Waist Level Finder for Canon New F-1

[Deleted member 88956]

Referring to the loupe style WLF finder for Canon's New F-1, which was made in two versions, standard and 6x. I assume 6x is useful for super critical focusing in macro photography and probably not much more, while the standard version is more for general use and probably better at it than hood style WLF made for two earlier F1 bodies???

My question to users / owners of these:

- does the standard version provide any magnification and overall, how does it prove itself in different situations.

- looks like the 6x is a fixed magnification, correct? how do you use it or in what set ups?

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Apparently standard version offers 4.6 x magnification, not far from the 6x version, Exception being optics in big guy being of quite complex design, hence heft and price.

 

[jajong]

Hi Witold. From Wikipedia: Both Waist-Level Finders are useful in situations which require use of a low angle, or for copy work, photomacrography, or astrophotography. The image is reversed left-to-right in the finder. The Waist-Level Finder FN has a collapsible barrel and a flip-up 4.6x magnifier, while the 6x model has a 6x magnified image, and an integral diopter adjustment. As I read it the stand finder doesn't have magnification. apart from the flip-up 4.6 magnifier.
Cheers,
Jan

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Hi Witold. From Wikipedia: Both Waist-Level Finders are useful in situations which require use of a low angle, or for copy work, photomacrography, or astrophotography. The image is reversed left-to-right in the finder. The Waist-Level Finder FN has a collapsible barrel and a flip-up 4.6x magnifier, while the 6x model has a 6x magnified image, and an integral diopter adjustment. As I read it the stand finder doesn't have magnification. apart from the flip-up 4.6 magnifier.
Cheers,
Jan

Thanks, but all that I had found before starting this thread. Looking for personal experiences. Have ordered the standard FN one as that one has 4.6 x magnification and is meant for general use, so more flexible, and I like taking low angle shots. Since I acquired the New F-1, I am just gearing up for some field exercise with it.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Well, seems like nobody interested in sharing their experiences

I will add mine though in case somebody is looking this up. I have just received the WLF FN, the standard version (not the 6x). I is meant for general photography, does have magnification (reportedly 4.6x so I'll take that number). Here is the first huge difference between this and AE finder. Brightness improves significantly. Not a surprise as there is only one-element loupe on top of focusing screen vs. prism path in AE finder. So the view is very bright and certainly makes things a lot easier to focus and compose, will prove advantageous in low light or with darker lenses. It is light and quite functional. Prices are all over the place, but it appears anything under $100 is as good as it gets right now, barring package purchase with camera etc. where it might be more economical.

I don't have any instructions for it, so am I bit puzzled by two things.

Finder is stored in down position, without raising it will not focus correctly. So one needs to twist it right, raise it, then twist back left to lock in place. Secure arrangement, but why this is not a rigid tube I don't know. Possibly to have it not project to the skies as much when not in use and lessen opportunities to knock it sidewise?

Second is the loupe itself. It has flip down function (that's what the small knob is for). Can't think of a single reason for it outside of teasing the user of the magnification loupe provides. It will not flip down when finder tube is in stowed position, in fact it will touch focusing screen and could damage it. If anyone knows what this is for I'd be interested to know as it appears there was an idea but never materialized in production.

Loupe itself has a top cap, nice to have it there but when pushed in to secure it, it also pushes down the loupe (and holds there in half-ass angle until cap is off). Cannot believe this is the reason why the loupe flips, but for cap it has to.

Eventually I will go after the 6x version, which is much more complicated optical design, much heavier, and for close up work/critical fine focusing. And unlike the standard WLF FN, it also has diopter adjustment.

 

[gordrob]

Attached is a copy of the Canon Waist Level Finder instructions

 

[Deleted member 88956]

@gordrob Thanks a lot.

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I need and must correct myself on first impressions. Loupe flips down and does NOT touch the screen. It is spring loaded and that gave that impression.

On another hand, instructions imply that the magnifier can be used in down position of the tube. Since there is no way to lock the loupe in flip down position, I can't see how this would be helpful without having a third hand for focusing the lens, as one must hold the magnifier down due to spring loaded mechanism.

Nevertheless, it is an extremely useful finder, although at a price. The fact that it sells for half the price of the 6x version makes it no less expensive.

 

[gordrob]

The magnifier can only be used when the finder is in the normal extended position. The magnifier can be lowered and raised by the small knob on the finder. It will lock into position so you will not need a third hand
Regards
Gord

 

[Deleted member 88956]

The magnifier can only be used when the finder is in the normal extended position. The magnifier can be lowered and raised by the small knob on the finder. It will lock into position so you will not need a third hand
Regards
Gord

Thanks for the hint, I see how it locks in raised position now. I find no use for this anyways. What do you use it for with magnifier out of the way?

 

[MattKing]

What do you use it for with magnifier out of the way?

Waist level framing with zone focusing and a 21mm lens?

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Waist level framing with zone focusing and a 21mm lens?

That's possible, although I'd prefer Speed Finder for this kind of shooting as it's showing a lot more & better in comparison. But it is a different beast on top of the camera., just not as "bad" as SF for earlier F1. Then when you put rubber hood on FN Speed Finder it changes camera's silhouette from destroyer to aircraft carrier.

 

[gordrob]

I didn't get a lot of use out of the Waist Level Finder, mostly for some flower photos, When I got the 6X finder I used it a lot more for copy work and I still use it for close up work and some macro photography. I also have the speed finder and use it a lot for regular photography because I wear glasses and is comfortable to use. The speed finder definetly changes the profile of the camera.
Gord

 

[Deleted member 88956]

I didn't get a lot of use out of the Waist Level Finder, mostly for some flower photos, When I got the 6X finder I used it a lot more for copy work and I still use it for close up work and some macro photography. I also have the speed finder and use it a lot for regular photography because I wear glasses and is comfortable to use. The speed finder definetly changes the profile of the camera.
Gord

Seems we are in agreement on this, although I really like the WLF in standard form The 6X I'll get eventually when I get it at "correct' price point. Speed Finder is a joy, but it does change camera profile and balance, so nothing for free.

 

[flavio81]

I didn't get a lot of use out of the Waist Level Finder, mostly for some flower photos, When I got the 6X finder I used it a lot more for copy work and I still use it for close up work and some macro photography. I also have the speed finder and use it a lot for regular photography because I wear glasses and is comfortable to use. The speed finder definetly changes the profile of the camera.
Gord

Is it easy to see the full area of the screen with the 6x finder?