Viewfinder-less Photography

[twhittle]

I have been thinking about John Baldessari's comment:

"Probably one of the worst things to happen to photography is that cameras have viewfinders."

So, I thought that it might be interesting to try and shoot a series with a Leica MDA or Bessa L with a 50mm without framing at all. I have 'shot from the hip' before but always with a 28mm.
The subject would just be whatever and whoever I come into contact with; day to day things.

Does anyone have any experience of this?
Would shooting this on film be a total waste of time and materials?

It is safe to say that I don't like 'conventional' or 'pretty' photography and I am fully up for the project to 'fail'.

I am interested in people's thoughts on this....
Cheers.

 

[ferider]

My thoughts are that 35 or 40 would be way easier. I always find it difficult to estimate the 50mm frame. What helps me with 35/40 is that the distance to subject is the same as image width (for 35) or image diagonal (for 40).

 

[pdexposures]

Why do you need an MDa? Just put some gaffers tape over the viewfinder of whatever camera you have and go shoot!

 

[twhittle]

My thoughts are that 35 or 40 would be way easier. I always find it difficult to estimate the 50mm frame. What helps me with 35/40 is that the distance to subject is the same as image width (for 35) or image diagonal (for 40).

Those focus lengths would be easier, but I want to give myself a challenge. Also I like the idea of the difficulty of getting a well composed image. Hopefully the images will be cropped oddly or an odd perspectives.

I don't really fancy taping up my M2, plus those cameras don't have viewfinders and so fit Baldessari's bill.

 

[ferider]

Well, a Bessa L doesn't cost too much, and has a meter too. Cann't hurt trying. Keep us posted.

 

[Godfrey]

This works for me with 21-40mm lenses, I get best results with 28 or 35mm. 50mm is a bit too long to focus or target consistently.

G

I have been thinking about John Baldessari's comment:

"Probably one of the worst things to happen to photography is that cameras have viewfinders."

So, I thought that it might be interesting to try and shoot a series with a Leica MDA or Bessa L with a 50mm without framing at all. I have 'shot from the hip' before but always with a 28mm.
The subject would just be whatever and whoever I come into contact with; day to day things.

Does anyone have any experience of this?
Would shooting this on film be a total waste of time and materials?

It is safe to say that I don't like 'conventional' or 'pretty' photography and I am fully up for the project to 'fail'.

I am interested in people's thoughts on this....
Cheers.

 

[sig]

Why is it bad with viewfinders? Or what is the benefit of not using one? More randomness?

 

[twhittle]

Why is it bad with viewfinders? Or what is the benefit of not using one? More randomness?

I think Baldessari enjoyed the "bad" photograph. Images which are unconventional and 'ugly', I suppose an idea which has been addressed since the '70s when he stated it.
One of the most famous photographers to shoot from the hip (and therefore, forego the viewfinder) is Moriyama, I am thinking of that image of the boy looking cross eyed...etc

Baldessari, I am interpreting here, thought the viewfinder made the user frame, compose and decide too much about the image. Perhaps he thought that cameras without viewfinders are more freeing...

 

[DougFord]

The longest focal length that I'll use the no viewfinder technique with is the 35. And that's only after using the focal length exclusively for a long time to familiarize myself with the FOV. With the 50 I hit nothing I'm looking at.
Let us know if it worked for you, post some of the results.

 

[ampguy]

It can work, I can't imagine doing that with film though.

First day of spring this year, I took my EPL1 out with 40mm, set to 5.6, infinity and just snapped with AE and auto iso. Got a couple of OK images, here is one:

 

[BLKRCAT]

but composing is fun

 

[Roger Hicks]

If you don't really care what you're shooting, "viewfinder-less" is great.

Cheers,

R.

 

[shadowfox]

Oh my,
I'd rather use an LCD than no viewfinder at all.

Besides, hips can't see. So it's okay to leave the viewfinder where it is.

 

[ZeissFan]

That's one of the stupidest statements that I've heard today.

 

[--s]

nice idea, that! a bit like car riding without looking: the results might be ugly, but surprising 😀....
cheers,
smp

 

[FrozenInTime]

With a modest wide angle and a bit of practice it's been known to work

 

[MIkhail]

Even more interesting and challenging would be to set camera on timer and throw in the air. Just be careful to catch it after it fires.

 

[Spavinaw]

Let me come at this from a different angle--probably not at all what Baldessari had in mind. What cameras to this day do not have viewfinders? View cameras. When you take the time to set up, make all the necessary adjustments and settings, and compose carefully on the ground glass, you are probably going to get a better picture on average. Of course, with care you can do the same using a viewfinder, but so often I just don't take the time. If you do--good for you!