Director's Finder / Viewfinder to Preview Pics

Mike1234

Member
Joined
Jul 6, 2009
Messages
1,908
Location
South Texas,
Format
4x5 Format
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?
 

BradS

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
8,120
Location
Soulsbyville, California
Format
35mm
Fotoman camera used to (still does?) sell a very nice view finder with masks for varios farmats. They sold many different pano fomat cameras and so, would certainly have a finder for the format / lens combo you're using.

I'm just not really confident that they are still in business.

Their finders were very nice though....and didn't cost a fortune either.
 

David A. Goldfarb

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Sep 7, 2002
Messages
19,974
Location
Honolulu, HI
Format
Large Format
I've used the two different Linhof finders (there are actually more than two, but there are two general types) and had one for 6x17cm that I think was made by Gaoersi, and I once had the Voigtländer Kontur finder for normal lenses with either 35mm or 6x9cm. They're handy things. I've often used the Linhof finder for setting up a shot or selecting a lens before setting up the camera.
 

darinwc

Subscriber
Joined
Dec 14, 2003
Messages
3,146
Location
Sacramento,
Format
Multi Format
most finders ive tried for framing cause too much distortion to be useful.
When I am using a 4x5, I like to carry a medium-format 6x7 slide mount in my pocket.
I whip it out and use it to use for framing.
Some people attach a string to it marked so you can hold it at diferent distances for different focal lengths.
If 6x7 is too small, you can also use a mat board cut to whatever size you desire.

You can also use a 35mm SLR or a digicam.
 

frotog

Member
Joined
Jan 7, 2007
Messages
730
Location
third stone
Format
Large Format
The horseman finder is a gem. Unfortunately not made anymore. Got mine from midwest photo for $350. They usually have a few in stock.
 

eclarke

Member
Joined
Jun 11, 2004
Messages
1,950
Location
New Berlin,
Format
ULarge Format
I use a current model Technika finder which has a 4x5 and a 6x9 mask. Focal lengths from 75mm to 360mm. It's near me 24/7 and a great tool..Evan Clarke
 
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