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XF Waist Level

Don Libby

Well-known member
Short story is it arrived less than an hour ago. The slightly longer story is that while it's here and in great working condition Phase One seems to have forgotten to include any instructions. The one thing I'd really like to know is how do I change the diopter so I can see the image clearer - that's all.

Anyway whether or not the diopter is changeable this is a great addition and I'm looking forward to using it a lot.

Here's a little camera porn ...









Don
 

Paul2660

Well-known member
Hi Don.

This came up in post somewhere i.e. The diopter adjustment. I recall something about the adjustment being fixed but that sounded strange when I read it. I have one in order and looking forward to it. Hopefully it is adjustable as I am a glasses wearer.

Something about having to order the eyepiece for the needed diopter.

I need to try and find that old post.

Paul C
 

Paul2660

Well-known member
Peter beat me to it. The post I was thinking about was started by Don and the There is a ref back to the 7 different Diopters that can be ordered for the waist level finder which are interchangeable.

More to learn about as it's not like the 90 degree finder which has an adjustable setting.

Paul C
 

vjbelle

Well-known member
I think that for the price of this finder that there ought to be a built in adjustable diopter eyepiece. This reminds me of the Hassy right angle finder for the 903 SWC which had a fixed diopter of 0..... very inconvenient!! I certainly expect more from Phase...... Maybe they'll introduce a WL chimney where it would be easier to include an adjustable diopter.

Victor
 

Don Libby

Well-known member
Couple of things to consider...

First since I'm not putting my eye up against the viewfinder I find (so far) little issue with lack of a diopter adjustment. This comes from an old fart using trifocal glasses.

Second and much more importantly (at least for me) is the ability to see clearly in bright sunlight. Short answer is it works well. I tested this in my backyard, sunny Arizona sun and had no problems seeing the viewfinder; actually the LCD was a little washed out due to the abundant light.

Third, and this is a first for me. Will this make me a better photographer? The answer is yes. The reason I wanted this is to have a slightly better perspective without the strain of bending over or sitting on my *** in a pile of snow or other crap. I've lost count of the times I've had to lay down behind my system as if I were a sniper trying to keep a low profile just so I could see through the prism. While I won't completely rule out the need to either lay down, sit down or knell I can also see me being able to set the camera lower and being much more comfortable, take my time and do it correctly in a much more relaxed manner and not rushed because I've lost feeling in one or more body parts.

There's probably four and more points but this is enough for now.

The waist level might not be for everyone and I'm not suggesting it'll be replacing my prism; I do recommend at least looking at one.

Don
 
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Bill Caulfeild-Browne

Well-known member
Another reason I like WL finders is that you see your scene in two dimensions, just as your print will be. I compose better that way, even if the image is reversed. I realize that even with the pentaprism you're really only seeing a two dimensional image on ground glass (well, plastic!) but looking through a viewfinder gives the illusion of three dimensions.

And like Don, my affinity for lying prone is vanishing with age. Getting down in the weeds is fine - getting up again, not so much.
 

steve_cor

Member
Be careful about getting down in the weeds; there are snakes in there. And leeches, and spiders, and...

A magnifying chimney finder with adjustable diopter would be awesome. Maybe a good opportunity for a third party?


--Steve.
 

GrahamWelland

Subscriber & Workshop Member
Do you get that 3D look that we're used to from the old 503/RZ/680 waist level finders? I always liked that for focusing.
 

richardman

Well-known member
Do you get that 3D look that we're used to from the old 503/RZ/680 waist level finders? I always liked that for focusing.
I have been a Leica RF shooter since 2004. Prior to that I used an Olympus 4-T etc.

Since 4 years ago, I have been using a 4x5 extensively. Once you are used to that bright ground glass, switching to RF seems unsatisfactory. Hence nowadays my small camera is either the iPhone 6, or the Hasselblad 203FE with the WLF. 3D look is about right.
 

Pelorus

Member
Couple of things to consider...

This comes from an old fart using trifocal glasses.

[snip]

Don
Don, welcome to the world society of tri-focal wearers. I believe that we are 2 of the three known members and the 3rd cannot currently be found.

The world's best specs, bar none.
 

Bill Caulfeild-Browne

Well-known member
Actually, as a nature photographer I like snakes and spiders, and since I picked up my new WLF today, I look forward to meeting them on their own level.
 
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