don't know what this is called...does it even exist

[chij]

if i go location scouting is there something i can take with me instead of my camera to see what the shot would look like
i'm imagining a piece of equipment that mimics the field of view of my hasselblad + 80mm lens
its like one of those things that filmmakers use when they go location scouting that lets them see what the shot will look like without having to look through their movie camera
its small, its just like a lens with an eyepiece, or something like that
am i going crazy or does this thing exist

 

[pgomena]

I think you're describing a director's loupe or viewfinder.

To make the poor man's version, cut a hole the same shape as your camera format in a piece of 8x10" cardboard. Hold it the same distance as your lens' focal length from your eye. Voila'.

 

[markbarendt]

Essentially any piece of cardboard or framing mat with a square hole can be used, the only trick is getting the hole size vs distance from your face right to match your lens.

 

[2F/2F]

I use my Linhof Zoom finder this way often. Maybe one of the Russian shoe-mount turret finders would work for you. Smaller, cheaper, and the focal lengths and aspect ratio will match 35mm lenses.

 

[xya]

I have a small digital camera in my pocket. always, it's my "sketchbook". it'a a canon s90, you can choose fixed focal length if you need, you only have to know the mf equivalent. so you can even decide what lens to take for the real shot. my main concern is the light. I usually go for a test at different times of the day and see what's best.

kind regards

reinhard

 

[lyricsuite]

Do you use an iphone?

I use Viewfinder Pro - an app on my iphone, in which you can make settings for 35mm and various MF formats. I don't use it often, but as a first step to quick setup it has been very useful! (No connection to developer of any sort, just a happy customer - at a pinch the 'Pocket Light Meter' app is also very helpful.)

Neil

 

[elekm]

In this case, you'll want something square, not rectangular. You could get a German folding camera with a popup viewfinder and remove it. Or make something from the lenses and viewfinder frame of an inexpensive Agfa Isolette.

 

[Dan Henderson]

I also use a Linhof finder. I carry it in a case on the belt of my backpack so that I can access it quickly when I find a potential picture before unpacking the camera. It is a great help in establishing and refining compositions and choosing lens focal length. Like everything Linhof I paid too much money for it, but it is one of the handiest gadgets I have ever owned. Plus, it just has a great look to it, like it came from Jules Verne's Nautilus.

 

[revdocjim]

Fingers work pretty good! Just memorize the spacing and arm extension to mimic your particular kit!

 

[MattKing]

For a Hasselblad and an 80mm lens, the viewfinder of an Instamatic 104 would probably work fine.

There are probably a few of them around somwhere

 

[Jose LS Gil]

if i go location scouting is there something i can take with me instead of my camera to see what the shot would look like
i'm imagining a piece of equipment that mimics the field of view of my hasselblad + 80mm lens
its like one of those things that filmmakers use when they go location scouting that lets them see what the shot will look like without having to look through their movie camera
its small, its just like a lens with an eyepiece, or something like that
am i going crazy or does this thing exist

Are you referring to a viewing filter? These can be found on the auction or forums. One is made for B&W film and the other for color. Zone VI was one of the companies that used to make these and can usually be found in the $50 range. St. Ansel used to recommend a Wratten #90 viewing filter for B&W photography.
If you just want to get an idea of what the image would look like in your view finder, then just cut a 6X6 square in a black mounting board and carry that with you. Since your Hassy has a 6X6 ground glass and you are using an 80mm lens (normal viewing length), it would be close to what your eye sees.
The viewing filters mimic what the film registers vs what your eye sees.

These are viewed as "training aids", and you will rely less and less on them as you train your eye and brain to think photographically, (visualization).