Focusing screen/PME finder

[loovic07]

I'm using a 500 C/M with a waist level finder and a CFV-50c focusing screen – Im considering a PME3/5 45° Finder. I understand the meter is calibrated for the "acute matte screen"
Two questions I have:
1. is this focusing screen (CFV-50c) the same as the "acute matte screen" ?
2. If so is the meter in the PME3/5 acurate with this screen?
I would appreciate your knowledge and any advice.
Thank you

 

[davidmknoble]

Here is a screenshot from the manual. I think it indicates you have to test to see what is the best adjustment. It has a little to do with the mirror as well. The glide mirrors have less vignetting in the view than the older mirrors (in the 500 c/m for example). You could use the average meter and compare it to a handheld in different lighting and see what the difference is for a starting point???

 

[coldborezero]

I am using a PME 90 with the CFV-50c focusing screen (which is simply an Acute Matt D screen with engravings on it. Note the two D shaped or half circle cutouts in the frame) and find the calibration to be correct, at least within the tolerances one would expect for such an old and essentially antiquated meter Also, as is the case with all old electronics, performance may vary significantly from sample to sample. If you are accustomed to using something like a Nikon D850 or some such which has a sophisticated scene recognizing ability you will need significant modification to your metering procedure Personally, if I were shooting transparencies, I'd probably select a good hand held meter instead.

Having said that, I use my PME 90 with a CFV II 50c back and find that I need to verify correct exposure visually. This could likely be eliminated by using a gray card or metering off of a suitable object in the scene. In any case, the PME 90 and PME 45 are essentially identical save for the viewing angle and both permit programming in a permanent exposure correction. If you find that you are over/under exposing when metering properly you can simply determine the correction needed and input the offset. The exposure correction is persistent and will not be lost when removing the battery.

If you are unfamiliar with these meters, be prepared to download the instructions. I personally found their use to be less intuitive than say my Scenic L-358.

You may also be surprised by their added weight, which is significant. As the added weight is on top it will also make the camera a bit more tippy when sitting on a table and it hangs differently if you have it on a strap around your neck.

 

[coldborezero]

Additionally, if you have not yet seen it you might enjoy this site.

 

[loovic07]

Thank you; first of all for clearing up the issue of the CVF-50C focusing screen and whether it was an Acute Matte screen – I could not find a definitive answer. This then simplifies my question along with your link to Photoetheonographys' article where it states that the PME3 is calibrated to the latter screen. I do use a seperate meter as in a Pentax Digital spot meter, I also have a Nikon Z7 and the spot meter is almost identical, so old antiquated electronics are not as dated as one might think. I now have the opportunity to test a PME3 and a non-metered PM5. I shall investigate both in conjunction with the latter and take it from there. Thank you for your input. Peter

 

[Emglow]

If you're using a CFV 50c digital back, use the prism meter to get somewhere near the right exposure, take a shot and use the histogram and the overexposure indicator to guide any correction you may need. It's the great advantage of digital.

 

[Erik Brammer]

Hi all,

brand new to this forum, I would like to add a question to this thread. I am using a Hasselblad 500 C/M with an Accute Matte D screen that I bought after the fact. This Accute Matte D only has cross hair lines in the center, but no focusing aids such as micro prisms or split image. I am using the standard waist level finder today, but contemplate buying a PM-5 or PME-51 prism viewfinder. I wonder whether I will be able to properly focus with that Accute Matte D and a prism viewfinder, given that their won't be any focus loupe like in the waist level finder.

What are your experiences with this? Would it be recommended to have a focusing screen with split image, for instance? Or is the magnification of the prism viewfinder so big that focusing with a basic Acute Matte D won't be a problem?

Thanks,
Erik

 

[coldborezero]

Hi all,

brand new to this forum, I would like to add a question to this thread. I am using a Hasselblad 500 C/M with an Accute Matte D screen that I bought after the fact. This Accute Matte D only has cross hair lines in the center, but no focusing aids such as micro prisms or split image. I am using the standard waist level finder today, but contemplate buying a PM-5 or PME-51 prism viewfinder. I wonder whether I will be able to properly focus with that Accute Matte D and a prism viewfinder, given that their won't be any focus loupe like in the waist level finder.

What are your experiences with this? Would it be recommended to have a focusing screen with split image, for instance? Or is the magnification of the prism viewfinder so big that focusing with a basic Acute Matte D won't be a problem?

Thanks,
Erik

I'm 76 and my vision is not perfect, so factor that into my opinions. Might want to consider that I'm a grumpy old man too

I personally own a PME 90 (the last 90 degree prism finder with a built in meter), a PM5 45 degree finder, a PM90 finder, a chimney finder with the diopter adjustment, and a late model waist level finder. I have previously owned a PME 5 (which is also metered) and one of the older chimney finders for which I can't remember the name.

I currently use a late production Acute-Matte D screen with the marking for a 645 digital back sensor and a split image rangefinder surrounded by a micro prism collar. This is my all time favorite. For me, the split image adds a lot, although there are also plenty of people who don't like them and plenty who don't like micro prisms. I like both.

I also own an early Acute-Matte screen with no markings, an Acute-Matte screen with crosshairs and the small round dotted circle supplied with the 202fa body, and an early production screen with crosshairs.

If you ask 5 photographers the same question you're gonna get 6 different answers Depending on who you ask, magnifications run the range from 2.3 to 4.5. The prism finders are in the lower end of the available magnification range, although there is an add-on device that attaches to the eyepiece of selected models which will increase magnification. It works well but is a bit clumsy for my taste unless I am working slowly on a tripod. for carrying around you neck it strikes me as a bit delicate. I currently have a PM 45, which seems to be the choice of a lot of people. I also have a 90 degree prism which I like because it makes the handling more 35mm form factor l

The folding waist level finders are at the high end of the magnifications available, and I personally prefer the late model with the square plastic release catch rather than the earlier versions with a round button.

Were I required to select only one setup for my personal use it would be the Acute-Matte D screen with the marking for a 645 digital back sensor and a split image rangefinder surrounded by a micro prism collar and the late model folding waist level finder. Second choice would be a 45 degree prism. Probably make a difference how you use the camera though, mine is mostly hand held.

 

[Erik Brammer]

Thank you very much. I guess I will just stay with the waist level finder. Thinking about it, I guess a prism finder would also be a bit darker.

 

[coldborezero]

I didn't find the slightly darker viewfinder something that I even notice, but then I seldom use this camera anyplace other than in the bright sun. In any case, if you are in the US you might like to visit UsedPhotoPro.com and look at their selection of finders. They offer an excellent return policy if you don't like it.

 

[robertpoolecamerawork]

Thank you; first of all for clearing up the issue of the CVF-50C focusing screen and whether it was an Acute Matte screen – I could not find a definitive answer. This then simplifies my question along with your link to Photoetheonographys' article where it states that the PME3 is calibrated to the latter screen. I do use a seperate meter as in a Pentax Digital spot meter, I also have a Nikon Z7 and the spot meter is almost identical, so old antiquated electronics are not as dated as one might think. I now have the opportunity to test a PME3 and a non-metered PM5. I shall investigate both in conjunction with the latter and take it from there. Thank you for your input. Peter

I was considering metered vs non-metered but recently bought a mint PME3 for my 503CW and agree with all the remarks by others here. The meter is very good against my calibrated Pentax Spotmeter but of course the PME3 is only centre-weighted so care is needed. But I can see that I'll be relying on the PME3 a lot now. Recommended.

 

[500CMfan]

Hi all,

brand new to this forum, I would like to add a question to this thread. I am using a Hasselblad 500 C/M with an Accute Matte D screen that I bought after the fact. This Accute Matte D only has cross hair lines in the center, but no focusing aids such as micro prisms or split image. I am using the standard waist level finder today, but contemplate buying a PM-5 or PME-51 prism viewfinder. I wonder whether I will be able to properly focus with that Accute Matte D and a prism viewfinder, given that their won't be any focus loupe like in the waist level finder.

What are your experiences with this? Would it be recommended to have a focusing screen with split image, for instance? Or is the magnification of the prism viewfinder so big that focusing with a basic Acute Matte D won't be a problem?

Thanks,
Erik

When I got my 500CM back in 1980, it came with the acute matte screen and the W/L finder. I soon grew somewhat disenchanted with both the finder and screen since it was difficult at times to get pinpoint focus. I swapped out the acute matte screen for a microprism/split image screen and a PM90 finder. With the grip attached (see my avatar) it is an absolute pleasure to use. Plus it has the added benefit of being heavy enough to do curls with it.