Open Frame VF used as a WL VF...

[arbib]

Set a small mirror at a 45 degree against the back to have a VF that you glance down through the front frame, like a Waist level VF on an SLR. I had a brain fart and thought it JUST MAY WORK!

Any DIY'ers that has tried this. And Did it work well enough to make Candid Framing a bit easier??

And, if you it did, HOW did you make yours.

 

[wyk_penguin]

Why not just taking off the pentaprism? Well, you can't do that anymore.

Seagull makes a nice right angle finder, which is something like what you described, only with some lenses to set the eye relief right and to allow you to zoom in on the VF. There is also this gadget I saw that was essentially a digital camera that was attached you the VF. It would show you in real time what happened in the VF on a small rotatable LCD screen.

 

[arbib]

Why not just taking off the pentaprism? Well, you can't do that anymore.

Seagull makes a nice right angle finder, which is something like what you described, only with some lenses to set the eye relief right and to allow you to zoom in on the VF. There is also this gadget I saw that was essentially a digital camera that was attached you the VF. It would show you in real time what happened in the VF on a small rotatable LCD screen.

I have seen those add on LCD screens for DSLRs VF. About $80.00 USD. but a DSLR is too loud.

And I have seen some Rightangle shoe attachments also. But I don't want to bring the camera to my face.

I have an Open Frame VF for a 50/85 lenses. And I was thinking that I could get a mylar mirror and cut it down to wedge between the back Eye peep and the front frame at a 45 degree angle. That way, I look down, while the camera is at my waist and aim the camera with a little better framing.

from some of the gallaries I have seen here. there is a lot of waist shootong. At least it looks that way to me. The angle is interesting and typicaly the subjects are within 3-6 feet away. so putting the camera to the eye, would disturb the moment. For subjects furture away, putting the camera up is not such a deal, since they may not see you for the few seconds needed to pop one off. (of course using the DOF scales to set the lens at an optimum hydrofocus setting is a given)

I have a 35mm, so I think this is enough WA for what I want.

Thanks for the suggestions,

 

[jonasv]

Why not just taking off the pentaprism? Well, you can't do that anymore.

I was surprised and very pleased to see that taking of the finder did work on my Nikon F4s, it even retains autofocus, metering and autoexposure and can be used as any camera with a waist-level-finder like this! I did it a couple of times when I needed to be "stealthy" - not exactly something you'd exspect from an F4s but it worked!

 

[arbib]

Yes, but...

Yes, but...

I was surprised and very pleased to see that taking of the finder did work on my Nikon F4s, it even retains autofocus, metering and autoexposure and can be used as any camera with a waist-level-finder like this! I did it a couple of times when I needed to be "stealthy" - not exactly something you'd exspect from an F4s but it worked!

I don't really use the Nikon FTn, it is an airloom of sorts and belongs to my wife. (Well, her dad really, but he gave it to her in any case).

🙂 I was thinking more along using a RF camera with DIY type Waistlevel finder of sorts. 🙂

I know I can use the Nikon FTn w/o the VF. But I don't want the mirror slap.

has anyone tried a DIY WL Finder for a RF. For candid Waist Level shoots with a higher degree of good framimg ??

 

[ben lloyd]

I want to rip the waist level finder out of a Yashica T3 super I found in a junk store for GBP1. Problem is the camera works fine and I haven't been able to justify wrecking an otherwise good camera...but I will! Need to find a dead flash to get a shoe then cobble it all together.

I hope you try try the open frame and mirror idea, and let us know how it goes.

 

[arbib]

I want to rip the waist level finder out of a Yashica T3 super I found in a junk store for GBP1. Problem is the camera works fine and I haven't been able to justify wrecking an otherwise good camera...but I will! Need to find a dead flash to get a shoe then cobble it all together.

I hope you try try the open frame and mirror idea, and let us know how it goes.

I like your idea, but the WL VF does not have a means of its own to reflect the image up, or does it...

Typicaly a WL VF uses the camera's reflex system for viewing. all the WL VF does it block stray light from the Focusing screen so it usable at a distance. So how would you fix a mirror to make it work.

I have a almost dead Canon 430ez, I droped it and only FULL Manual works now. Been sitting on a shelf. But the Canon shoe is bulky, the IR lamp just above the shoe is part of the whole assembley. Might give a good size base to glue the WL VF onto. It is about 1" square. but not level. The IR lamp is higher than the Flat base in the front part.


But I like the idea... Could work in theory..and practicaly once the mirror thing is figured out.

I will get the mylar mirror next week. I am STILL waiting for the Canadian Post Office Ship my Kiev. It has been at the same branch, "MISSISSAUGA, ON" since the 15th :bang: Wish customs would move thier A** !!!!

Maybe your Idea will be a keeper.

A lot of trouble just to increase the number of keepers for RF Candids....Oh well,, Something to do in my not so spare time. 🙂