The second viewfinder is the Mamiya 645 AE prism finder N which has a build in spot-centre weight exposure meter (powered by the camera battery).

This viewfinder is cheaper as it doesn’t have a built in light meter. The first is the one I have, the Mamiya 645 prism finder N (shown below). For the Mamiya 645 Super camera I use there are two finders commonly used. There are a few different Mamiya 645 prism finders available depending on the camera model. The advantage of the Mamiya 645 WLF is it makes the camera smaller and lighter than with a prism view finder attached. You don’t have the issue with the Mamiya RZ67 Pro II either as it has a rotating film back. You don’t see this problem with say a Rolleiflex SL66E or a Hasselblad 500 series camera as they are 6×6 format.

To take a portrait photo with the WLF you have to hold the camera on it’s side and it is not as easy to compose, especially when working quickly. To focus with a WLF you look down at the top of the camera and it will show a horizontal image on the glass. Disadvantage of a WLF (for portraits)įor anyone used to a digital camera such as a DSLR you might think so what? Well I bought this particular camera as I wanted it with the WLF included. As a portrait photographer I tend to shoot in the portrait format with most cameras so this was a little different for me. With the Fujifilm GA645 for example the 645 frame is in portrait (vertical) orientation. My first observation with the Mamiya is the 645 format is in horizontal orientation (in camera) rather than vertical. My Mamiya 645 Super arrived with the Mamiya 645 waist level finder N (“WLF”) already fitted. Mamiya 645 viewfinders Mamiya 645 WLF N (Waist Level Finder)

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