As my knees get older and less obliging, it's good to know that these exist. I think that being able to compose in relative ease reduces rushed shots because you're just too uncomfortable to properly consider what's in the frame.
What a coincidence? A few days ago I was going through my old stuff that I used with my now sold Canon 5D classic. I found a Hoodman R.A.F that I had bought about 16 years ago. I was doing a lot of ' fine art ' close up flower photography then and the 5D didn't have a live view function. It was sort of difficult kneeling to make a composition. It has adapters for both Canon and Nikon cameras and also a 2.5X magnifier. As for that episode of your Sparky meeting the lake, I love it. I must have watched a dozen times and each time it makes me laugh. Your expression after the poor Sparky fell in the lake is unforgettable. Thank you Steve for another set of beautiful photographs, shot on a Nikon.
I’ve had a couple of ‘universal’ right angle finders too and they aren’t too bad. I would like the dedicated Nikon model for my F100 too, a very well made item.
I found an in its box finder for my Praktica for reasonable money. I started photography with a Rolleicord, and the use of this viewfinder is improving my composition and comfort. Thanks for this video.
Lovely! I just found a DR-3 in a box for sale at $35 ... now off to get my FE back in the bag. You made me realize that I enjoy looking down into my Minolta Autocord viewfinder and this will provide a wonderful perspective from the Nikon. Wonderful pictures as usual Steve ... thank you.
Hi Steve, another really instructive video which made me really think about how I use a tripod whenshooting with my 645 Pentax, Thanks for this I may invest in one of these
Thanks Steve, great photos, after watching this video I went on eBay and found one in Japan, absolutely love it using it on my Nikon FM2 and fe2, have my very first camera a Pentax k1000 and got one for that model as well, don’t know why I only found out about these through you after I’ve been using a k1000 for 42 years, so thank you, cheers Mate from down under 🇦🇺.
Cheers Steve. The Nikon versions are all gone or very expensive on ebay etc but I just bought one for my Leica R4, boxed for £25. Happy days ! I'd never have thought about it until I watched this so thank you.
Angle finders are great little tools. I have one for my Canon 5D. Ideal as you say for getting a lower angle. My knees are not what they once were. I wish I could get out more often. 57 years old now and working full time only affords me weekends for getting out there or summer,weekdays at dawn where I still have hours before work.
What are those 'films' you are talking about? Seriously, I am eyeing a Canon Angle Finder C for a while and your video pushed me over the edge... THANKS!! Almost forgot, really great video and really cool pictures there!
I always used my right angle viewfinder for my macro shooting. Even as a young man, it was still a body, back and neck saver. Ever since Canon put the fully articulating screens on their cameras, I was sold. Although I only shoot digital now, I still have not let go of that little device. I don't use it but I just can't seem to get rid of it.
Cracking images Steve. I've toyed with the idea of a right angle finder before. Possibly because I'm always using a flippy screen to take photos at waist level on my digital camera anyway. I'll have to take another look, I think.
I have two right angle finders, one for my Olympus E1, the other for my Canon 5D. They are incredibly useful for getting critical focus in low light using manual focus lenses, and for looking down as an aid to composition.
It makes perfect sense. That’s why, though happy with my Nikon F100, I miss the F5 with its detachable prism finder, and an alternative waist level finder. Why did I sell that camera?
With my Nikon F3HP sometimes i pull the Viewfinder off and can look down and focus on the glass like a waist level finder. Since i hardly ever shoot vertical it works great. And is a handy way to shoot street without people realizing you are taking a shot. I tend to go with F8 or F11 and zone focus for street.
Steve you inspired me with this video. Right after watching, I ordered one in mint condition for my Canon. Love it but I love waist level finders on my MF cameras. So I owe you inspiration once again.!!!!
You've been busy Steve! The recent storms have seen me busy making trees safe. So have just binge watched 7 vlogs 😆 Wrong camera right place, yup I could of done with the F100 or F5 with spot metre. Seaside photography? Ooh Yes 😁 Too many films/developers. Its good to have choices. Huge prints. Must give CMS a go. Do you get better results with the DSLR than Minolta film scanner? D400, used it a lot doing wedding photography. Starting to explore again with the Horseman VH in 6x7 6x9. Good results so far. Having a good fridge clear out is good for the soul! Do like my angle view finder. Especially with a macro lens. With wonky knees, not as far to get up 😂. Great vlogs Steve Cheers Diz
Thanks Diz, I was wondering where you had been! Regarding film scanning, I’m still in two minds as in which direction to go. No doubting the sharpness of the camera method but it doesn’t look as nice as a scan. I just put 4 sheets of 4x5 through the v700 and they look terrific so I doubt I’ll go the camera route for large format. With 120 it’s close. Maybe a need a large, full frame sensor for scanning 135?
I really enjoy your content Steve! I got really excited when I found one of these viewers for my bronica. The sale didn't mention the mirror rot though so I'm still hunting for one that isn't damaged.
Once again a really nice video. Thank you for sharing the tip. I personally prefer the 120 format and waist finder... I am curious to know where this wonderful location is: Wales?
Some really great shots Steve. The tilting screen on my Pentax K1 is best for this type of shot for me. But then I don't have a load of film to get through! Keep them coming, you go from strength to strength at the moment, on a roll! (Pun intended!)
Nice! I got a sports finder for my canon f1n, it does have the downside of making the view wider so it makes it harder for me to get a good focus on my subject!
very useful. I had one but where? Needed many times, magnifier one the best. The scenes in BW were perfect. I agree, one cannot get tired of such a scene..
Like you, I absolutely love a waist level viewfinder. My favorite camera has always been my Mamiya RB67 for that reason. I have the prism viewfinder for it but it weighs a ton and is far less attractive than the waist level finder. I love walking around looking down through the beautiful three dimensional view through the waist level finder.
You can get a viewfinder for the Chamonix 4x5. I've used it and it works well for those low down shots as well. A bit dependant on lighting conditions though.
When I bought a very nice Nikon F off eBay the person threw in a couple of extras. One of the extras was a bellows and the right angle finder. I have used it for taking macro in the landscape format but never the way you are using. So now I have to go out and try that. I also have a waist level finder for it too but they aren’t as easy to use in portrait mode. Thanks for the idea
That was lucky Sophie, lots of those items were rarely used and are like new. I think the prices are on the way up though so I need to get one for my F100.
That's why I preferred using the Nikon F5 with a Dw-31 finder or Da-30 finder; and the Pentax LX with FE-1, FF-1 or FC-1 finders. They were better than the universal Nikon DR-5 or DR-6 right angle finders.
@@SteveONions I actually prefer heavier cameras, even when I'm climbing in the mountains. Also with my DSLR bodies. They also come in handy if I need to hammer 🔨 in ⛺ tent pegs. 😂
Great video and so beautiful pictures Steve! I have angle viewfinder for my Praktica that I like a lot to work with. The good thing is that it also fits on my and my dad's Exaktas, my Konica FS-1 and even on my Canon EOS 80D where it is a real improvement of the small and dark DSLR viewfinder that makes manual focusing sometimes challenging.
Gorgeous landscape! Shame with the drone. -- Never used an angle viewfinder, but I love using my Nikon F2 with a waist level viewfinder, so point taken.
great video, very useful a right angle viewfinder, but what about trying this camera ,a Praktica vlc 35mm , this has wast level finder great for landscapes, and also for street photography....
Hi Steve, enjoyed the video thank you. I have just purchased a DR-4. Would you happen to know if this could fit a Nikon D5 camera, maybe with some kind of adapter?
Thanks Steve, you've just cost me fifty quid 😂😂😂. But of course you are right in what you said, it is a bit of a must especially when taking landscape images, for which I would normally use medium or large format. BUT, I to have a shed load of black and white 135 to use up including ADOX CMS 20. Thanks for another brill video mate.
Fuji offers a tilt adapter for their gfx50s and gfx100. It works much better as you are not restricted to just 90 deg angle. You can adjust the angle and you can rotate it too. I have it and it makes life much easier. They took it out on their gfx100s.
Really excellent video and efforts. Very scenic area. Nice to be able to walk all over it and shoot. As a taller person I am envious of your vertical finder. That's one of the reasons I like digital, the flip out screen is so nice and you can shoot low or waist level. Easier on my back. I have a magnifier that I use on my Canon film camera. Amazing what you can buy used these days, things I could never afford when I was young are much more affordable, some things not all. Problem is I would love to shoot a rangefinder up close in streets and the like but exactly zero about me is stealthy, I am way too tall and way too big for stealthy, for intimidation I work well, not stealth. Best wishes! Stay safe, don't crash the drone.
@@SteveONions The odd thing is I think if you use a phone for shooting nobody cares, maybe you are a tourist, if you use an actual camera then they take more note. You and Vivian Maier in the TLR for streets crowd. I may give it a try. I know they suspect you for bad things with a long lens. All I was doing was testing a new lens and one guy got nasty to me as he walked by. Best wishes!
I love the ability to get low with my rb67 or yashica waist level finder. Or shooting from a different camera height hand held without gymnastic contortions.
@@SteveONions I miss the moveable lcd screen on my digital camera with film 35s. For headshots with the yashica, it still has the option for eye level finding with the rough sports finder. When shooting street, the yashica is around my neck for full body shots from appropriate height, of slightly above subject waist level. And it forces out of the box of eye level camera shots.
Steve, as someone with a bad back and knees (getting older) and it's extremely hard, dare I say near on impossible, to get low. I shoot with a a Z7ii, can the finder be used on the newer bodies or essentially just for film cameras?
I have one for an OM2, haven't tried it. And my Nikon F has a waist level finder option. But with my S2A I usually have the opposite problem, I want to extend my huge tripod fully, but can't look down the viewfinder then. Gonna try laying it on its side next time, it is square format after all. This is the one aspect where a DSLR with tiltable screen shines.
Even when I shoot digital, I have the camera lower on the tripod (about waist level) and I flip out and tilt the screen up so I can look down at it. Just feels different when composing. I also really liked shooting large format and being under the blanket with just the ground-glass in front of me with an inverted image trying to compose it. Sometimes it felt like I saw it the correct way around, it was weird! Was a phenomenon I started experiencing a later in my LF journey; I started adjusting to the inverted image projection! Either way, yes, the way you look at the frame through the camera matters lots.
I also find no problem viewing the ground glass on the large format cameras, my brain automatically flips it too. I have to say that I prefer composing in 8x10 overall as I can really feel like I’m in the scene.
At the start of this video, I instantly jumped over to eBay to look for a right angle finder like that -- only to find that there doesn't appear to be one that would fit my Nikkormat FT2 (or my FTn, for that matter). There clearly won't be any for my 1970s vintage M42 bodies, so I guess I'm limited to my Kodak Reflex II and RB67 for waist level finders. ;)
@@SteveONions Well, turns out the basic one does fit Nikkormat, all models, they just hid the threads inside the bezel ring. Got a right angle finder on the way now.
I've been mulling over getting one of these in an attempt to reconcile low viewpoints with creaking limbs. Decided I'd better jump off the fence and press the button on the one I've been watching before prices go mental - I've heard all about what can happen when people start plugging stuff on t'Tube!
Joking apart, I have just received my preloved DR-6 - the version for (digital?) cameras with rectangular eye pieces. My initial response is that I'm going to be carrying it a lot - that ground level stuff was becoming painful. I had a number of uncertainties at the time I placed my order so, although this channel really isn't about gear, and I haven't really used it, I thought it might be helpful to report my first impressions. It provides a nice bright crisp image of a quality comparable to the original, which seems to cover (at x1) nearly as much as the unaided viewfinder - more than good enough to make sure that I have't cut off anything important! The information display along the bottom edge remains visible. It fits well onto my D610 with a spring latch to hold it but it's also a snug fit on my D3300 even though the eye cushions are not interchangeable - impressive, that. It doesn't latch onto the smaller body, but it does have lanyard eyes... When attached the eyepiece can swivel full circle with detents every 90deg. Time will tell what benefits I will get from it beyond comfort, but I can't see any reason to avoid using it when the joints start hinting. The DR-6 typically costs about twice as much (used) as the version that Steve is using. Nikon do still sell an adapter for using round eyepiece accessories on a square eyepiece, and yes, I was tempted to get creative - but then I found a report that the combination might not work out too well in practice - the author couldn't get it properly secure and the plastic adapters kept breaking up. I considered myself warned. HTH!
That’s just creepy. I dragged my DR-3 out a couple of weeks ago after not looking at it for ten years and put it on my fm2 for exactly the same reason and here you are doing a video about it. I also find it useful when doing group shots for some reason, it just seems to make it easier to compose.
Let's be honest, as a left eye dominate individual, the real reason to get one of these is so the film winder lever isn't jabbing you in the right eye. 🤠
Steve, I apologize for this critique, but, in spite my loving your composition, I don't see the fullness of your vision as I've seen in the larger formats.
Oof! A couple of crash cam shots in this video, hope that was only a GoPro tumbling down around 8:00. I’ve always been intrigued by right angle finders, but to be honest I didn’t quite understand why to use them. I just knew Helen Levitt used one to do street photography without her subjects noticing, but I didn’t realize that some included a magnifying loupe, too. Good to know, and lovely video!
Thanks Christopher. I nearly always use GoPro’s for their robust qualities. I’ve been looking at another finder for my F100 but it’s a lot more expensive.
Two accessories improved my landscape photography instantly: a sturdy tripod and an angle finder...
So I totally agree with you.
Don’t forget a warm hat and gloves 😊
@@SteveONions 🤗👍
"Hurt my knees and back" there you go again Steve. I almost felt the creaks and groans LOL 😂. Looking for a right angle finder myself mate 👍
I’m fully aware that I pass over many great compositions John just because they involve a lot of bending 😊
Very enjoyable and educational presentation. I learned new ideas.
As my knees get older and less obliging, it's good to know that these exist. I think that being able to compose in relative ease reduces rushed shots because you're just too uncomfortable to properly consider what's in the frame.
I was definitely working a lot slower Bob and got better images as a result.
Watched the video, then bought myself one. I like the way it makes you concentrate on the frame and not the view. Thank you.
Another cracking video. As a beginner at this photography malarkey your videos are like little master classes. Cheers.
Thanks Don 🙂
The photo @2:42 is great! Almost Ansel Adams like. Great work!
Thanks Hajo.
What a coincidence? A few days ago I was going through my old stuff that I used with my now sold Canon 5D classic. I found a Hoodman R.A.F that I had bought about 16 years ago. I was doing a lot of ' fine art ' close up flower photography then and the 5D didn't have a live view function. It was sort of difficult kneeling to make a composition. It has adapters for both Canon and Nikon cameras and also a 2.5X magnifier. As for that episode of your Sparky meeting the lake, I love it. I must have watched a dozen times and each time it makes me laugh. Your expression after the poor Sparky fell in the lake is unforgettable. Thank you Steve for another set of beautiful photographs, shot on a Nikon.
I’ve had a couple of ‘universal’ right angle finders too and they aren’t too bad. I would like the dedicated Nikon model for my F100 too, a very well made item.
Beautiful images Steve and certainly a handy piece of kit. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome John.
I found an in its box finder for my Praktica for reasonable money. I started photography with a Rolleicord, and the use of this viewfinder is improving my composition and comfort. Thanks for this video.
Glad you find one Gordon, I need to take mine out more when I'm working from the tripod.
Especially liked the last image, just superb! Cheers!
Thanks Robert.
Lovely! I just found a DR-3 in a box for sale at $35 ... now off to get my FE back in the bag. You made me realize that I enjoy looking down into my Minolta Autocord viewfinder and this will provide a wonderful perspective from the Nikon. Wonderful pictures as usual Steve ... thank you.
Thanks Nolan.
Loved the video. Once again thanks!
Hi Steve, another really instructive video which made me really think about how I use a tripod whenshooting with my 645 Pentax, Thanks for this I may invest in one of these
Funnily enough I was fiddling with one of my right angle finders on a Nikon F80 last night and thinking how nice it was to work with.
Thanks Steve, great photos, after watching this video I went on eBay and found one in Japan, absolutely love it using it on my Nikon FM2 and fe2, have my very first camera a Pentax k1000 and got one for that model as well, don’t know why I only found out about these through you after I’ve been using a k1000 for 42 years, so thank you, cheers Mate from down under 🇦🇺.
Glad you found it useful Brendan.
Cheers Steve. The Nikon versions are all gone or very expensive on ebay etc but I just bought one for my Leica R4, boxed for £25. Happy days ! I'd never have thought about it until I watched this so thank you.
Bargain Andy.
Thanks Steve, I really must dig my 90 degree viewfinder out, this video has given me the inspiration to use it again. All the very best
Thanks Andy 🙂
It’s a nice gadget and very useful. Got mine and I used even with my DSRL with flipped screen.
Angle finders are great little tools. I have one for my Canon 5D. Ideal as you say for getting a lower angle. My knees are not what they once were. I wish I could get out more often. 57 years old now and working full time only affords me weekends for getting out there or summer,weekdays at dawn where I still have hours before work.
I’m the same Simon, just have the odd day at the weekend and the rest has to be fitted in before I start work 🙁
What are those 'films' you are talking about? Seriously, I am eyeing a Canon Angle Finder C for a while and your video pushed me over the edge... THANKS!!
Almost forgot, really great video and really cool pictures there!
Just love, those landscapes. Nice work. Now, that's a gadget I need. However, I need one that will slip over the eye piece. (Nikon N/F70 ). KB
There are quite a few that fit the later Nikons Ken including cheaper brands like Seagull.
@@SteveONions Thank you Steve. I did come across the Seagul, and was going to ask you. Thanks now ill order. KB
I always used my right angle viewfinder for my macro shooting. Even as a young man, it was still a body, back and neck saver. Ever since Canon put the fully articulating screens on their cameras, I was sold. Although I only shoot digital now, I still have not let go of that little device. I don't use it but I just can't seem to get rid of it.
I do like the screens on modem digital cameras, one of the best reasons for using them.
Cracking images Steve. I've toyed with the idea of a right angle finder before. Possibly because I'm always using a flippy screen to take photos at waist level on my digital camera anyway. I'll have to take another look, I think.
Well worth investigating Neville.
Some lovely images 👌. Nice film choice
Thank you.
I have two right angle finders, one for my Olympus E1, the other for my Canon 5D. They are incredibly useful for getting critical focus in low light using manual focus lenses, and for looking down as an aid to composition.
I need one for my bigger Nikons, something about looking down on the image just works for me.
It makes perfect sense. That’s why, though happy with my Nikon F100, I miss the F5 with its detachable prism finder, and an alternative waist level finder. Why did I sell that camera?
I’ve asked myself that question so many times 😢
I use both the WLF and the RAF with my F3. great bit of kit.
With my Nikon F3HP sometimes i pull the Viewfinder off and can look down and focus on the glass like a waist level finder. Since i hardly ever shoot vertical it works great. And is a handy way to shoot street without people realizing you are taking a shot. I tend to go with F8 or F11 and zone focus for street.
Steve you inspired me with this video. Right after watching, I ordered one in mint condition for my Canon. Love it but I love waist level finders on my MF cameras. So I owe you inspiration once again.!!!!
Hope it works well Erich.
You've been busy Steve! The recent storms have seen me busy making trees safe. So have just binge watched 7 vlogs 😆 Wrong camera right place, yup I could of done with the F100 or F5 with spot metre. Seaside photography? Ooh Yes 😁 Too many films/developers. Its good to have choices. Huge prints. Must give CMS a go. Do you get better results with the DSLR than Minolta film scanner? D400, used it a lot doing wedding photography. Starting to explore again with the Horseman VH in 6x7 6x9. Good results so far. Having a good fridge clear out is good for the soul! Do like my angle view finder. Especially with a macro lens. With wonky knees, not as far to get up 😂. Great vlogs Steve
Cheers
Diz
Thanks Diz, I was wondering where you had been! Regarding film scanning, I’m still in two minds as in which direction to go. No doubting the sharpness of the camera method but it doesn’t look as nice as a scan. I just put 4 sheets of 4x5 through the v700 and they look terrific so I doubt I’ll go the camera route for large format. With 120 it’s close. Maybe a need a large, full frame sensor for scanning 135?
I really enjoy your content Steve! I got really excited when I found one of these viewers for my bronica. The sale didn't mention the mirror rot though so I'm still hunting for one that isn't damaged.
Good luck, quality second hand equipment I becoming harder to find.
Once again a really nice video. Thank you for sharing the tip. I personally prefer the 120 format and waist finder... I am curious to know where this wonderful location is: Wales?
Thanks Matayo. It is indeed North Wales, the location is Llyn Gwynant and the later one Llyn Dywarchen.
Some really great shots Steve. The tilting screen on my Pentax K1 is best for this type of shot for me. But then I don't have a load of film to get through! Keep them coming, you go from strength to strength at the moment, on a roll! (Pun intended!)
Thanks David 🙂
Nice!
I got a sports finder for my canon f1n, it does have the downside of making the view wider so it makes it harder for me to get a good focus on my subject!
That would be a drawback for me too 🙂
Hi Steve, great pictures and really nice job! which developer did you use? thanks and cheers!
I think it was XTol 1:1 David.
very useful. I had one but where? Needed many times, magnifier one the best. The scenes in BW were perfect. I agree, one cannot get tired of such a scene..
Thanks Jason.
Like you, I absolutely love a waist level viewfinder. My favorite camera has always been my Mamiya RB67 for that reason. I have the prism viewfinder for it but it weighs a ton and is far less attractive than the waist level finder. I love walking around looking down through the beautiful three dimensional view through the waist level finder.
I also find it a great way to compose Curtis.
You can get a viewfinder for the Chamonix 4x5. I've used it and it works well for those low down shots as well. A bit dependant on lighting conditions though.
That sounds interesting 👍
When I bought a very nice Nikon F off eBay the person threw in a couple of extras. One of the extras was a bellows and the right angle finder. I have used it for taking macro in the landscape format but never the way you are using. So now I have to go out and try that. I also have a waist level finder for it too but they aren’t as easy to use in portrait mode. Thanks for the idea
That was lucky Sophie, lots of those items were rarely used and are like new. I think the prices are on the way up though so I need to get one for my F100.
I use the Nikon D-3 angle viewfinder with my Fujifilm GW 69III.
It fits perfectly on Fujifilm medium format cameras.
Greetings from Austria.
I always use my angle viewfinder on the OM1. Great for composing and the 2x mag is ideal for focus.
I must get one with the x2 feature - the later models are very nice indeed.
That's why I preferred using the Nikon F5 with a Dw-31 finder or Da-30 finder; and the Pentax LX with FE-1, FF-1 or FC-1 finders. They were better than the universal Nikon DR-5 or DR-6 right angle finders.
I wouldn’t mind an F5 at some point, providing I can find someone to carry it for me 🙂
@@SteveONions I actually prefer heavier cameras, even when I'm climbing in the mountains. Also with my DSLR bodies. They also come in handy if I need to hammer 🔨 in ⛺ tent pegs. 😂
Great video and so beautiful pictures Steve!
I have angle viewfinder for my Praktica that I like a lot to work with. The good thing is that it also fits on my and my dad's Exaktas, my Konica FS-1 and even on my Canon EOS 80D where it is a real improvement of the small and dark DSLR viewfinder that makes manual focusing sometimes challenging.
There’s quite a lot of compatibility with some makers, my later Nikons have the rectangular viewfinder and this is similar to quite a few others.
Gorgeous landscape! Shame with the drone. -- Never used an angle viewfinder, but I love using my Nikon F2 with a waist level viewfinder, so point taken.
Thanks ! Hadn't seen one of these before. Does the finder have a built in diopter adjustment feature ?
There’s a focus adjustment George, that should perform the same function.
Knees and lower spine, or neck is upper spine? Decisions, choices and options!
In other news, glad to see your fallen vid camera missing that rock.
Oddly my Hero 10 picked up a small crack in the rear LCD last week when it fell into some soft bushes!
great video, very useful a right angle viewfinder, but what about trying this camera ,a Praktica vlc 35mm , this has wast level finder great for landscapes, and also for street photography....
Mmmm, interesting 👍
Hi Steve, enjoyed the video thank you. I have just purchased a DR-4. Would you happen to know if this could fit a Nikon D5 camera, maybe with some kind of adapter?
I’m not sure if it can be adapted Paul, I’d imagine the dedicated model would be far better and I’m considering one for my later Nikon film bodies.
@@SteveONions Thank you.
Thanks Steve, you've just cost me fifty quid 😂😂😂. But of course you are right in what you said, it is a bit of a must especially when taking landscape images, for which I would normally use medium or large format. BUT, I to have a shed load of black and white 135 to use up including ADOX CMS 20. Thanks for another brill video mate.
Thanks Kit, £50 isn’t too bad these days 😊
I bought a right angle finder (Minolta) as a result of watching this video. Thanks Steve.
Hope you like it David.
@@SteveONions love your channel
planning to be in uk late august
Fuji offers a tilt adapter for their gfx50s and gfx100. It works much better as you are not restricted to just 90 deg angle. You can adjust the angle and you can rotate it too. I have it and it makes life much easier. They took it out on their gfx100s.
It sounds great, sadly film cameras didn’t last long enough to evolve such useful tools.
I have one, and I only use when I shoot at a very low position when I need to burry my head in the ground. I will try your way next time
Really excellent video and efforts. Very scenic area. Nice to be able to walk all over it and shoot. As a taller person I am envious of your vertical finder. That's one of the reasons I like digital, the flip out screen is so nice and you can shoot low or waist level. Easier on my back. I have a magnifier that I use on my Canon film camera. Amazing what you can buy used these days, things I could never afford when I was young are much more affordable, some things not all.
Problem is I would love to shoot a rangefinder up close in streets and the like but exactly zero about me is stealthy, I am way too tall and way too big for stealthy, for intimidation I work well, not stealth.
Best wishes! Stay safe, don't crash the drone.
I have found a TLR to be the least conspicuous film camera, I’m happy to take pictures in busy places with it.
@@SteveONions The odd thing is I think if you use a phone for shooting nobody cares, maybe you are a tourist, if you use an actual camera then they take more note. You and Vivian Maier in the TLR for streets crowd. I may give it a try. I know they suspect you for bad things with a long lens. All I was doing was testing a new lens and one guy got nasty to me as he walked by.
Best wishes!
People also don’t mind if you have a GoPro, they seems harmless and make you look like a tourist.
I love the ability to get low with my rb67 or yashica waist level finder. Or shooting from a different camera height hand held without gymnastic contortions.
I’m sure it was my knees that ordered the right angle finder 😊
@@SteveONions I miss the moveable lcd screen on my digital camera with film 35s. For headshots with the yashica, it still has the option for eye level finding with the rough sports finder. When shooting street, the yashica is around my neck for full body shots from appropriate height, of slightly above subject waist level. And it forces out of the box of eye level camera shots.
Steve, as someone with a bad back and knees (getting older) and it's extremely hard, dare I say near on impossible, to get low. I shoot with a a Z7ii, can the finder be used on the newer bodies or essentially just for film cameras?
I use a CamRanger which allows me to use a phone or tablet as my viewfinder.
I think your camera has a built in transmitter.
I’m not sure to be honest Grant, it will depend on the eyepiece.
I have one for an OM2, haven't tried it.
And my Nikon F has a waist level finder option.
But with my S2A I usually have the opposite problem, I want to extend my huge tripod fully, but can't look down the viewfinder then. Gonna try laying it on its side next time, it is square format after all.
This is the one aspect where a DSLR with tiltable screen shines.
I’ve also turned 6x6 cameras on their side to allow use of the WLF Steffen, looks odd but works fine.
Even when I shoot digital, I have the camera lower on the tripod (about waist level) and I flip out and tilt the screen up so I can look down at it. Just feels different when composing.
I also really liked shooting large format and being under the blanket with just the ground-glass in front of me with an inverted image trying to compose it. Sometimes it felt like I saw it the correct way around, it was weird! Was a phenomenon I started experiencing a later in my LF journey; I started adjusting to the inverted image projection!
Either way, yes, the way you look at the frame through the camera matters lots.
I also find no problem viewing the ground glass on the large format cameras, my brain automatically flips it too. I have to say that I prefer composing in 8x10 overall as I can really feel like I’m in the scene.
Are there cameras, such as the G9 that this will not work on, to your knowledge?
I bet there are adapters to fit most models, I find it less useful on the G9 thanks to the fully articulated screen which does a great job.
nice music track
At the start of this video, I instantly jumped over to eBay to look for a right angle finder like that -- only to find that there doesn't appear to be one that would fit my Nikkormat FT2 (or my FTn, for that matter). There clearly won't be any for my 1970s vintage M42 bodies, so I guess I'm limited to my Kodak Reflex II and RB67 for waist level finders. ;)
That is a shame, I’d have thought there would have been one for earlier Nikons.
@@SteveONions Well, turns out the basic one does fit Nikkormat, all models, they just hid the threads inside the bezel ring. Got a right angle finder on the way now.
I've been mulling over getting one of these in an attempt to reconcile low viewpoints with creaking limbs. Decided I'd better jump off the fence and press the button on the one I've been watching before prices go mental - I've heard all about what can happen when people start plugging stuff on t'Tube!
Joking apart, I have just received my preloved DR-6 - the version for (digital?) cameras with rectangular eye pieces. My initial response is that I'm going to be carrying it a lot - that ground level stuff was becoming painful. I had a number of uncertainties at the time I placed my order so, although this channel really isn't about gear, and I haven't really used it, I thought it might be helpful to report my first impressions. It provides a nice bright crisp image of a quality comparable to the original, which seems to cover (at x1) nearly as much as the unaided viewfinder - more than good enough to make sure that I have't cut off anything important! The information display along the bottom edge remains visible. It fits well onto my D610 with a spring latch to hold it but it's also a snug fit on my D3300 even though the eye cushions are not interchangeable - impressive, that. It doesn't latch onto the smaller body, but it does have lanyard eyes... When attached the eyepiece can swivel full circle with detents every 90deg. Time will tell what benefits I will get from it beyond comfort, but I can't see any reason to avoid using it when the joints start hinting.
The DR-6 typically costs about twice as much (used) as the version that Steve is using. Nikon do still sell an adapter for using round eyepiece accessories on a square eyepiece, and yes, I was tempted to get creative - but then I found a report that the combination might not work out too well in practice - the author couldn't get it properly secure and the plastic adapters kept breaking up. I considered myself warned. HTH!
Probably should have got the late model for my F100 before airing this 🤔
That’s just creepy. I dragged my DR-3 out a couple of weeks ago after not looking at it for ten years and put it on my fm2 for exactly the same reason and here you are doing a video about it. I also find it useful when doing group shots for some reason, it just seems to make it easier to compose.
It’s not just me then 😀
How does it connect to the camera? Would it work in an old rangefinder like a Canon iis2?
The model I have screws in but most simply push onto the rectangular window found on the majority of SLRS.
@@SteveONions I don't think it would fit on an old canon rangefinder. Looks like a nice piece of kit.
Steve, can you tell me where your location is please?
The first spot is Llyn Gwynant followed by Llyn Dywarchen, both in the heart of Snowdonia.
@@SteveONions much obliged..
why don't you have a L-Plate on your camera body so that you don't need to tilt the ball head to the side?
I normally do David but didn’t bring it on this trip.
Who can live without an angle finder, a tripod and a cable release? The Delta is better with an orange than a yellow filter.
I must give an orange filter a try Paul, thanks.
Or... Buy a GX9.. swivel eyepiece.. amazing for landscape and architectural interiors with no neck ache..🤔
I had a look at a GX9 but couldn’t see where the film went 😀.
I really should give my G80 or G9 a run out in the hills 👍
Angle viewfinder: often the difference between sitting like Gollum or crawling in the mud.
Definitely 😀
Let's be honest, as a left eye dominate individual, the real reason to get one of these is so the film winder lever isn't jabbing you in the right eye. 🤠
A very good point Richard 👍
Steve, I apologize for this critique, but, in spite my loving your composition, I don't see the fullness of your vision as I've seen in the larger formats.
That’s no problem Gene, we are all looking for different things 👍
Oof! A couple of crash cam shots in this video, hope that was only a GoPro tumbling down around 8:00. I’ve always been intrigued by right angle finders, but to be honest I didn’t quite understand why to use them. I just knew Helen Levitt used one to do street photography without her subjects noticing, but I didn’t realize that some included a magnifying loupe, too. Good to know, and lovely video!
Thanks Christopher. I nearly always use GoPro’s for their robust qualities. I’ve been looking at another finder for my F100 but it’s a lot more expensive.