What is the smallest MF camera with Waist Level finder?

[ishpop]

I have used 35mm rangefinders, standard 35mm SLRs, several TLRs and lastly a Bronica SQA.

I find the photographic experience is most enjoyable for me, with a WLF.

So is the smallest hand-holdable MF camera with a WLF the Hassy? Is it the Kiev or Exakta?

I would like to downsize my cam collection a tad and invest a little $$$ into the best possible (and lightest/smallest) MF cam that allows me to use a WLF.

For what its worth, of my WLF experiences, I enjoyed the Bronica viewfinder the best but get probably my best results from a TLR (Rolleiflex or Yashica A).

Thanks for any tips!

 

[Tuolumne]

I love my basic Rolleiflex from around 1956. I don't know if it is the lightest, but it is not heavy, takes great photos, is built for a millennium of use, and makes the greatest sound when you bang the waist-level finder hood down.

/T

 

[Beemermark]

A Nikon F3 with the WLF is the smallest one I can think of.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

A Nikon F3 with the WLF is the smallest one I can think of.

He asked about Medium Format. The F3 is 35mm.

Most medium format SLRs are about the same size. I have a Hasselblad and a Mamiya 645. They're about the same size. I'd stick to a 6x6 SLR because a 645 has to be turned on its side for vertical photos, while a square format camera doesn't have to be turned. I use a prism on my 645 and wouldn't bother using it for waist level.

 

[Doug]

Unfortunately, an F3 is disqualified as the OP mentioned medium format. 🙂

"...the smallest hand-holdable MF camera with a WLF..." might be the 4x4 "Baby" Rollei or similar Yashica 44 both of which use 127 film, which is not really a serious solution due to the scarcity of film in that size. Should exclude box cameras too, which often sported waist-level viewing.

Considering 120/220 film cameras, the 6x4.5cm "645" SLRs are usually quite compact, but then so is the Hasselblad... and TLRs like the Rolleiflex are lighter and more compact due to non-interchangeable lenses and film backs.

If you enjoy the TLR experience and get your best results with one, I'd think that would be a fine classic solution to big film in a small inconspicuous package.

 

[ishpop]

Doug, Chris & Co., thanks for the feedback!

I definitely enjoy my Rollei and Yashica TLRs. The viewfinders are a bit dimmer than my SQA which I might be able to remedy by investing in a nice brighter screen. But yeah, I do enjoy using them.

I might try the Hassy one day if I ever come across a deal I can afford or possibly even a SL66 (yeah right).

I might also tap into the Kiev system at some point so as to try out that immense lense lineup..

 

[Arvay]

I think it's Exacta 6x6. But it's quite rare.

 

[ishpop]

I think it's Exacta 6x6. But it's quite rare.

Yeah these fetch exorbitant prices on ebay when they list. The pre-war and post-war version. The newer Mod III model never even comes up for auction. If anything I would like to get this mount-type in any camera to try and eventially try the legendary Schneider Kreuznach Xenotar 2.8 80mm.

 

[ampguy]

Agree, some kind of 127 TLR

Agree, some kind of 127 TLR

These may be smaller than the F3 with WLF, but would definitely attract more attention than an F3 with WLF, IMO.

Unfortunately, an F3 is disqualified as the OP mentioned medium format. 🙂

"...the smallest hand-holdable MF camera with a WLF..." might be the 4x4 "Baby" Rollei or similar Yashica 44 both of which use 127 film, which is not really a serious solution due to the scarcity of film in that size. Should exclude box cameras too, which often sported waist-level viewing.

Considering 120/220 film cameras, the 6x4.5cm "645" SLRs are usually quite compact, but then so is the Hasselblad... and TLRs like the Rolleiflex are lighter and more compact due to non-interchangeable lenses and film backs.

If you enjoy the TLR experience and get your best results with one, I'd think that would be a fine classic solution to big film in a small inconspicuous package.

 

[ChrisN]

Mamiya 645 might qualify, although using the WLF does limit you to landscape format. The M645 works rather well with the WLF - I find it much brighter than my Rollei or Hassy and easier to focus too.

 

[Krosya]

Maybe Kowa? I never had one, but it looks like it could be a bit smaller. But I find Kiev 88 to be just right size really.

 

[Rey]

I handled a Pentacon 6 once, Just a little larger than a 35mm slr, with good lenses as well as a standard wlf.

 

[Chris101]

Maybe the mini-Rolleiflex is the smallest. It produces superslide sized images.

 

[blw]

I don't think you can get any smaller than the Hawkeye Brownie.

Of course, you'll have to live with one lens, one aperture, and one shutter speed.....plus you'll have to doctor your film spools to make them fit in the smaller 620 chamber. Actually...you do get 2 speeds because there's a bulb setting as well.

But you do have WLF and compact size. Did I mention the shutter is whisper quiet?

 

[andrealed]

I don't think you can get any smaller than the Hawkeye Brownie.

Of course, you'll have to live with one lens, one aperture, and one shutter speed.....plus you'll have to doctor your film spools to make them fit in the smaller 620 chamber. Actually...you do get 2 speeds because there's a bulb setting as well.

But you do have WLF and compact size. Did I mention the shutter is whisper quiet?

Or upgrade:
Voiglander Brilliant, bakelite light body, the viewfinder is 4x4, smaller than a rolleiflex 6x6 viewfinder...well it's not a Rolleiflex...

 

[ZeissFan]

There's always the Komaflex S -- 127 film.

I had to reskin this one, because the original covering came off in big, ugly globs.

 

[Chris101]

There's always the Komaflex S -- 127 film.
...

That's a very pretty camera! Good job at sprucing it up.

 

[ishpop]

That's a very pretty camera! Good job at sprucing it up.

Agreed, looks fantastic!