Polarizer Filter on viewfinder

Hi -

I was reading an article on a Pro Photographers site about a new camera he had, which has a range finder.

He mentions attaching a polarizing filter to the viewer and using it to set the polarizer on the take lens.

I have a range finder camera myself, and this the first I've heard of doing this, though for obvious reasons it makes sense, exactly how would you set one with the other?

My question comes into mind when trying to visualize knowing exactly were the polarizer on the take lens is in relation to the one on the finder once you screw it on the take lens or remove it and then put it back on.

There must be some obvious easy method to this I'm missing in my visualization of the process.

Would some one be kind enough to explain exactly how this is done? The technique or trick to this on a Range Finder camera.

Thanx in advance,
chase

You can either use the same polariser and move it between the two positions ensuring that it stays at the same angle or use two polarisers which are marked up so that you can tell that they are aligned.


Steve.

Many brands of polarizing filters come with at mark on the revolving ring to show orientation. You can also make your own marks. I like the idea of having two identically marked filters, one for lens, one for viewfinder, and then just transferring the orientation from the viewing to the taking filter (3 o'clock and all's well).

best,

Doremus
www.DoremusScudder.com

All polarizers I've been familiar with are marked, though I suppose there probably are some which are not.
What I've done when using polarizers with non-SLR cameras is to look through the polarizer and note where the mark ends up then put it on the lens and set the mark.
Using two would certainly be faster though.
When using two, I would think you may want to buy two of the same brand, but even then, verify that the marks are in the same orientation. IDK, but the marks could perfectly well be random.

Hi and thanx thus far for the replies.

Here let me provide the link to the article i was reading.

The author/ photogs name is Cooksey Talbott - cookseytalbottgallery.com

He studied under Ansel Adams from what i read of his bio.
Been published by Ansel as well in one of his books.
"The art of Polariod" i think...?
anyhow...

The article or post by the Cooksey is called:

I got a new film camera, the Gaoersi 617
here is a link - cookseytalbottgallery.com/photo_blog_article.php?blRecordNumber=29

He's the lead in pic from the article showing the camera:


he's say's in the article he temporarily glued a polarizer onto the Rangefinder
and uses a second one on the take lens.

In checking with my various sizes of Polarizer filters - hmmmh?
None have the indicator marks mentioned above
- and i thought they were/are pretty decent ones.

and that is were my consern comes into play - if you glue or attach the one on the Range Finder.
Then remove on and off the one on the take lens... they are not going to be perfectly aligned to one another.

He's using the one on the range finder to set the one on the take lens.
If i did have them both aligned when i put the one on the take lens it stands to reason
when i put it back on and it doesn't screw on exactly where it was before
- the line up of the two will be off.

What you see through the range finder would not be the same as what is being seen via the take lens.
Am i right on this?

If the polarizer is a quarter turn different than the Range Finder Polarizer is - talking rear lens of the Polarizer
the setting and out come is going to be different one to the other.

If all fails - i'll send a e-mail to Cooksey - I just figured there are a lot LF guys here that are seasoned and may know and/or use of this technique for range finders

Mark it with anything that you can see and is permanent.
Assuming you're using the camera on a tripod. I'd go with using the same filter. For the finder you look through it, hold it in place and note where the marking is. Put the filter on the lens and set the mark in the same orientation. It's not a perfect system but close enough.
Leica made a swing out filter for their M cameras, and I seem to recall Mamiya for the 7's. if you find a picture it may give an idea for a DIY solution.

Yeah i can see it would have to be marked in some fashion. White enamel paint marker should do.

BTW Steve - that is a cool link you provided for the DIY 6x12
- I'll have to come back to that site and maybe make one.

Nice galleries a few of you that posted - hope you don't mind i took a look see... nice work!
That's Jamaji now - wow!