Looking for a prism finder for my Rollei..

[peewee]

Hello!..I'm here looking for your advice again!
I would like to buy a nice penta prism/view finder for my Rolleiflex 2.8F. Please can anyone tell me, is there a specific model I need and any suggestions for camera dealers in the UK where I might find one..they don't come up on Ebay often..Also how much should I expect to pay?

I'm enjoying my Rollei very much, it's such a good camera..Taking some closeups with my Rolleinar this morning I thought the penta prism would make focusing more accurate.

Many thanks
Lucy

 

[mfogiel]

I believe, there is only one type of pentaprism. The thing to look at, is separation, which happens frequently with these, so before you buy, look inside.
If you get the prism, I'd also recommend the pistol grip, which makes holding much easier.
As an alternative, you could get this adapter, and use one of the Hasselblad or Kiev 45deg prisms, easier for use on a tripod or handheld:

http://www.baierfoto.de/tlr_engl.html

I have tested the focus accuracy, with the Rollei WLF, Hasselblad prism and the pentaprism, and frankly, there is not much difference between them, but the prisms give you a non reversed image.

 

[Dan Daniel]

Another approach is an adapter that then allows you to attach Hassleblad finders-
http://www.baierfoto.de/tlr_engl.html

You can then use prisms like the Hasslelblad NC-2, which is not very expensive. By the time you do this combination, you'll spend less than a Rollei 90-degree prism in excellent shape.

And you'll have a camera that is easier to hold and use. The 45-degree prism lets you hold the camera a little lower and controls fall into place nicely. The 90-degree prism places the camera higher and some people find it uncomfortable unless they use the Rollei grip.

Here's a Yashica with an NC-2 prism scabbed on top to give you an idea of the look-

 

[JohnTF]

I still like the classic Rollei Leather Hood.

Lighter, very bright, magnifies, adjustable, and I prefer the perspective for shooting.

Regards, John

 

[peewee]

Many thanks, this is all extremely useful.

 

[Photo_Smith]

Ffordes had one for £59
http://www.ffordes.com/category/Medium_Format/Rolleiflex/Rollei_Twin_Lens/TLR_Accessories

 

[Beemermark]

All the prisms I've seen with separation, it's at the edges. Has no affect on viewing the screen. Also they frequently have dents, which again has no affect on viewing the screen. Unless you're concerns about how good it looks you can find one with dents and minor separation relatively cheap.

 

[peewee]

Thanks, good to hear..I would go with cheap, to see how I get on with a prism to start with and maybe get a grip later.

 

[mkvrnn]

The downside is that the prism turns one of the prettiest cameras in the world into one of the most ugly.