Multi-frame-viewfinder for framing for 4X5...........

[John Wiegerink]

Does anyone here use a separate zoom multi-frame viewfinder, like the old Zeiss Contax 35mm finders, for previewing a scene for 4X5. I was thinking of getting a cheap 28-135mm turret finder to work with my 100mm WF Ektar(which is very close to 28mm in 35mm equivalent), 135mm, 150mm, 165mm 203mm and 210mm. It would be nice to preview a scene before I set my tripod and haul my camera out of the pack. Maybe somebody has a better idea?

 

[Ian Grant]

I use the wire frame sports finder and rear sight on my Crown, Speed & Super Graphics, I can pre-visualise mentally as I move to where I'll shoot from, that includes choice of FL.

Ian

 

[jim10219]

I've heard of people making a mask. Basically you just cut a 4x5 mask out of a piece of matte board and tie a rope to it, then tie a series of knots in the rope that correspond to the focal length of your lenses. You hold the mask up with one hand, and hold the rope against your chin or nose and look through the mask. Obviously, it'll be off a bit as you bring your focus in from infinity. But it should give you a basic idea. I've yet to try it myself.

You might be able to create something similar with a cell phone camera and a series of masks to overlay your screen.

 

[John Wiegerink]

You might be able to create something similar with a cell phone camera and a series of masks to overlay your screen.

I never thought about that! I'll play around with my phone and see what it can do. It's much smarter than I am anyway so it might work.

 

[btaylor]

That was the concept behind the so called "directors finder" on film sets-- set up the shot you want before you move the camera. The Linhof finders are great for that, it a wire frame or a cell phone app will do a great job too.

 

[John Wiegerink]

That was the concept behind the so called "directors finder" on film sets-- set up the shot you want before you move the camera. The Linhof finders are great for that, it a wire frame or a cell phone app will do a great job too.

Yes, that's what I'm after. I can guess pretty good about my lenses angle of coverage, but I've had more than once setup and then check the ground glass only to find something protruding into the scene that I don't want there. No choice but to move in a little or change a lens and move again. That's what I want to avoid if possible.

 

[btaylor]

Somewhere I have a photo of 4 burly guys hoisting a 70mm Mitchell BNC onto a tripod head on location somewhere. If ever there was an argument for the usefulness of a directors finder...

 

[wiltw]

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[John Wiegerink]

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I have one also, but mine is one I wear around my neck and is a little folding monocular style. Love it! I'll figure something out that's for sure. I just want it to be fairly small and fairly light. I'll explore all avenues before I decide. Thanks!

 

[pgomena]

Phone app: Viewfinder Pro. Overlays lines for various focal lengths and formats over what your phone sees.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Sometimes I will use a 35mm camera to be a multiframe viewfinder for MF and LF, just as I have used MF to be a multiframe viewfinder for LF. But mostly I just visualize it without any aids.