Hasselblad Prisms Question

[brian steinberger]

I finally received my Hasselblad 501c with a PM90 prism. I love the camera, hate the prism! It's way too bulky and gets in the way of removing magazines easily.

So I'm planning to return the prism. I'm looking into either the NC2 45 degree prism or the HC4 right angle viewer. Both prisms are 3X magnifiers and also have eyecups which I prefer. the NC2 looks nice and simple and seems like it would be relaxing to use. The HC4 looks much smaller than the PM90 and would allow room to attach and remove magazines easier. Anyone have an experience with either or both viewfinders to offer recommendations?

Also, is there much difference between 2X and 3X in the viewfinder?

[david b]

get yourself the PM5 or PM45. Easy to remove the film back and a nice 45 degree angle.

[Q.G.]

The HC 4 is not a very nice finder. The eye relief is way too short, so you really need to press your eye against the thing, making sure it is perfectly centered, or you won't see the viewfinder image.
The HC 4, though it looks less like a solid block, is bulkier than the PM90 too.
So if you want a 90 degree finder, do keep that PM90!

The NC 2 is a great little prism.
The 45 degree viewing angle really is the best (unless you want to use an 6x4.5 magazine and shoot in 'portrait orientation').
The viewfinder is easy on your eye, and the 3x magnification is great.
There are only three disadvantages:
- The eyepiece is not adjustable, so you need to insert separate correction lenses. If you need a corrected eyepiece, of course.
- There is no accessory shoe on top.
- You can't use it when using Polaroid magazines.

All three very minor points.
I use PM-series prisms too, and very rarely have i felt a need to put something in the shoe on top.
Polaroid magazines... why?
And though i do need a corrected eyepiece (you could try using the prisms with your glasses on, if you have glasses, but it's not good), finding, or having a correction lens made and putting it in is no big deal, and only needs to be done once (assuming your eyes don't change in a hurry).

The 'easy to remove the film back' thing is provided by all 45 degree prisms except the CdS meter prism, and the 90 degree 'tubed' viewfinders (HC 4, HC 3 70/RM 2) too.


But how about getting the regular folding hood?
Then get the latest type (with a solid tab to open the hood, instead of sliding knob), which offers the possibility to change the loupe for a corrected one.

[WRSchmalfuss]

Tip: the 45° KIEV prism finder will fit also on your Hasselblad! Available also in a spot metering version, and a lot cheaper as the so called originals!

[hassyfan]

IMHO, the PM45 is the way to go. I've got one and it's great. If you wear glasses, this is the one to get........can see the complete frame at 2.5x, I believe.

Ron

[jeffreyg]

The PM5 has worked fine for me. You can get interchangeable eye pieces for vision correction. I had sent Hasselblad a copy of my glasses Rx and the sent the appropriate eye piece. I can use it without wearing glasses.

[dentkimterry]

I like the PM-5. It's 3x display is easy to focus. They are relatively cheap these days. I bought a nice bargain one from KEH for $59. Also consider keeping the PM90 as a second prism. I use one when I want a higher point of view. Works great.

[Mark Fisher]

I have an ancient, beat up NC2 that works well for me even with glasses. It isn't all that heavy and it takes up less room in my bag.

[resummerfield]

IMHO, the PM45 is the way to go. I've got one and it's great. If you wear glasses, this is the one to get........can see the complete frame at 2.5x, I believe.

Ron

Exactly. The PM5 is nice, but the PM45 is even better. I find the 45 degree finders much easier to use than the 90 degree, but even the 90 degree is better than waist level finders. At least for someone used to eye-level viewing!

[mikebarger]

I have a pm, nc and the Kiev NC copy....can't tell a difference in any of them.

Mike