I'm thinking of buying a metered viewfinder for my RB67 Pro SD. I'm considering a chimney finder as it has decent magnification and less bulk than the prism finder. But I get the impression that in either case the meter is problematic at best, somewhat unreliable and unrepairable. Which one is preferable, and how can I find a good one?
RB67 Metered Viewfinder
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- Thread starter Arthurwg
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I have a metered chimney finder, the CdS one (if there was more than one kind). I've only used it a few times, but as far as I can see, it's accurate enough and easy to use. The really nice part is that I can see instantly in the viewfinder whether the meter is activated (sensor in the center of my view) or not (sensor arm folded), as well as being able to read the EV to transfer to the wheel on the side to get aperture and shutter. I don't see it as being any worse than the meter in a Spotmatic (meter cells long obsolete, and even ones for Pentax 6x7 that someone was able to convert now gone) or other match-needle type meters dependent on a button battery.
No question it's a lot lighter than the prism (I have one of those without a meter) -- though the newest version of the prism finder uses mirror instead of a big chunk of solid glass (don't know if that version was offered with a meter, though).
Even better, I'm told that mine will work correctly with an alkaline or silver oxide button cell, so next time it needs a battery I won't need to install a zinc-air cell every three months or so whether I use it or not. At the rate I use it, a silver oxide cell should last many years.
IMO, the metered chimney finder is the top choice for macro work, because you don't need to apply bellows factor -- and the same applies for filters, give or take the sensitivity curve of CdS vs. the film you load, of course. If I shot action in varying light, a metered prism might be better -- but I'd probably use 35 mm for that in the first place due to weight and much faster lenses.
No question it's a lot lighter than the prism (I have one of those without a meter) -- though the newest version of the prism finder uses mirror instead of a big chunk of solid glass (don't know if that version was offered with a meter, though).
Even better, I'm told that mine will work correctly with an alkaline or silver oxide button cell, so next time it needs a battery I won't need to install a zinc-air cell every three months or so whether I use it or not. At the rate I use it, a silver oxide cell should last many years.
IMO, the metered chimney finder is the top choice for macro work, because you don't need to apply bellows factor -- and the same applies for filters, give or take the sensitivity curve of CdS vs. the film you load, of course. If I shot action in varying light, a metered prism might be better -- but I'd probably use 35 mm for that in the first place due to weight and much faster lenses.
I found the metered prism is superior to the chimney because while both eliminate stray light, the prism gets rid of the left-right reversal [right-left in the UK] and provides a light meter.
question of weight and convenience. I have the chimey finder. It's superb. Whatever you see in your finder, it will be exposed just right...
MattKing
Moderator
The PD version of the RB67 chimney finder is excellent, and uses silicon blue cells rather than CDS cells for the meter.
Here is some info - sorry about the rotation:
Here is some info - sorry about the rotation:
Mine is the older CdS version with analog needle (and the eyecup gone), but I found it on eBay. Like any accessory search there, enter a search that's showing more or less what you want and isn't showing a lot of irrelevant junk, and then SAVE THE SEARCJH -- so eBay will email you every time there's a new listing that matches your search.
Which one have you decided to buy?
Want to Buy - RB67 Metered Chimney Finder
I'm looking for a PD (late) version of the RB67 metered chimney finder, the one that uses silicone cells rather than CdS. Hopefully in MINT condition. Thanks..
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Want to Buy - RB67 Metered Chimney Finder
I'm looking for a PD (late) version of the RB67 metered chimney finder, the one that uses silicone cells rather than CdS. Hopefully in MINT condition. Thanks..
Does that mean that you will slide down the insider of it on Christmas eve?
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