one thing I miss...

[sanmich]

I shoot 100% film.
I'm ok with film loading and reloading.
I'm ok with processing and scanning.
I really don't look at digital with envy.

But one thing I really miss is the ability to shoot with arm extended while looking at the screen.
I feel it offers lots of possibility that I can't access with film cameras.
In fact it defines a whole sphere around you where you can place your camera and relatively precisely, frame a picture.
It allows you to bring a camera very close to your subject without having to bring your whole body with it.
So who is shooting this way as his/hers main shooting style?
what's your experience?

 

[sevo]

I agree - I never felt like having to upgrade my Nex to an electronic viewfinder as that rear panel does so nicely as a supercharged, tilting waist level finder.

The sports prism finders for some SLRs can provide some 10-30cm of eye distance, but they won't go all the way to arms length. Probably the only way to do something similar in film would be a large format twin-lens camera, but these can hardly be used on an extended arm.

 

[MarcoVenturiniAutier]

I remember (no, I was not born back then) some old Rollei adverts showing a gentleman holding his TLR with his arms extended and the camera held above his head in order to photograph beyond the crowd.
I agree it is not exactly the same thing, but you might want to try a TLR or even an SLR with interchangeable finder (such as Pentax LX, Nikon F3 & F4...)

 

[David Hughes]

I remember (no, I was not born back then) some old Rollei adverts showing a gentleman holding his TLR with his arms extended and the camera held above his head in order to photograph beyond the crowd.
I agree it is not exactly the same thing, but you might want to try a TLR or even an SLR with interchangeable finder (such as Pentax LX, Nikon F3 & F4...)

Hi,

Yup! It was standard practice and very useful too.

And I am wondering if there are still wedding photographers using the Rolleiflex; I've not seen one for about 5 or 6 years and it was the only way to do it a good few years ago.

Regards, David

 

[JoeV]

I can see the screen of my Speed Graphic just fine at arm's length, but holding it out there for any period of time is a bit difficult. 🙂

~Joe