Director's Finder / Viewfinder to Preview Pics

[Mike1234]

^^^ Then what you need is one of the "micro" versions though they aren't much smaller than the Linhof finder and perhaps larger. Also, the problem with some of the mini and micro versions seems to be optical quality. The plus side is ability to adjust aspect ratios with a simple turn of a dial.

I want a nicely bright/large/sharp/undistorted viewfinder with ability to show all aspect ratios and zoom range from 24-200mm (135 equivelent) and I want it to cost less than $300US including .5x W/A adapter. Yes, I want my cake and eat it too. This "big name" $699US plus another $100US for a W/A adapter is horse hockey. There must be decent alternatives.

Seriously... just looking for the best compromise.

I'm thinking I need to join some video forums to seek advice and report back...

[iozone]

reviews on the cavision seem to be quite good. 4 out of 5 stars for 11 reviews. that is unless one thinks the reviews are somehow staged.


http://www.buzzillions.com/reviews/c...views#Overview

[Frank Petronio]

Not to hurt your brain or anything, but why don't you just use a $100 digital camera with a zoom lens? It would tell you far more information than any plain optical device, it can be more valuable for composition. Look for one that shoots 2x3 and 4x3 ratio, like many of the Panasonics ;-)

[Robert Hughes]

Think of that ... a director's finder that has a built-in spotmeter AND proof shot capability!

[Mike1234]

Why don't you just use a digital camera with a zoom? It really would tell you more than any plain optical device ;-)

Great idea and I have another thread proposing such an idea... or maybe I just posted in a thread... my feeble brain is half gone. At any rate, the proposed solution is to carry a small ~7" digital picture frame and a cheap DSLR with zooms or a P&S with a long-range zoom and wide/tele adapters equalling the FOV range of the LF primes. Of course, the digital photo frame will require an external power source and a mini USB input. This equipment will add some weight which isn't so bad (percentage wise) if I'm carrying the 8x10 but isn't very practical if I'm trying to remain lightweight with the 4x5.

As you said though, a small P&S with a fairly large screen is a good idea and it won't weigh much... just needs a long-range zoom and aux attachments to equal the wide range of optics I intend to carry. Id' also need a large/bright LCD for my weakening eyes.

[Mike1234]

Think of that ... a director's finder that has a built-in spotmeter AND proof shot capability!

Yup... think of this. LF photographers "chimping" for the best shot. What has this world come to?

SShhh... don't tell the folks on APUG!!

[Craig Moyer]

FWIW: I just ordered the Opteka Micro Directors Viewfinder for use with 4x5. I will report back to this thread when it arrives and when I have a chance to test it out.

[evan clarke]

You do know that the Linhof Mutifocus Optical Finders (current ones - made for the last 30+ years) not only show what a lens covers it also corrects for field size and parallax. Those are very difficult to do with cardboard.

I use one of these from the current model of Technika and it's terrific..my best field device..EC

[Craig Moyer]

Honestly, I was expecting it to be a bit bigger, so I was a little surprised when I opened up the box and was greeted with this:



Inside the box was the DVF in a small pouch, warrantee (1 year) information, and a small cleaning cloth.



On the actual device are engravings for various film and video formats. Super 16, 35mm, and Anamorphic are listed on one side of the barrel, with video sizes on the opposite.



The device extends to the listed focal lengths for each format, and stops at each with a resounding and affirming click. When it is extended to its maximum it is about 3.25 inches long. Around the lens bezel are click stops for varying aspect ratios (ranging from TV to 2.55). The lens cap is removed by unscrewing it.

On the back of the device is the eyepiece which has a removable rubber eyecup. Diopter adjustments can be made easily by turning the eyepiece.



Looking through the viewfinder reminds me of operating an old 16mm motion picture camera. Its devoid of any sort of markings or indicators; just a simple black mask. It is bright and clear (excuse the poor sharpness, its not representative). Sharpness is just fine for what the device is used for…

Final Thoughts

I think the device is worth picking up if you feel like you would use it. It certainly is very useful in large format photography, where moving the camera is cumbersome and time consuming. I haven't really had the chance to fully put it through its paces and decide if it was money well spent. However, after figuring out which formats translated to large format (TV aspect ratio, 10mm in S16 roughly equal to my 90mm, 20mm roughly equal to 210mm), it has already proved to be a time-saving device in framing compositions.

One particular part of the device that I find the most appealing is its construction. In an age of plastic and composites its nice to come across new things that are constructed well. The device is made entirely out of machined aluminum that is hard anodized in black with a matte finish. Indicators, letters and numbers are actually engraved into the metal. The moving parts of the device all slide well and stop with affirming clicks. It seems to be constructed exceptionally well.

Bottom Line

I would suggest purchasing this device, or one like it if you want to speed up your setup-to-exposure time. If you have trouble visualizing compositions, I would also suggest such a device. Though one thing to note is that at its widest it is roughly equivalent to a 90mm in 4x5. Those who use lenses wider should consider this when shopping for a DVF. All things considered, I'm satisfied with my purchase am looking forward to using it in the field.