name of the device which rights the image on LF cameras?

[Sean]

This is a silly question but hey I am a bit new to LF! I have seen many people that use an apparatus which fits on the LF camera back which flips the image around. What are these devices called? I doubt I will need one but am a little intimidated at the reversal of the image on the ground glass. Thanks!

 

[Donald Miller]

Sean,
I think that this is something that most of us go through. I know that I did. The device that you are addressing is called a reflex viewer (I believe that is true, I may be wrong).

Actually most of us discover that the upside down image in large format becomes an aid to composing better photographs. I think, from my experience, the reason for this is that it takes our "left brain" out of the equation by taking us to a place where we no longer name and identify that which is in the viewfinder and then we begin to pay attention to such things as "form", "negative and positive space", etc.

Perhaps some of the other LF users have a better command of language to describe what I am trying to explain and probably quite inadequately at that.

Good luck with your 'dorff. Good cameras.

 

[Robert]

I think it's called a reflex viewer. Sort of like Single Lens Reflex or Twin lens reflex.

Have you ever used a TLR? Dealing with upside down and backwards was relatively easy after dealing with the TLR. You need to watch the image and ignore all other inputs. It's easier with a LF camera since the image is so large. If you're under the dark cloth it's even easier. Your brain just assumes upside down and backwards is normal after awhile.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

As the others have said--it's a reflex viewer, and you're better off without it. They're bulky, they result in a dimmer image, and you'll still need to check the groundglass with a loupe. They can be useful, though, if you photograph in areas where you would be uncomfortable (physically or psychologically) under a darkcloth.

 

[Flotsam]

I agree with David for all of his reasons.
I used to work at a place that had them for their Sinars. When I took it off to loupe the first set of the day, it never went back on. More hassle than it was worth.

-Neal

 

[Sean]

I figured they would be a hassle so will try it without and see how that goes. Thanks for the info!