DIY Pro Director's Viewfinder with ability to change lens (M42)

[fdirector]

Hey folks,
I have something to show you.
So, I really need a director's viewfinder, but there is a problem, they cost a bomb!!! So, I wanted something like this one,
with ability to change lens.

So, I've thought, hey, but I have broken Krasnogorsk 3, 16mm camera! So I took my camera, a saw and went from this:

to this:


Now I can mount any of my m42 lenses I use during filming and take professional director's look!

 

[kylevant]

Cool. What did you do about the mount on the K3? Did you use an adapter mount or something?

 

[fdirector]

Hey, kylevant
no without an adapter. It was an m42 mount camera.

 

[fdirector]

This camera was about an year on the shelf collecting dust, and finally I'll use it!)

 

[kylevant]

Hey, kylevant
no without an adapter. It was an m42 mount camera.

It must have been like a godsend for you then.

 

[David W. Jones]

Or you could have just used any low cost APS-C camera.

 

[fdirector]

@David W. Jones
yes but K-3 modified to Director's Finder looks more professional, don't you think so?

 

[David W. Jones]

No not really.
We generally use a DSLR with the same size sensor as we are going to shoot with.
Clients hire me for the product I deliver, not because of the look of a viewfinder.

 

[fdirector]

@ David W. Jones
True too. I think, for practice this is a great tool to have. Do APS-C camera have a 35mm full frame?

 

[Ted Ramasola]

Are you shooting with film? Or s35 size sensor digital camera?

 

[David W. Jones]

@ David W. Jones
True too. I think, for practice this is a great tool to have. Do APS-C camera have a 35mm full frame?

No APS-C is roughly the same size as a super-35 motion picture frame.
We use a Canon APS-C camera for scouting work for Red One, and a Panasonic GH1 for scouting with Panasonic AF100.

It's a good idea to use something that will closely resemble the actual field of view you will get from the camera And lens you will use. If you are shooting 16mm film with your M42 mount lenses, then I could see where this might work. But if not, this would likely be a waste of time as it will not give a true representation of the actual camera to be used.

All the Best!

Dave

 

[fdirector]

@ teddybear
With 35mm digital camera and sometimes with film.