Its frustrating spending the better half of fifteen minutes setting up the camera, only to have to spend more time changing lenses and bellows, or moving the camera position when you ultimately look through the groundglass…
This was the reality up until recently when I decided to buy this guy:
http://www.amazon....=1302016273&sr=8-1 I had looked at directors viewfinders previously in the past, but could never justify the expense of a full-fledged DVF (the real ones can cost well into the thousands). I saw the cheap Opteka Micro Professional Director's Viewfinder on amazon and decided to pull the trigger.
Honestly, I was expecting it to be a bit bigger, so I was a little surprised when I opened up the box and was greeted with this:
Inside the box was the DVF in a small pouch, warrantee (1 year) information, and a small cleaning cloth.
On the actual device are engravings for various film and video formats. Super 16, 35mm, and Anamorphic are listed on one side of the barrel, with video sizes on the opposite.
The device extends to the listed focal lengths for each format, and stops at each with a resounding and affirming click. When it is extended to its maximum it is about 3.25 inches long. Around the lens bezel are click stops for varying aspect ratios (ranging from TV to 2.55). The lens cap is removed by unscrewing it.
On the back of the device is the eyepiece which has a removable rubber eyecup. Diopter adjustments can be made easily by turning the eyepiece.
Looking through the viewfinder reminds me of operating an old 16mm motion picture camera. Its devoid of any sort of markings or indicators; just a simple black mask. It is bright and clear (excuse the poor sharpness, its not representative). Sharpness is just fine for what the device is used for…
Final Thoughts
I think the device is worth picking up if you feel like you would use it. It certainly is very useful in large format photography, where moving the camera is cumbersome and time consuming. I haven't really had the chance to fully put it through its paces and decide if it was money well spent. However, after figuring out which formats translated to large format (TV aspect ratio, 10mm in S16 roughly equal to my 90mm, 20mm roughly equal to 210mm), it has already proved to be a time-saving device in framing compositions.
One particular part of the device that I find the most appealing is its construction. In an age of plastic and composites its nice to come across new things that are constructed well. The device is made entirely out of machined aluminum that is hard anodized in black with a matte finish. Indicators, letters and numbers are actually engraved into the metal. The moving parts of the device all slide well and stop with affirming clicks. It seems to be constructed exceptionally well.
Bottom Line
I would suggest purchasing this device, or one like it if you want to speed up your setup-to-exposure time. If you have trouble visualizing compositions, I would also suggest such a device. Though one thing to note is that at its widest it is roughly equivalent to a 90mm in 4x5. Those who use lenses wider should consider this when shopping for a DVF. All things considered, I'm satisfied with my purchase am looking forward to using it in the field.
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