Idea for the taking...

[Shooter]

Heres a simple idea for DOF Adapter manufacturers.

From the components you generally have on hand...make a simple , cheap "directors viewfinder to mount users lenses on . eg MF Nikkors.

(Thought came to me as I consider setting my Dremmel cutting tool onto an old Nikormat)

[Huy Vu]

Yes! I second this idea. So many times I go on location scout and hate having to carry the whole rig + lenses + tripod with me. Something like this would be immensely useful.

[Wayne Kinney]

I did poll this idea once on the shoot35 forum...hhhmmm

[jenningsp]

problem is most adapter users don't set their frame sizes so putting markings on a GG is kinda pointless. i'm somwhere inbetween SLR and academy but have no idea.

just get an old film slr for cheap!

[Huy Vu]

problem is most adapter users don't set their frame sizes so putting markings on a GG is kinda pointless.

There's really very little variation across frame sizes. Most ends up around Academy anyway and being off a bit doesn't really matter. What I really want is a director's viewfinder that can replicate the DOF characteristic of the lens. That would be sweet.

[jenningsp]

There's really very little variation across frame sizes. Most ends up around Academy anyway and being off a bit doesn't really matter. What I really want is a director's viewfinder that can replicate the DOF characteristic of the lens. That would be sweet.

a digi SLR will give you academy frame size and most have DOF preview

[dadoboy]

Perhaps an old nikon (or canon, minolta) SLR to mount the lens on, then "mask" the aspect ratio desired with tape on the bottom of the prism that goes to the viewfinder??

Ofcourse the camera would have to have a DOF preview button.

[Huy Vu]

a digi SLR will give you academy frame size and most have DOF preview

Not on FD lenses they don't :) which is what I use.

[Charles Lowthian]

i agree!
wayne, dennis, hien, rocks, anyone else,
the clock is ticking...
impress us once again,
pretty please with sugar on top:

nikon mount viewfinder 'thing' with focussing screen, 35mm at least

do it! :)

[Dennis Wood]

Well, we certainly use frame sizes and the usable frame width on the Brevis MP.1 can exceed 36mm with the right glass out front. To me, throwing away all that FOV by zooming in to academy is just not right!

So Charles, will that be right side up or upside down?

[Charles Lowthian]

a "viewfinder thingy" dennis. i like mirrors :)

[frobozz]

Not on FD lenses they don't :) which is what I use.

You can pick up an FTb quite cheap on ebay - that will give you a ground glass to view on, a DOF preview button, etc.

Spend a little more, get an F-1 (old or new variant, either will work, though older will be cheaper). That gets you all of the above, plus the ability to pull out the focusing screen and more easily mark/mask it. And you can add a Speed Finder to give you a much bigger eyepiece to view through.

Duncan

[pmark23]

I use the Brevis as a director's finder -- easier than carrying the full camera rig around when looking for a shot. Upside down though, but used to it now. :)

[ecking]

I agree that this would be cool, even if it was limited to an academy frame.