Linhof Viewer

**John Hennessy** · 10-Feb-2002, 00:12

Has anyone ever used a 45 4-Way Right Angle Reflex Viewfinder for 4x5 Linhof Cam eras?

Here's the B&H page:

http://www01.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC=ProductActivator__ Aproductlist_html___31212___LIFR45___REG___CatID=85___SID=EC23D328040

I have been considering a binocular viewer but a) Linhof does not make one and b ) I am blind as a bat in one eye anyway so it would be a monocular viewer at bes t. I have been doing LF for 25 years and the darkcloth is the only thing I don't like.

Anyone know what it weighs?

Thanks

**Wilhelm** · 10-Feb-2002, 00:40

I just bought one at eBay (about $200). It weighs just under 8 oz, and to my great disappointment is it almost worthless for composing. The center of the ground glass is nicely visable for focusing, but the edges and corners are virtually invisible. IMO it is a piece of s**t. Have you tried the BTZS thingee?

**Matthew Runde** · 10-Feb-2002, 00:42

John,

I have an older one that came with the camera that I'm borrowing (I'm just learning LF, so take all of this with a grain of salt). I can't believe that B+H is charging $499.95 for one. Were it to be made for non-photographic purposes it would probably cost about $35.00.

It weighs 9oz. As you are probably aware, it flips the image vertically, but not horizontally, so what you see is actually backward. It allows you to see the entire groundglass, but I wouldn't use it for critical focusing.

**Bob Salomon** · 10-Feb-2002, 06:38

The Right Angle Finder requires that you use a fresnel screen It sounds like you are not. Or have an improprly installed frsnel.

"I just bought one at eBay (about $200). It weighs just under 8 oz, and to my great disappointment is it almost worthless for composing. The center of the ground glass is nicely visable for focusing, but the edges and corners are virtually invisible."

Try it with the fresnel and then comment.

**Richard Boulware** · 10-Feb-2002, 13:28

I use the reflex viewer on my Super Technika, with a fresnel lens and although there is slight light fall off,.. but not enough to effect composition decisions. My Linhof right angle finder (new black model) is one of the most important accessories in my case. Couldn't work without it. Richard Boulware - Denver.

**Clay Martin** · 10-Feb-2002, 13:45

I've been using the Linhof reflex finder you describe for 15 years with my Technikardan. I find it indispensible for composing, but I still focus with a loupe on the groundglass. My only problem with it (besides its ridiculous price) is that it's fairly flimsy and should be kept in a rigid case (which Linhof does not provide, at least not when I bought mine). After years of use, my finder started developing some alarming cracks in its corners, so I got a plastic 5x7 index card box ($3 at Office Max) to use as a case; the dismantled finder fits inside it perfectly and is well protected now.

I agree that a binocular finder would be better, but this thing is a pretty good compromise. I have no trouble composing with the image reversed left to right, but I sure do like it right-side up!

**Michael Kadillak** · 10-Feb-2002, 16:12

I had the opportunity to look at Richard's viewer before I bought mine (same concerns as the poster) and that pretty much sold me on acquiring one. I also found the fall off to be very modest. The fresnel is a must to even out the illumination. It sure saves time in getting the composition right. It is now part of my routine.