Director's Viewfinder - what's your preference?

Andrew Sachs · December 3, 2004

A friend is interested in buying a director's viewfinder for her director friend; does anyone have advice/recommendations for models, and where to buy?

I personally prefer the ones that have a PL mount for using actual primes on the set; this is obviously not appropriate in this case.

Thanks

Andrew

Leon Rodriguez · December 5, 2004

What's the budget, Andrew? The range in cost is considerable. Is the gift a replacement for a smaller one or the first DVF the director will have? If so which finder is it replacing?

Greg Gross · December 5, 2004

AndrewS,

Are you really going to where this director's piece of equipment around

your neck? I mean you are going to need a heavy duty neck strap of some

type. What if you forget it and leave it at home,will you still be able to shoot?

How many lenses are you going to use anyway? I've been professional pho-

tographer for over 20 years and have learned to visualize in my mind the

approx. framing with a lens. Thats a lot of money that could be useful for

some important items. I never wear my spectra 4a around my neck man,

I always hold it in my hand. I guess thats sort of Michael Chapman style you

know,to hold it in your hand. I see these director types you know with things

around there necks. Hey!, AndrewS just a little humor! Best regards for your

project! Happy Shooting!

Greg Gross Professional Photographer

Student Cinematographer

P.S. Sometimes I wear a contrast filter around my neck.

Andrew Sachs · December 6, 2004

Greg,

thanks for the humor, of course. As I wrote, this is not for me. I prefer to have the assistant carry the VF and a few cases of primes ;-)

Thanks,

Andrew

AndrewS,

Are you really going to where this director's piece of equipment around

your neck?

Andrew Sachs · December 6, 2004

Leon,

thanks for the guidance. as there are a few degrees of separation between me and the intended recipient, I do not know if it is a replacement, but I doubt it.

if cost were no issue, what would you recommend and why?

if you wanted to get the best value for your money, or cost was a concern, what then?

Thanks!

Andrew

Tim Tyler · December 6, 2004

Isco Director's Viewfinder

Features all the desirable aspects one would want in a finder from one window viewing of formats and focal lengths to distortion-free optics.

http://www.studiodepot.com/store/index.cgi...28&aid=timtyler

- - - - - - - -

Canadian company with a few sizes to choose from.

http://cavision.com/Finder/FinderPage.htm

Nate Downes · December 6, 2004

I've always wondered if anyones made one of these that actually uses the camera lens? I own 2 of any particular lens, so it would be simplicity to hook one up to a VF to use for framing. Also would be handy for focusing on my non-reflex cameras.

Leon Rodriguez · December 16, 2004

Hey Andrew,

I use a Birns and Sawyer micro. It's pocket size and gives me all the info I need to size up a frame. Electronic scales on one side for 2/3" and 1" CCD's and 16 mm, 35 mm, and Anamorphic on the other side with all the aspect ratios to choose from. I wouldn't mind having a Mark V but end up defaulting to the decision that my micro works good enough. The following link will give you a lot of good choices in a range of prices. I think your friend is very lucky. What a wonderful gift! Well done.

http://www.birnsandsawyer.com/cgibin/BIRst...r%27s%20Finders

Edited December 16, 2004 by Leon Rodriguez