eye level finders for Mamiya C330f

[joachim]

Hi,

On my last outing with my C330f, I wondering about whether an eye level finder (porroflex or the proper prism) would help. I understand the porroflex finder offers a pretty small image, which makes me wondering about focus accuracy. On the other hand, Graham Patterson http://www.btinternet.com/~G.A.Patterson/mfaq/m_faq-6.html#Heading105
writes that the proper prism, which offers a larger and brighter image is not any good with glasses. Also he writes it is heavy. Anyone a number (preferably in gram) to put behind this?

Anyone likes to comment?

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I have a porroflex in the original box, it was actually made by Nippon Kogaku (Nikon), and it has the N-K logo on the box and the finder! It is dim and the image small. I never liked it. I never had the real prism though so I can't comment on that. Unfortunately I no longer have my C330, sold it because I needed money several years aog and the buyer didn't want the porroflex. If you're interested I'd like to sell mine.

[wclavey]

I have both the porroflex (Nikon-made) and the prism finder. The porroflex is, for me, at best, a back-up to the prism finder... it is dim and the image looks far away. I can focus with it and it does serve to block out extraneous light, but it is not the best answer. But it is significantly lighter than the prism finder (177 g).

It is true that the prism finder is heavy (412 g) but the prism for the Bronica s2a is 617 g, so not inordinately heavy for what it is. I amd badly nearsighted and wear glasses (have for almost 50 years!) and I have no problems with the prism finder. I wear bifocals and I do not have any problem using the top (normal distance vision) section to view the prism finder image.

I use the prism finder extensively (C3 & C220) and find that the added weight can be managed with a good L-bracket. I only use the porrofinder when I have film in both cameras and I'm switching between them. Otherwise I always use the prism finder.

Feel free to PM any other questions about them you might have.

[joachim]

I have both the porroflex (Nikon-made) and the prism finder. The porroflex is, for me, at best, a back-up to the prism finder... it is dim and the image looks far away. I can focus with it and it does serve to block out extraneous light, but it is not the best answer. But it is significantly lighter than the prism finder (177 g).

It is true that the prism finder is heavy (412 g) but the prism for the Bronica s2a is 617 g, so not inordinately heavy for what it is. I amd badly nearsighted and wear glasses (have for almost 50 years!) and I have no problems with the prism finder. I wear bifocals and I do not have any problem using the top (normal distance vision) section to view the prism finder image.

I use the prism finder extensively (C3 & C220) and find that the added weight can be managed with a good L-bracket. I only use the porrofinder when I have film in both cameras and I'm switching between them. Otherwise I always use the prism finder.

Feel free to PM any other questions about them you might have.

Hi Wes and Chris,

thanks to both of you for your time to answer. So two clear votes in favour of the real prism so far. Much appreciated -Ta-

Typically I have the camera on a tripod. It is more the lurking around which bothers me with the weight. Since I live in Europe, I would be looking at buying a finder here (don't want to hassle with the customs stuff).

[Bryce]

I had for a short time the Porroflex and still have the prism for my 330. I'll agree with the comments about both above, in fact found the thing so unwieldy with the prism I about never used it.
One of the good parts of life with a TLR is that you can use some genuinely slow shutter times with it perched against your chest- not likely to happen with the prism in place.
I guess there are just better tools out there if you want eye level and immediate.

2¢

[williams473]

I used the prism finder once and never again on my Mamiya C220. I found it actually harder to focus than using the magnifyer on the ground glass. Anyway, to me, half the beauty of using a TLR is focusing right on the glass. Plus, looking through the prism seems to change the way I compose my images - I guess I've gotten used to seeing "backwards." So you just might find you don't like it - but it's always worth a try.

[sfj]

I've used my C2 with the original waist-level finder and the Mamiya pentaprism finder. The pentaprism finder is at least as accurate for focusing as the waist-level with flip-up magnifier, but of course adds weight. Having used 35mm SLRs all my life, the pentaprism feels natural to hold and use, but waist-level composition (once critically focused with the magnifier) is good.