Prism Finder for Ebony Camera

[Ronan2020]

Hi all,

I've been looking at the chamonix Prism finder and was trying to find a way to adapt it for my Ebony SV45TE. Does anyone know of a prism that would fit without adapting?

Thanks all.

Ronan

[Bob Salomon]

No one makes a prism finder for large format. Are you looking for a mirror reflex housing? Make sure it has a front surface mirror.

[Keith Pitman]

This is a Grimes made adaptation of a Calumet-type reflex viewer. I used the same type viewer and adapted it myself. Easy to do in a couple of hours.205091

[wager123]

Like Keith i have adapted the same reflex viewer to my Ebony not hard at all

[Sandro]

This is a Grimes made adaptation of a Calumet-type reflex viewer. I used the same type viewer and adapted it myself. Easy to do in a couple of hours.205091

For those of you using a reflex finder, do you need to unmount it every time for focusing?
I can’t decide myself to buy one for this reason...

[Ronan2020]

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/accessories/viewfinders

So is the image still upside down in this finder?

I think this could be adapted also, What kind of focusing screen is best for them?

Thanks all

[mdarnton]

In this type of finder the image is right side up, reversed left to right. It is used for both focus and framing. Practically speaking, it completely eliminates the need for a dark cloth, especially in studio work. I have a couple for my Cambos, and they are great. For most lenses the camera's own fresnel lens works to keep the corners bright, but it does start to fail with very wide lenses, where the corners go dark. One side can start to darken with shifts and rise/fall movements, too.. The finder rotates when you switch from horizontal to vertical; I believe that some of the cheap Chinese copies do not do this.

I'm not sure, but I think one of mine has a first surface mirror and the other doesn't. It doesn't matter, and I don't have a favorite. Cambo also makes/made a straight-through chimney finder, which is useful when you're using a high camera position and can't get above the finder to look down. The 90 degree finder can be used to the side, but it's very disorienting--everything moves the wrong direction when framing and I think the view is upside down, too.

They show up on Ebay, but they aren't common. I think it took several months to find mine. But the reflex type does continue to pop up. I believe that the reflex finder is T-20 and the straight one T-10, but the best way to search is Cambo viewing hood. The straight version hardly ever shows up there. The "real" price seems to hang around $120, but there's always someone who'd like to sell theirs to you for $300.

I first found out about these from the work of Shelby Lee Adams, who uses/used the Linhof version for his Appalachian photos: https://www.icp.org/browse/archive/constituents/shelby-lee-adams?all/all/all/all/0 (A google image search will turn up a lot of his work in this series.) I think you can see there how because it's a look-down finder it tends to impose a particular camera position about four feet off the ground, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but something to consider. That makes it very handy for studio portraits, which is about all I do.

The Cambo models fit within the same rebate the ground glass drops into. You set one end under a permanent clip and there's a sliding clip on the other side. The question for another camera is probably whether the hole for the GG is large enough to drop the finder into--making some sort of clips would be the easy part. I imagine the finder dimensions could be slightly cut for a smaller hole. Don't have mine here to check sizes.

[Alan Klein]

http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/accessories/viewfinders

So is the image still upside down in this finder?

I think this could be adapted also, What kind of focusing screen is best for them?

Thanks all

I have the Chamonix reflex viewer. The image is right side up but is reversed left to right like a waist level viewfinder. It slides onto the 4 "buttons" that ordinarily hold the protective cover for the ground glass. After you slide it on, there are two slide buttons on the right that locks it onto the camera. The front rotates so you can reorient it when you turn the film holder to portrait mode.

I'm curious how others have found using it for focus and shooting rather than a regular dark cloth??

[Dan Fromm]

Alan, they're all much the same. See http://www.bnphoto.org/bnphoto/LFN/ReflexFinders1.html

I have all three Cambo viewers. T-20 reflex viewing hood (monocular). T-21 in-line viewing hood (monocular). C-288 binocular viewing hood. The C-288 is a reflex viewer.

I like all three but the T-20 and T-21 aren't that good for focusing because they don't magnify.

The C-288 is 2x, is better for focusing, but is heavy and can pull the focusing panel out of position. I have to be very careful when using it. It is bulky and not easy to transport. I think it was intended to be used in the studio, not in the field.

[Alan Klein]

Alan, they're all much the same. See http://www.bnphoto.org/bnphoto/LFN/ReflexFinders1.html

I have all three Cambo viewers. T-20 reflex viewing hood (monocular). T-21 in-line viewing hood (monocular). C-288 binocular viewing hood. The C-288 is a reflex viewer.

I like all three but the T-20 and T-21 aren't that good for focusing because they don't magnify.

The C-288 is 2x, is better for focusing, but is heavy and can pull the focusing panel out of position. I have to be very careful when using it. It is bulky and not easy to transport. I think it was intended to be used in the studio, not in the field.

Dan, Thanks for the link. I find the Chamonix finder harder to use with the wide angle lens along the borders. I guess that's because its darker in those areas. Plus the Chamonix comes with a fresnel lens that aggravates lighting on the periphery. The Chamonix reflex is a 3x single eye viewer. The link you provided shows two of their three finders. There another one that folds with a carbon fiber cover not shown. It doesn't magnify. You can see it here at the bottom in case someone wants to update that very good reference sheet.
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/accessories/viewfinders

[grat]

I have the Chamonix folding carbon-fiber hood. It doesn't block out as much light as the cloth hood, but it does cut down on glare considerably, and can allow use of the camera without a dark cloth. It's comparable to the usual folding hoods, looks nice folded up, and does a nice job protecting the GG / fresnel.

Easy enough to pop on-off and would be nice if it had a hinged base plate to allow it to be swung aside quickly-- but that goes against the Chamonix philosophy of "lighter is better".

[Alan Klein]

I have the Chamonix folding carbon-fiber hood. It doesn't block out as much light as the cloth hood, but it does cut down on glare considerably, and can allow use of the camera without a dark cloth. It's comparable to the usual folding hoods, looks nice folded up, and does a nice job protecting the GG / fresnel.

Easy enough to pop on-off and would be nice if it had a hinged base plate to allow it to be swung aside quickly-- but that goes against the Chamonix philosophy of "lighter is better".

Do you have the folding type with or without the carbon cover?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/accessories/viewfinders

[Greg]

Do you have the folding type with or without the carbon cover?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/accessories/viewfinders

"The view finder here is for 4X5 only so far, but we are working on viewfinders for other cameras as well."

Hugo,
A reflex finder for whole plate or 8x10 for us in the future?
Greg

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49886342593_a6e0d724c4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2j1hxD4)Norma Copy Setup 4x5 1to1 180 Componon (https://flic.kr/p/2j1hxD4) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I use Sinar Norma cameras, their reflex finder has a couple of major advantages.

1) It is binocular not monocular. Magnifying lenses are available and interchangeable to suit your uses. The magnifier flips in and out with a lever.

2) The mirror angle can easily be adjusted via a screw knob. So you can see a lot more in the corners, esp with wide lenses. Needs a good fresnel.

It seems to me it should be very easy to adapt, although it's a rather large unit. Very light weight.

[grat]

Do you have the folding type with or without the carbon cover?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/accessories/viewfinders

With.

[Alan Klein]

Grat: How does the folding type with the carbon cover work for you? Can you use a loupe? Other advantages and problems?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/ac...es/viewfinders

[grat]

Grat: How does the folding type with the carbon cover work for you? Can you use a loupe? Other advantages and problems?
http://www.chamonixviewcamera.com/ac...es/viewfinders

So first, I should say I'm new to both 4x5 cameras, and to using a hood. So my biggest complaint might just be par for the course with hoods.

Ease of use: Very good. Clips on easily, comes off easily. Opens without effort via a slight fingernail slot at the bottom. If you have very short fingernails, might be an issue. Can be removed with the ground glass assembly if you're using a roll film back or similar.

Looks: Snazzy! Same texture as the CF cover that comes with the camera, but looks like it was designed to be there, instead of dropped on at the last minute.

Loupe: Yes, but no. Because it's designed as a ground glass cover, the opening is just a hair larger than 4x5. I have a relatively large, medium length loupe (2" square, 2.5" high) and somewhat largish hands. If the loupe were slightly longer, or smaller, it would be much easier to work with but as it is, it's slightly awkward to use. I wind up holding the loupe against the glass with my thumb and forefinger inside the hood area, which works, but feels silly. I think I can print another base for the loupe, and get another half inch height and still be able to focus, so I may try that.

I have been able to use the camera in the field without a dark cloth, so that's a win. It does protect the ground glass without being as fiddly as the stock cover (which works, but I frequently wind up dropping it). I bought the cover and the loupe separately, without considering the combination, so that may be on me.

At least a 7/10, but I might be overly critical. Or... underly(?) critical. I lack experience to be certain. For now, though, it stays on the camera, and if it ever stops raining every day, I'll get more practice with it.

[GG12]

Any ideas for 2x3 Ebony? Has anyone tried the magnifiers for DSLR screens although maybe they would be a bit odd for a view camera?

[Dan Fromm]

As far as I know the only reflex viewer for 2x3 view cameras is Sinar's. Emmanuel Bigler has one, let me play with it. The view is lovely.

Cambo makes an inline viewer that fits 2x3 Graflok backs. SF-320. I have one, like it very much. But no magnification.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Any ideas for 2x3 Ebony? Has anyone tried the magnifiers for DSLR screens although maybe they would be a bit odd for a view camera?

I have a thing about Plaubel Peco Profias. They make small bag bellows I have picked some up cheap, like thirty bucks each.

Put a small monocular (Sinar Norma is great but prolly big for a 2x3) and it makes a mono mag that's circular and small and also cheap.

Marry them together and you've got it. I have Mono Mags with baggy bellows on every LF camera in the studio. Once you get used to them they are great. You rock back and forth until the GG is sharp to your eye, then do your viewing. Something to get used to.

[Bob Salomon]

As far as I know the only reflex viewer for 2x3 view cameras is Sinar's. Emmanuel Bigler has one, let me play with it. The view is lovely.

Cambo makes an inline viewer that fits 2x3 Graflok backs. SF-320. I have one, like it very much. But no magnification.
Linhof has one for decades. And that means before there was Sinar. Also for 45 and 57.

[Alan Klein]

So first, I should say I'm new to both 4x5 cameras, and to using a hood. So my biggest complaint might just be par for the course with hoods.

Ease of use: Very good. Clips on easily, comes off easily. Opens without effort via a slight fingernail slot at the bottom. If you have very short fingernails, might be an issue. Can be removed with the ground glass assembly if you're using a roll film back or similar.

Looks: Snazzy! Same texture as the CF cover that comes with the camera, but looks like it was designed to be there, instead of dropped on at the last minute.

Loupe: Yes, but no. Because it's designed as a ground glass cover, the opening is just a hair larger than 4x5. I have a relatively large, medium length loupe (2" square, 2.5" high) and somewhat largish hands. If the loupe were slightly longer, or smaller, it would be much easier to work with but as it is, it's slightly awkward to use. I wind up holding the loupe against the glass with my thumb and forefinger inside the hood area, which works, but feels silly. I think I can print another base for the loupe, and get another half inch height and still be able to focus, so I may try that.

I have been able to use the camera in the field without a dark cloth, so that's a win. It does protect the ground glass without being as fiddly as the stock cover (which works, but I frequently wind up dropping it). I bought the cover and the loupe separately, without considering the combination, so that may be on me.

At least a 7/10, but I might be overly critical. Or... underly(?) critical. I lack experience to be certain. For now, though, it stays on the camera, and if it ever stops raining every day, I'll get more practice with it.

Thanks for the description. What did you mean print another base for the loupe? WOuld extending it defeat the focusing at the GG?

[grat]

Thanks for the description. What did you mean print another base for the loupe? WOuld extending it defeat the focusing at the GG?

The loupe came with two bases-- one clear, one opaque. It also has (slightly) adjustable focal length. So by cranking it out a little bit, I can actually get good focus with the base 1/4 to 1/2" away from the ground glass. By printing a slightly taller base, I can still rest it against the glass, still achieve focus, and hopefully, not have to reach as far inside the hood to hold the loupe.

[B.S.Kumar]

As far as I know the only reflex viewer for 2x3 view cameras is Sinar's. Emmanuel Bigler has one, let me play with it. The view is lovely.

Cambo makes an inline viewer that fits 2x3 Graflok backs. SF-320. I have one, like it very much. But no magnification.

Horseman made one for the VH that probably fits the earlier models as well. Wista also made an inline viewer that fits their 6x9 adapter screens and the sliding backs.

Kumar

[Alan Klein]

The loupe came with two bases-- one clear, one opaque. It also has (slightly) adjustable focal length. So by cranking it out a little bit, I can actually get good focus with the base 1/4 to 1/2" away from the ground glass. By printing a slightly taller base, I can still rest it against the glass, still achieve focus, and hopefully, not have to reach as far inside the hood to hold the loupe.

Would it still work if you cut off the bottom of the finder. I realize that would let in light. But is that possible so that the finder would still connect properly and be otherwise effective?

[Dan Fromm]

Horseman made one for the VH that probably fits the earlier models as well. Wista also made an inline viewer that fits their 6x9 adapter screens and the sliding backs.

Kumar

Toyo also made one that fits their 6x9 slider. Inline, not reflex.

[B.S.Kumar]

The loupe came with two bases-- one clear, one opaque. It also has (slightly) adjustable focal length. So by cranking it out a little bit, I can actually get good focus with the base 1/4 to 1/2" away from the ground glass. By printing a slightly taller base, I can still rest it against the glass, still achieve focus, and hopefully, not have to reach as far inside the hood to hold the loupe.

Or get a long loupe - Horseman, Toyo and Wista made them.

Kumar

[grat]

Would it still work if you cut off the bottom of the finder. I realize that would let in light. But is that possible so that the finder would still connect properly and be otherwise effective?

I've cut it three times, and it's still too short! :)

The goal is to make it slightly longer, so I can get an easier grip on it, not shorter. I may not have been clear.

[grat]

Or get a long loupe - Horseman, Toyo and Wista made them.

Kumar

True, a long loupe like one of those would solve the problem, which makes sense, since all of those manufacturers offer(ed) a similar hood.

I've got a slightly longer one, with a lower magnification factor, but I kind of like this one. And besides... what would I complain about then? :)

[Alan Klein]

I've cut it three times, and it's still too short! :)

The goal is to make it slightly longer, so I can get an easier grip on it, not shorter. I may not have been clear.

I meant cut the bottom of the Chamonix off so you can get your hand in there with the loupe?

[grat]

I meant cut the bottom of the Chamonix off so you can get your hand in there with the loupe?

Aha. I misunderstood. I could, the material isn't that tough, but the flap that sticks out the farthest is the cover itself. I think it would lessen the usefulness of the hood, look worse, and I can get the same result by improving or switching out my loupe.

[GG12]

Horseman made one for the VH that probably fits the earlier models as well. Wista also made an inline viewer that fits their 6x9 adapter screens and the sliding backs.

Kumar

Thanks for this, and for the other recommendations above. If anyone has a lead on where to get one.... Time to hunt! The Cambo one is discontinued.

[Dan Fromm]

Thanks for this, and for the other recommendations above. If anyone has a lead on where to get one.... Time to hunt! The Cambo one is discontinued.

Used inline viewers for 6x9/2x3 are out there. Look, look and look again. I believe that this http://linhof.com/en/balgenlupe-m-679-und-techno/ is still available, ask Linhof how/where to buy one.

Reflex viewers? Buy this https://www.ebay.com/itm/CAMARA-arca-swiss-f-6x8-Arca-Swiss-Reflex-Magnifying-Viewer/274356100973 and resell all but the viewer. Here https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2805-REG/Arca_Swiss_161003_Binocular_Reflex_Magnifying_Viewer.html is a new one.

By the way, I misspoke when I accused Emmanuel Bigler of having a 6x9 Sinar. He has an Arca-Swiss.

We all forgot to mention the Horseman 6x9 rotating angle viewer. I have one, don't use it because it is dim. But it is a reflex viewer that will attach to a Graflok back. There are several on eBay right now.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50051063672_82d2271f90_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jfQMtE)Sinar Norma Monocular Reflex Viewfinder 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2jfQMtE) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50051065107_c010a26b89_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jfQMUp)Sinar Norma Monocular Reflex Viewfinder 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2jfQMUp) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This one is quite rare and I finally found one last year. It is bright to look through and could be adapted to other cameras. Sinar Norma Monocular Reflex Viewfinder