MF folder w/ waist level viewfinder?

[AlexC]

I recently picked up an old Mamiya Six folder (looks like a model III) that sports an integrated waist-level viewfinder along with the coupled eye-level rangefinder/viewfinder. The waist-level option is most useful, especially with the top mounted focus scale.

I don't recall seeing other vintage folders with both types of finder... anyone know of others?

 

[furcafe]

I don't know of any w/built-in waist-level finders (nice to know that they exist!), but Zeiss Ikon did offer accessory waist-level (or @ least chest-level) finders for some of their 120 folders like the Super Ikonta B.

 

[Roman]

Alex,
could you post a pic of that Mamiya? I'd really be interested to see how they integrated the WLF into a folder...

Roman

 

[AlexC]

Thanks, furcafe. I like the freedom of not carrying an accessory finder, so the Mamiya Six is a great pocketable camera for me. It seems that having both finders is a bit unusual, but I did come across mention of another too:

Taisei Koki Welmy Six - http://www.pibweb.com/ross/Campix/folders.htm (halfway down page)

 

[AlexC]

Hi Roman, the Mamiya is off to Jurgen Kreckle for a CLA. When it gets back I'll be sure to post some pics.

Update: looks like ritzcamera.com has a Mamiya Six with the waist-level finder up for sale. Picture at http://www.ritzcam.com/catalog/images/Mami6Ko.jpg; the waist-level finder is just in front of the accesory shoe.

 

[hoot]

the waist-level finder is just in front of the accesory shoe.

Hmm, a bit small for precise focusing, isn't it? It reminds me of the waist-level viewfinders on box cameras. I'm guessing you'd first set the focus by using the rangefinder, then keep an eye on the waist-level viewfinder for composition and the "decisive moment" in people photography. Right?

 

[AlexC]

Yup, you have to preset focus or scale focus (which is easy, as the distance scale is also top mounted) and then shoot from the chest or waist.