Waist-level finder SLRs

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Doktorkay

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Hello everybody,
I'm looking for a camera to buy that has the waist-level finder module, because I would like to try this method of composing and taking photos.

I have seen that there are some famous models with this feature, such as Nikon F3 or Canon F1.

I ask you for help: could you list all the SLRs you know with this feature (or even RF, if any) and give me your opinion on them?

Thanks a lot to everyone!
 
Doktorkay said:
Hello everybody,
I'm looking for a camera to buy that has the waist-level finder module, because I would like to try this method of composing and taking photos.

I have seen that there are some famous models with this feature, such as Nikon F3 or Canon F1.

I ask you for help: could you list all the SRLs you know with this feature (or even RF, if any) and give me your opinion on them?

Thanks a lot to everyone!
Click to expand...

Waist level finders exist for most 35mm SLR cameras with a removable prism assembly ... Exacta, Beseler Topcon, Miranda, Nikon, Canon, and Pentax are the manufacturers that I recall had models with this feature; the Rollei SL35 did also. The Nikon F, F2, and F3 are probably the easiest to find bodies and finders for, and the most serviceable at this date.

That said, waist level finders on 35mm SLRs are often rather clumsy to use because of the oblong 3:2 proportion frame. Making portrait format exposures is very clumsy. Also, the small frame size means that you generally MUST use the magnifier to see the image clearly for focusing and framing.

6x6, 6x4.5, 6x7, and 6x9 SLR and TLR cameras are most usually available with removable prism finders. Square format (6x6) are the easiest to use in this configuration ... Hasselblad SLRs and Rolleiflex TLRs&SLRs are probably the best known, but Mamiya, Minolta, Yashica, and several others are easily available.

Personally, I'd buy a good condition, modestly priced Rolleiflex or Yashicamat if the goal is to experiment with waist level viewing as a first try. The large format and natural fit of 6x6 format to waist level viewing present a more natural use for this viewfinder type.

G
 
Pentax 6x7 has a WLF along with most medium format SLRs.

I agree 100% with Godfrey. A WLF on a rectangular frame is very awkward. I bought one for my Nikon F2 thinking I would enjoy it like my Rolleiflex. It only took a minute to see why it worked so well on the Rolleiflex but isn't very practical on the F2. You are pretty much stuck with landscape compositions using this type of finder unless you want to look very silly trying to make a portrait composition facing away from your subject at a 90 degree angle as you squint through the finder trying to make sense of the inverted scene. I think the one exception to this is the RB67, which can be rotated, making either composition format practical with a WLF.

Another thing to consider is the size of the finder. I find waist level finders to be much more comfortable to use on medium format cameras with larger prisms. A WLF on a 35mm is very squinty even if you have great eyesight.
 
If you try a WLF on an SLR and it's the pop-up type that was common on older models (Exakta, etc.) and you find it works for you, then you might explore the chimney style WLF that became more prevalent on later cameras. Often they include diopter adjustments, and the optics are more sophisticated; also, they block out extraneous light far better than the pop-ups. Once I tried a chimney finder on my 'blad, I sold off the pop-up WLF.
 
Thank you all, you have really cleared my mind!

Actually I had not thought about the "vertical composition" factor .. surely it would be very bizarre to try to photograph something rotated 90° and peeking at the subject sideways..

I think I'll delve into the medium format options instead, they actually look more interesting.

Thanks again everyone!
 
I loved using a WLF on my Canon F-1 back when I had one. Works great for just walking around pre-focused at F8
 
Doktorkay said:
Thank you all, you have really cleared my mind!

Actually I had not thought about the "vertical composition" factor .. surely it would be very bizarre to try to photograph something rotated 90° and peeking at the subject sideways..

I think I'll delve into the medium format options instead, they actually look more interesting.

Thanks again everyone!
Click to expand...

As mentioned above, I was going to suggest, Exakta, Exa, Edixa cameras in 35mm but it looks like you are going to medium format so for me, I fell in love with the Hasselblad 6x6 WLF. First time I looked through that thing I felt like I was looking at TV and preferred that to the prism/chimney finders. And I liked the feel and ergonomics of the Hassy in hand. The TLR option as suggested is excellent.

If you have strong wrists and want a challenge, get this beast: a Mamiya RB67 ProSD 6x7 w/Rotating back, left-hand grip, and a 90mm lens or a little longer for portraits. Always a fun shoot. ;) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_7UgxmClDw

(http://analogowaklisza.blogspot.com/2017/05/w-plenerze-z-mamiya-rb67-prosd.html)

iu
 
I tried to compose with a WL on the F4. It is bit easier with AF but still a chore so I moved on to a TLR. You really need to stick your eye right on that magnifier to see anything due to that tiny ground glass.
 
Many 35mm SLR have a gadget that makes non-removable peta-prism bodies into waist level. Slides over eyepiece.
I think may also make objects seen latterly correct? Not sure.
 
leicapixie said:
Many 35mm SLR have a gadget that makes non-removable peta-prism bodies into waist level. Slides over eyepiece.
I think may also make objects seen latterly correct? Not sure.
Click to expand...

I've never seen that. Interesting.

This just reminded me, my Miranda Sensorex has a removable prism finder which exposes the ground-glass. It appears you can use it as a WLF. They also provide the VF-1 WLF.
 
In 35mm I'd suggest the Soligor TM which takes M42 lenses. The problem will be finding one with the penta prism and WLF surround.

As for problems with portrait mode the answer is to take off the WLF surround and refit the prism... Or buy a TLR there's plenty of those around.

Regards, David
 
Godfrey said:
Waist level finders exist for most 35mm SLR cameras with a removable prism assembly ... Exacta, Beseler Topcon, Miranda, Nikon, Canon, and Pentax are the manufacturers that I recall had models with this feature; the Rollei SL35 did also. The Nikon F, F2, and F3 are probably the easiest to find bodies and finders for, and the most serviceable at this date.
Click to expand...


You must be thinking of some other model as the SL35 has a fixed prism.
 
Nikons that take the DR-3 right-angle finder (and an FM2n or FM3a is a great choice) would fit the bill. The DR-3 has a few other advantages:
1) it allows you to have the body in either portrait or landscape orientation,
2) the image is upright and unreversed,
3) it has a widely-adjustable dioptre, and
4) it fits on a Voigtlander Bessa R3A and similar.

Edit: the DR-3 fits a 19mm threaded eyepiece. While I no longer have an FM3a or R3A, it works nicely on my Fujica ST801.
 
If you really are keen on a 35mm option and are content to use a 50mm lens most of the time there are a couple of options that make portrait oriented images easier. One is the KW Praktina series. You can fit pentaprism or waist level finders as desired. But the waist level is quite decent with a large usable magnifier for critical focusing. In addition a built in (non-focusing) optical viewfinder gives you an un-inverted, right way around view for framing. It makes portrait images with a waist level quite painless (though there's no parallax correction for close work, you'll have to adjust to that yourself).

The other, more expensive alternatives are certain early Alpas. The original Reflex, a stunningly beautiful and historically significant SLR has a waist level finder. But like the later Praktina also uses a separate finder for 50mm lenses. Better than that, it even offers coupled rangefinder focusing as well as reflex. Later model Alpas reverted to pentaprism reflex focusing and non-interchangeable finders. However the somewhat rare Alnea 4 was designed with built in chimney finder plus separate optical finder. All that said although I occasionally use my Praktinas with a waist level fitted, as others have pointed out—a waist level finder really shines brightest on a 6x6 camera.
 
When I was using Nikon F and F2 cameras, I would simply pop off the prism, shade the screen with my hand and use it for waist level or low angle photos. It was fast and convenient since it required no changing out finders. Just be careful with the prism and avoid scratching it.
 
It's not a cheap solution by any means but the Leica AUFSU right angle finder mounts in the accessory shoe and provides a right side up and unreversed view for both landscape and portrait orientation. The AUFSU is for 50mm lenses. Leica also made versions for 28 + 50mm (AHOOT) and 35 + 50mm (AYOOC) which are even harder to find and more expensive.
 
Does it need to be 35mm? Medium Format will take you to a new level. You have choices galore too. Hasselblad being square format will negate the vertical composition issue.
 
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