Director's Finder / Viewfinder to Preview Pics

**Mike1234** · 15-Jan-2010, 17:59

Does anyone here use a director's viewfinder to preview before shooting? These are the types that have adjustable aspect ratio and zoom. I'd like one that I can add a W/A adapter to and I want a nice bright/big eyepiece but I don't want to spend a fortune.

Any experiences and/or advice? Brands/models/sources/prices?

**Warren Clark** · 15-Jan-2010, 18:22

Hi Mike,

I have a Horseman Zoom finder with accessory handle and I find it very
useful-- 90-400 mm range and I also have the 6x9 mask. I can scout
locations and find tripod locations and needed focal length with less
effort moving around with camera/tripod.. check with Jim at Midwest
Photo--the handle will be harder to locate.

Warren Clark
Ft Collins, Colo.

**Mike1234** · 15-Jan-2010, 18:53

Thanks Warren!! I'll look into the Horseman.

**Joanna Carter** · 16-Jan-2010, 01:55

The best (and cheapest) viewfinder is a 4" x 5" piece of mat board with a 2" x 2 1/2" hole cut in the middle, with a tape measure attached to one edge. Simply measure half the focal length of the lens you want to use on the tape measure and pull the frame towards your eye until that point on the tape measure touches your forehead/cheekbone - you should now be seeing approximately what a camera would see. You might find that you need to adjust the "focal length" on the tape measure to compensate for how deeply inset your eye is but, all in all, it should cost you pennies and it is as bright as the surrounding light and light in weight.

**Frank Petronio** · 16-Jan-2010, 11:13

And you need a Beret too ;-) I agree they look cool but I doubt they come with 4x5 ratio masks. Lots of people like the Linhofs, the modern version is best.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Di...0/N/4294545150

They sell a bunch, I am sure there are a lot on eBay too.

**Mike1234** · 16-Jan-2010, 12:52

Thanks to all who have contributed.

I have a couple of Linhof zoom finders. What I really want is a director's viefinder with long-range zoom and adjustable mask. I'm not shooting 4x5 and I want the ability to crop as well as zoom for composition. What I'm concerned about is durability, big & easy-to-see viewfinder, adjustable mask, wide-range zoom, abiltity to accept an ultra-wide adapter. All at a "reasonable" price. I don't like using held-held viewing frames.