interestingly, my dad used the Mamiya C330f for weddings. He decided to switch to the Bronica SQ-A system (at which point I bought the C330f). What he liked about the Bronica was film backs. Changing film during a wedding under pressure is no fun, and we used to take a lot of pictures. What he missed (I recall he told me this), was the ease of focus with the TLR vs. the Bronica. His vision was changing at that point (eventually changed back...). I think he thought the viewfinder was brighter on the Mamiya than the Bronica.
 
You can also include the F1n and F1N "Speed Finders" in the 'Prism' Waist Level Finder Column, as these have two positions for their wide viewing window, 90 degree vertical and 90 degree horizontal, though the Speed finder I have mounted on my F1n currently, extends about 1 3/4" above and behind the back door.

Canon also made more traditional WLF for both these cameras, but each camera has its own version of finders, in the two systems.
 
Last edited:
The Pentax LX also has the metering in the body and interchangeable finders. Some are much more interesting than a WLF - which are rather limited in the fast paced shooting usually associated with 35mm SLRs.

The 'Action' finder (FB-1 & FC-1 combo) rotates into many positions, it gives a reduced magnification (approx 0.5x) but gives a right way up corrected finder with enormous eye relief.
 
Last edited:
Sirius Glass said:
WLF allow stray light and dust to be introduced to the viewing screen. That and the damned left right reversal is why my WLF remains folded away in the camera bag.
Click to expand...
I learned to photograph with a TLR Rollei with a WLF, so for awhile I thought most cameras must reverse the image. But looking at the image backwards with the WLF prepared me for looking at an upside down image on the GG of the view camera. Any which way up is fine.

Checking out TLRs to students for the first time, I would have them look at the GG and follow me with the camera as I moved right or left to clue them into it right away.
 
wiltw said:
I suspected that Nikon kept the interchangeable finder in the successors to the F, but I did not know with certainty...how far down the lineage beyond the F3?
Click to expand...

The Nikon F, F2, F3, F4, and F5 all have interchangeable view finders.
The F6 does not.
 
My comments on WLF must not have been clearly stated. I was not comparing WLF with prism, but, since some commented that camera level was too low when using WLF, I asked how many regularly shoot with camera hanging level with their belly? Even when using a WLF, I normally raise camera to my eye and do not shoot from chest or belly. Occasionally I use Roller with prism finder and pistol grip, but then it's not such a compact package.
 
Unless it's a portrait my TLR or SLR with WLF are in my chest or belly.
 
etn said:
Ha ha,yet another "Hasselblad vs. Rollei" thread
Click to expand...

Well one can walk down the street with a Hasselblad with the 80mm lens and carry the 50mm lens and a telephoto lens in a shoulder bag OR walk down the street with three Rolleis around one's neck. Do you really want to stick your neck out?
 
Sirius Glass said:
Well one can walk down the street with a Hasselblad with the 80mm lens and carry the 50mm lens and a telephoto lens in a shoulder bag OR walk down the street with three Rolleis around one's neck. Do you really want to stick your neck out?
Click to expand...

One can walk around the street with a Rollei in their hand OR walk down the street with nothing but an iPhone because all the lenses and backs were too much for one's neck
 
Bormental said:
One can walk around the street with a Rollei in their hand OR walk down the street with nothing but an iPhone because all the lenses and backs were too much for one's neck
Click to expand...

How many roads must a man walk down
Before he figures out what should be around his neck...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register