I would like to get a viewer/finder to use with my 65mm lens. My original plan was to mount a 21mm finder (intended for use with 35mm format) atop the camera. The ones that I found, however, were going for more than double what my camera cost, so I thought I'd see if any alternate routes may be out there. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks.

With the Graflex short finder on my Century I find that using it without any insert (mask) approximates the view I get with the Optar 65. Keep in mind that the optical finder gives a rather inaccurate view in any case, at least that is my experience with it.

On your Speed you would doubtless use the long finder. These are often available from Midwest Photo Exchange (www.mpex.com) among other sources. You will need the mounting hardware as well.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: Henry on 2005-09-08 08:57 ]</font>

Do you have a sports finder on your camera? It's greatest virtue is that it is always correct for the mounted lens if you've focused correctly. Still not the best up close, but my shots of my son got much better when I started framing with that instead.

William

Quote:

On 2005-09-08 07:42, jeff wrote: I would like to get a viewer/finder to use with my 65mm lens. My original plan was to mount a 21mm finder (intended for use with 35mm format) atop the camera. The ones that I found, however, were going for more than double what my camera cost, so I thought I'd see if any alternate routes may be out there. Any ideas would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Midwest Photo Exchange (www.mpex.com) lists a "W.A. Optical Mask" in their large format/Graphic cameras & accessories section. It attaches to the tubular viewfinder like a regular mask. Is for 90 mm on 4x5, 65 on 2x3.

I have one, don't use it except to decide whether 65 mm is about the right focal length for what I want to shoot. I almost always focus and compose on the ground glass.

Good luck,

Dan

Thanks very much for the replies. I read somewhere (too long ago to remember where) that the Leica 21mm finder yielded very accurate results-- far superior to the standard Graflex finder. I have no way of knowing if that info. is correct, but was just wondering if a more accurate finder is available that is not made for Leica (and going for buku $$$). I believe the set-up I read about was a 4x5 SG w/ that finder and a 65mm Super Angulon being shot handheld w/ flashbulbs. Does anyone out there shoot a 65 without using tripod, GG, etc.? Thanks again to Henry, William, & Dan for the responses to the original post.

Quote:

On 2005-09-13 12:13, jeff wrote: Thanks very much for the replies. I read somewhere (too long ago to remember where) that the Leica 21mm finder yielded very accurate results-- far superior to the standard Graflex finder. I have no way of knowing if that info. is correct, but was just wondering if a more accurate finder is available that is not made for Leica (and going for buku $$$). I believe the set-up I read about was a 4x5 SG w/ that finder and a 65mm Super Angulon being shot handheld w/ flashbulbs. Does anyone out there shoot a 65 without using tripod, GG, etc.? Thanks again to Henry, William, & Dan for the responses to the original post.

Jeff, I'm not sure why, but I almost always shoot my Graphics from tripod, not hand-held. I don't think I've ever shot my 65 hand-held.