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Tom Williams
Joined: 20 Jul 2011 Posts: 10 Location: Homer, NY
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 12:08 pm Post subject: preview lens |
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Another newbie question - Was there ever made a device I would call a preview lens? What I am thinking of is something small that could be used in the field to check composition for a potential photo without dragging out and setting up a camera - sort of like what you see a film director use to get an idea of what the camera will "see". I have recently acquired a Crown Graflex with a 135 mm lens. Thanks! |
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Dan Fromm
Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2121 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2011 2:20 pm Post subject: |
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What you want is called a director's viewfinder, but most come in motion picture aspect ratios which aren't close to 4x5. Some have adjustable aspect ratios.
I've never done it but people on the LF forum have recommended using a piece of cardboard with a 4:5 hole cut in it. Go here: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/ , search on "director's viewfinder" and "cardboard frame" |
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Tom Williams
Joined: 20 Jul 2011 Posts: 10 Location: Homer, NY
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 4:19 pm Post subject: preview lens |
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I recently picked-up a copy of the navy photographer's mate handbook circa 1966 and noticed that one of the graflex cameras had a removable view finder to be used as a preview lens. Wondering if anyone know which model and if one might be available from a "parts only" body. |
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Billy Canuck
Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada
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Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2011 6:50 pm Post subject: |
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Does your Crown Graphic have the optical viewfinder mounted on top of the camera body? If so, this can be removed and used on its own. The no. 4 viewfinder mask is the one to use with a 135mm lens:
http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/viewfinder-masks.html
If your camera has the top-mounted viewfinder, it might already have the no. 4 mask installed. |
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Tom Williams
Joined: 20 Jul 2011 Posts: 10 Location: Homer, NY
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Posted: Thu Aug 18, 2011 4:30 pm Post subject: preview lens |
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Thanks for the comments.....I think what the navy is talking about is an earlier model - one with a separate view finder (on top) and range finder (on the side). My camera has both range and view finders in one piece on the top. If this is correct, what are the chances of finding a pre 1955 view finder to be used as an "in your pocket" preview device? |
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Billy Canuck
Joined: 04 Apr 2006 Posts: 165 Location: Calgary AB Canada
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Tom Williams
Joined: 20 Jul 2011 Posts: 10 Location: Homer, NY
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Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2011 1:26 pm Post subject: preview lens |
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Billy - Thanks for the suggestion. I found it and it is soon to be mine. :-} |
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