Non metered prism for Hasselblad 500cm

[Fintan]

Can anyone recommend a non metered prism?

Are any of the models 100% viewfinder?
Which is the brightest? I have the most recent generation focusing screen.

Thanks in advance

Fintan

 

[bdial]

I like the 45 degree models. Currently I have a PM5 which works well and is nice and bright. Years ago I had an NC2 which is quite a lot heavier.

 

[Q.G.]

Is the NC2 heavier???
I never weighed my finders, and i'm sure that they will not have the exact same weight, but handling the thingies i never noticed a difference.

No Hasselblad finder is 100%.
The focussing screen isn't, so no matter what you put on top of it, 100% remains out of reach.
And no prism finder shows 100% of the focussing screen.

They are all equally bright (or near enough) too.

I second bdial's recommendation. The 45 degree prisms are very fine (good ergonomics). The NC2 will be cheaper than the PM/PM5 models.

But if you ever want to use 6x4.5 magazines and shoot vertically, you, quite simply, must get a 90 degree prism.

 

[ishutteratthethought]

I too use the PM5 which is good but truthfully I prefer the standard view finder hood & magnifier matched with a bright screen. May want to see if you can borrow one to see if you like it first.
Steve

 

[cowanw]

A 45 degree Kiev works very well and has no markings to give away your parsimony.

 

[bdial]

Is the NC2 heavier???

Well it seems like my current kit is lighter than the one I had with the NC2. But I've never weighed them either, and the 2 kits are 20 years apart.
You are right though, once it's on the camera, you don't much notice it either way.

But if you ever want to use 6x4.5 magazines and shoot vertically, you, quite simply, must get a 90 degree prism.

Yes, trying to compose a vertical for the 645 mag with a 45 degree finder is really difficult. Putting the camera on a tripod helps. Then there is the matter of trying to explain to a knowledgeable photographer who is watching, why you turning a Hasselblad sideways for a vertical.

 

[archphoto]

Why even bather about putting a 6x4.5 mag onto it ?
For some pennies less filmcost ?

I have the 45 degree prism for my SL66 and I love it. The thought of putting a 6x4.5 back onto it never came up.
I feels like putting that kind of back onto a RB 67 or putting a 35mm film into a Rolleiflex..... something for the poor people.
But that's me.

Peter

 

[Ira Rush]

I too had both the NC-2, and the HC-1 (one of the original 90 degree prisms). Traded them for the PM5 and PM90. As one grows older, eyesight gets worse, and the newer prisms (PM5 ~ PM90) allow for super easy diopter changes. Just screw in a new diopter eyepiece and no more fuzzy pictures! (Something to think about years from now!). With the older NC-2, diopter change is possible but it is a pain, as the the diopter for the older NC-2 is just the glass piece and you have to take apart the original eyepiece. For the HC-1, you will most likely have to find some optical lab to grind a diopter for you... no joke... as the diopter size is beyond standard size!:rolleyes:

I find the PM5 (45 degree) much brighter and it has a higher degree of manigification then the PM90, so unless I am shooting 645 (which I do many times), I use the PM5.

Also, if you do intend to shoot 645, and you plan on shooting both horizontal and vertical format, trust me, you will need a 90 degree prism, unless you enjoy looking strange as you try to turn the camera body to capture the image. The A16 back is formatted for 645(horizontly) and in order to get it vertical you are going to spend half your time turning and twisting to get the shot!

Hope this helps

 

[Q.G.]

I actually find changing diopters a bit 'easier' on the NC2 and earlier PM-finders.

All you need for them is a correction lens (obviously. I have my optician order ones of the correct size and strength. Were cheap too.).
You then simply unscrew the retaining ring that is in the eyepiece, drop in the correction lens, and put the retaining ring back on top.

The newer finders require a replacement eyepiece.
It screws on easily, yes.
But is harder to find (with my eyesight still going, i find i need to find different ones every year or so), and more expensive.
But then, the lens in newer finders is also held in by a retaining ring. So i stopped hunting for the right eyepiece and ordered a replacement from the optician again. Much quicker and cheaper.

 

[fajitas!]

I have a PM5 on mine, no issues with it. It's bright, light enough, and works with instant backs.

If you're in Dublin any time soon, you're more than welcome to have a look at/through it.

 

[Philippe Grunchec]

I have an old NC-2 (and a PME90) on my 503CW... and a brand new Arax (=Kiev) on my Arax. The new Arax prism is as good as the Hassy one... and cheaper. Contact: Gevorg Vartanyan at araxfoto.com
BTW, his focusing screen with metal frame (+split image, microprism and grid) can also be used on Hassies. May be not as bright as the Acute Matte D... but only $24!

 

[Fintan]

Thanks for all the replies and sorry for the delay posting, I was away for a few days with no internet access.

I won't ever be shooting 645, so thats not an issue.

And thanks for the offer fajitas, I'm in Dublin most weekdays so perhaps you would show me your PM5

Fintan

 

[fajitas!]

No worries, I'll be around Dublin most of this and next week, so feel free to give me a PM when you're about - I'm online most days!