Waist Level/Chimney Finder in Portrait Orientation?

CreationBear · 10-01-2016, 11:52 AM

I'm still working my way through all the permutations of the P67 "system" (and spending way too much time on eBay

), so I'm looking for a little more feedback if you're willing.

Right now, what I'm envisioning is carrying a P67 along on my hikes in the Smoky Mountains, which for me means shooting both classic landscapes (waterfalls and the like) as well as wildflowers and whatever else piques my interest of a morning. If I'm working with a Manfrotto geared head and a Uni-loc tripod (because a man can never have too many knobs), do you think a waist level or rigid viewfinder would be a good option, even if I often shoot in portrait orientation? Since I'm nearsighted--the advent of Live View really made photography possible for me again--I'd be willing to give up TTL metering for a little magnification, if it didn't mean an inordinate amount of faffing about.

Any experience from the field greatly appreciated!

Silent Street · 10-01-2016, 09:07 PM

If you are frequently shooting in portrait orientation, the waist level finder is more of a hindrance/nuisance that defeats its purpose. Much better by a mile to sit with the TTL or unmetered prism, and for those awkward shots, invest in a right-angle finder (either a 6x7 or 67-designated one, not a cheap Chinese knock-off). The right-angle finder has adjustable dioptric correction, which works well enough for me (+2-and-a-bit in my case). There is no easy way to address the awkward re-orientation and viewing through a waist-level finder in the portrait orientation. You should try both the WLF and the TTL/unmetered finder for comparison before travelling. Personally I would not make my work out there any more difficult or testing (beside carrying around 16kg of glass and metal...) with a finder that imparts awkwardness in how I approach the equipment relative to the scene and other specifics that can sometimes really test me.

CreationBear · 10-02-2016, 08:03 AM

Originally posted by Silent Street

(beside carrying around 16kg of glass and metal...)

Excellent, thanks for the insights, SS...no doubt I'm approaching the point where "trial and error" is going to rule the day. Otherwise, my knee is still making clicking noises from the last time I piled all my DSLR kit into my pack--maybe any 67 I buy should come with a complimentary gym membership.

Silent Street · 10-02-2016, 03:23 PM

In the real world of being "out there" photographing and having a "bloody good tour" (a classic phrase from my long bicycle touring days...), the burden of weight can really erode the enjoyment of the moment. What is perceived, or actually known to be an easy to moderate walk can become a real slugfest. I plan on paring down my P67 kit over the southern hemisphere Spring and Summer season so I can regain full enjoyment of any of the walks I undertake, without having to persistently cuss and curse on every small molehill that becomes a mountain under carried load!!

Last edited by Silent Street; 10-02-2016 at 04:01 PM.

10-01-2016, 11:52 AM	#1
CreationBear Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,415	Waist Level/Chimney Finder in Portrait Orientation? I'm still working my way through all the permutations of the P67 "system" (and spending way too much time on eBay), so I'm looking for a little more feedback if you're willing. Right now, what I'm envisioning is carrying a P67 along on my hikes in the Smoky Mountains, which for me means shooting both classic landscapes (waterfalls and the like) as well as wildflowers and whatever else piques my interest of a morning. If I'm working with a Manfrotto geared head and a Uni-loc tripod (because a man can never have too many knobs), do you think a waist level or rigid viewfinder would be a good option, even if I often shoot in portrait orientation? Since I'm nearsighted--the advent of Live View really made photography possible for me again--I'd be willing to give up TTL metering for a little magnification, if it didn't mean an inordinate amount of faffing about. Any experience from the field greatly appreciated!

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Waist level finder 67	jt_cph_dk	Pentax Medium Format	10	12-20-2013 09:18 AM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax waist-level finder FF-1 rare	smilex	Sold Items	2	08-19-2011 12:57 PM
645NII waist level finder	tonysemone	Pentax Medium Format	3	11-16-2010 05:11 PM
Waist Level Finder for 67	Swift1	Pentax Medium Format	5	10-06-2009 12:09 PM

10-01-2016, 09:07 PM	#2
Silent Street Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Castlemaine, Victoria, AUS Photos: Albums Posts: 1,151	If you are frequently shooting in portrait orientation, the waist level finder is more of a hindrance/nuisance that defeats its purpose. Much better by a mile to sit with the TTL or unmetered prism, and for those awkward shots, invest in a right-angle finder (either a 6x7 or 67-designated one, not a cheap Chinese knock-off). The right-angle finder has adjustable dioptric correction, which works well enough for me (+2-and-a-bit in my case). There is no easy way to address the awkward re-orientation and viewing through a waist-level finder in the portrait orientation. You should try both the WLF and the TTL/unmetered finder for comparison before travelling. Personally I would not make my work out there any more difficult or testing (beside carrying around 16kg of glass and metal...) with a finder that imparts awkwardness in how I approach the equipment relative to the scene and other specifics that can sometimes really test me.

10-02-2016, 08:03 AM	#3
CreationBear Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 2,415 Original Poster	Originally posted by Silent Street (beside carrying around 16kg of glass and metal...) Excellent, thanks for the insights, SS...no doubt I'm approaching the point where "trial and error" is going to rule the day. Otherwise, my knee is still making clicking noises from the last time I piled all my DSLR kit into my pack--maybe any 67 I buy should come with a complimentary gym membership.

10-02-2016, 03:23 PM	#4
Silent Street Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Castlemaine, Victoria, AUS Photos: Albums Posts: 1,151	In the real world of being "out there" photographing and having a "bloody good tour" (a classic phrase from my long bicycle touring days...), the burden of weight can really erode the enjoyment of the moment. What is perceived, or actually known to be an easy to moderate walk can become a real slugfest. I plan on paring down my P67 kit over the southern hemisphere Spring and Summer season so I can regain full enjoyment of any of the walks I undertake, without having to persistently cuss and curse on every small molehill that becomes a mountain under carried load!! Last edited by Silent Street; 10-02-2016 at 04:01 PM.