Best camera body for waist level shooting?

SimonPJ

SimonPJ

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Inspired by Sean Reid's article on waist level shooting (tlr-style), I'd like to pick up a mirror-less digital body with articulated EVF to experiment with on holiday.

I'll have A Leica M outfit with me, so could use a 35 Cron on it. Or may be better to use a native lens for AF.

What do you recommend for easiest and most effective waist level shooting? Fuji, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic, Canon, other... ?

Thanks,

Simon
 
I can't answer that, as I have none of those. But your post reminds me: I was recently wondering if someone might come out with a digital rolleiflex TLR. Same basic design, but with a sensor where the film goes, and a LCD screen where the groundglass goes. Could be really popular with those who like to shoot with a Rollei or other TLR.
 
The Fuji XT2 works. I use one as a 'polaroid' when shooitng a Rolleiflex. Sometimes the cropped square, b&w jpeg from the XT2 looks as good, but different, than the Rolleiflex, scanned HP5 neg on an Epson V700 and printed to 15X15. I would go to a Sony full frame body for this but I don't think you can crop square and set to b&w in the viewfinder?
 
I have a Fuji X-M1 that is used the majority of the time in WLF mode. One of those with a native lens like a 23/2, 27/2.8 or 35/2 would be an economical and fun way of testing the concept and would give you excellent results (the X-M1 is effectively an X-Pro1 sensor in a basic body.)
 
Sometimes I use my Olympus E-M10 at waist level. Mostly I do it with auto focus lenses. But I can use some manual lenses like this. I have a choice of using an enlarged/cropped view for focusing or I can use the peaking function.

I don't have a Sony, but I like what I've read about their focus peaking. And with a bigger sensor than Olympus and Panasonic, you'll get a field of view about like a 53mm lens for 35mm format. I'd think the wider FOV might be better for WLF work.
 
I used the CoolPix 900 series cameras like this often. Lots of fun. I'm not sure any of the ones you list would be bad.

Keep in mind that if it's not full frame, your 35 might turn into a 70 or a 52 depending upon which system you go with.

B2 (;->
 
Any of the brands you mention if they have a flip up screen should be fine - check 'em out in a store and see which you like best
 
Thanks for the suggestions. Do any cameras with touch screens make waist level shooting easier by allowing touch for focusing and shutter release?
 
I use an X-M1 and Nex 7 for this type of shooting and enjoy both. If I were buying now, it would likely be the X-T20. X-Pro2 engine in a small, inexpensive body with flip screen and among the best B&W output.

I agree this is a wonderful way to shoot street photography. Not only for the stealth factor, but also because the angle of view on subjects is more pleasing than eye-level view, especially if you are taller than most. If you haven't done it before, I think you're in for a revelation.

John
 
Simon, I'm personally not a fan of touch screens but most people seem to get on famously with them.
 
The Panasonic GX80 (or 85 outside US) has a flip up screen, touch screen focus and touch screen shutter release. Solid body, image stabilization, magnified focus, focus peaking, quiet mechanical shutter and electronic shutter. All for under $500 US right now, with the kit lens. Very happy with it.
 
I just bought a new Fuji X-M1 clearance without accessories just for the 16-50 for my X-Pro 1 / 27mm
I did not think that i would need another body ... but trying it out for architecture with the 'waist level finder ' for architecture , it has become a useful extension to my snap shooting .
it's also discrete for street shooting .
It takes a bit of getting used to in terms of getting the shot straight !
dee
 
Dee, I've been following your Fuji quest over in the other forum. Have you turned the XM1 screen level on?
 
Personally, I feel the "flip up" class of screens only do the job half way. They work, but only if you want a horizontal/landscape image orientation. All the video shooters generally need, but not always a complete solution for the still shooter.

I prefer the fully articulated screens that flip out to the side and rotate. These can work as waistlevel finders with either horizontal or vertical image orientation. They allow for vertical orientation, as well as horizontal, in a wide range of shooting positions. In m4/3, the Pany G and GH series have fully articulated screens.
 
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