Waist-Level Finders On 35mm Cameras

[DF]

Is the Minolta XK the only 35mm camera to feature a waist-level finder?
I would love to experience 35mm photography pretending I'm not looking at strangers while knowing darn well I am - and, taking their picture too!

 

[Prof_Pixel]

The Exatka and Exa had waist level finders.

 

[Les Sarile]

All 35mm SLRs with interchangeable viewfinders have a waist level finder as an option. Here are some that I have but there are others that I don't.

There was also one 35mm SLR that I am aware of that has a changeable view without a removable viewfinder.

 

[DF]

But they're all old models. Why did this happen - did there come a time when shooters didn't like holding their camera "down there" anymore, or was it the way of manufacturers?
Anyhow, thanks Les

 

[Les Sarile]

But they're all old models.

There are three newer than your XK. I haven't kept track of newer ones. Sounds like you are looking for something more specific?

 

[Prof_Pixel]

Having used both waist level (Exatka and Exa) and pentaprism eye level (Pentax and Nikon), I found the eye level approach more useable.

 

[MattKing]

Miranda as well.

If you have ever used one, you will know how small they are.

 

[Chan Tran]

The Nikon F5 is the newest 35mm SLR which would accept a waist level finder.

 

[ic-racer]

I have an Edixa and Practica and Rolleiflex SL2000f and SL3003 that all have waist level finders. In the 1980s my main camera was a 2 1/4 TLR, and I actually preferred the 35mm cameras with waist level finders.

 

[Chan Tran]

But they're all old models. Why did this happen - did there come a time when shooters didn't like holding their camera "down there" anymore, or was it the way of manufacturers?
Anyhow, thanks Les

The models that were waist level only of course people don't like them. For those that offer waist level as option it was because the manufacturers found it's too expensive to make.

 

[frank]

I have an waist level finder for my Nikon F3.

 

[Fixcinater]

The Canon F1 (both model iterations) had a "Speed Finder" which could be used as a close up WLF. Much better than the TLS401's vertical finder, in my experience.

 

[Les Sarile]

Of course if you remove the viewfinder - if not already a WL finder, you will have a waist level finder albeit you may need to shield the stray light.

 

[albada]

Don't forget the Bolsey C. But it's a TLR and not an SLR. Which reminds me, any TLR will work for you, but very few are 35mm.
And yes, Miranda is a good inexpensive choice, but like most mechanical SLRs, it's rather noisy for street-shooting (ka-thunk! heads turn).
I suggest putting a 28mm or 35mm lens on a quiet rangefinder, and guess-aiming.

Mark Overton

 

[wiltw]

But they're all old models. Why did this happen - did there come a time when shooters didn't like holding their camera "down there" anymore, or was it the way of manufacturers?
Anyhow, thanks Les

Originally SLRs had no metering, then along comes TTL metering. The TTL metering which was designed with the metering sensor in the pentaprism, and this I believe to mark the death of waist level designs. Of the TTL metering cameras, the Topcon RE-Super (a.k.a. Beseler Topcon Super D in the USA) was perhaps the only TTL SLR which never lost TTL metering capability with removal of the pentaprism, but while the TTL meter pattern was embedded in its reflex mirror, I don't know to what extent the TTL metering was rendered inaccurate due to light coming downward thru the waist level finder.

 

[Brett Rogers]

Zeiss Icarex 35 (BM or TM). Praktica FX, FX2/3. Zeiss Ikon Contarex Special. All of these also either had a pentaprism option, or one that could fitted in conjunction with the standard waist level viewfinder.

 

[Chan Tran]

Originally SLRs had no metering, then along comes TTL metering. The TTL metering which was designed with the metering sensor in the pentaprism, and this I believe to mark the death of waist level designs. Of the TTL metering cameras, the Topcon RE-Super (a.k.a. Beseler Topcon Super D in the USA) was perhaps the only TTL SLR which never lost TTL metering capability with removal of the pentaprism, but while the TTL meter pattern was embedded in its reflex mirror, I don't know to what extent the TTL metering was rendered inaccurate due to light coming downward thru the waist level finder.

Nikon F3 has all of its metering function in the body including the LCD display. The Nikon F4 and F5 retain some metering capabilities without the viewfinder. I am sure the decision not to offer interchangeable viewfinder option for the Nikon F6 had to do with cost.

 

[GRHazelton]

I have the AsahiFlex IIa which my Father bought new back in the day. He got good service from it; I used it occasionally, often enough to know that WL viewing was NOT for me! Aside from the tiny image and difficulty in quick focussing, following action was ... difficult, and vertical shots no fun at all!

In addition to the Topcon Super D and the Nikon F3 as mentioned above, the Pentax LX also retains full metering capabilities when used "finderless," since exposure is read off the film at the time of exposure. Ambient light entering the viewscreen has no effect on metering. I have several viewfinders for my LXs, but NOT the waist level finder. If you want "waist level" viewing for street shooting with a SLR, consider a Right Angle Finder attachment.

 

[DF]

Yes, I could understand where those don't like nor need to shoot waist level - scenics, citiscapes - architecture, and mostly I guess, slow speed films where you need a tripod. But street shooting people - that's gotta be great with waist.

 

[Wallendo]

Yes, I could understand where those don't like nor need to shoot waist level - scenics, citiscapes - architecture, and mostly I guess, slow speed films where you need a tripod. But street shooting people - that's gotta be great with waist.

Keep in mind that you would have to be fairly far away from your subjects with a waist level finder unless you want lots of images of crotches and derrieres.

 

[bvy]

The small and very compact Yashica T4 Super (also branded as the Yashica T5) has a very small waist level (more like elbow level) finder built into the body. It's the reason I bought the camera way back when, but now I hardly use it. Also, it can be hard to see in the wrong light, but there are times when it came in very handy.

Either way, the camera's a keeper. It has a very sharp Zeiss lens, and the most accurate autofocus of any camera like it that I've used.

 

[Alan Gales]

I had a Practika with a waist level finder. It sucked. Well, maybe it's just my eyes that suck.

I find them too hard to use or at least the one on the Practika. I love waist level finders on medium format cameras though. I gave the 35mm camera to my stepson and he likes it. Of course he has better eyes than I do.

 

[GRHazelton]

Keep in mind that you would have to be fairly far away from your subjects with a waist level finder unless you want lots of images of crotches and derrieres.

Well, to each is own.....

 

[Alan Gales]

Keep in mind that you would have to be fairly far away from your subjects with a waist level finder unless you want lots of images of crotches and derrieres.

Female crotches and derrieres can be quite attractive!

 

[bdial]

A WLF on a 35 makes for a pretty small image to use for composing from a foot or so away. While I think it's a wonderful feature to have available, and I've popped the prism off my F3 many times to frame a shot where the camera position was awkward, I think the usefulness of a WLF on 35 for doing street work is limited, IMHO. YMMV though.