Two types of Pentax single-lens reflex cameras allow for a change of viewfinder: the Pentax LX and the Pentax 67. The LX, a 35mm film camera introduced in 1980, remains a popular professional level camera, despite the switch to digital. The Pentax 67, a medium format camera producing 6-by-7-centimeter images, looks like a very large 35mm camera, but takes 120 or 220 film. Both cameras were targeted at the professional photographer market with interchangeable viewfinders, as well as other accessories the amateur photographer would not need.
Instructions
1. Detach the standard prism viewfinder. In both the LX and 67, the viewfinder slides out toward the rear of the camera. Press the finder release and slide the prism out.
2. Remove the cap on the bottom of the waist-level viewfinder, then slide it evenly into the slot above the focusing screen. Push it all the way to the front of the camera body until it locks into the correct place.
3. Hold the camera at waist level and look down into the viewfinder. One of the advantages of the waist-level viewfinder is that it allows more light through to see the composed image better than a prism. The standard pentaprisms on both the LX and 67, as well as most other cameras, decrease the amount of light, meaning you have less image light to compose with. The waist-level viewfinder, since it does not use a prism, simply carries the light projected through the lens onto the 45-degree mirror and up to your eye.
4. Get used to the image reversal properties of the waist-level viewfinder by practicing with it before you need to go on a photo shoot. If you are used to a pentaprism viewfinder, you expect the image through the camera to appear exactly as it does to your eyes. The waist-level viewfinder, however, reverses the image left-to-right. This can take some getting used to.
5. Use the pop-up magnifier for sharp focus. Most waist-level viewfinders come equipped with pop-up magnifiers to help you focus the image precisely. Neither the Pentax 67 nor the LX have auto-focus features, so extra aid with focusing can help you as a photographer. Use the viewfinder at waist level to compose your image, then pop up the magnifier and bring the camera up to your eye for tight focus.
Tags: waist-level viewfinder, waist level
