Jump to content

Can you identify this viewfinder accessory from the 1920s?


Recommended Posts

I'm not sure in which forum this question belongs, but this one will do I think. Have a look at this photo posted by The ASC on Twitter:

 

Look at the device placed behind the viewfinder. It looks like it could be an optical viewing screen. What do you think it could be?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Member

I would think it is a sun shade that is mounted upside down on the viewer, just to keep it handy while not in use.

That's funny, because I timed the reconstruction of this film a few years back;

https://willmckinley.wordpress.com/2015/11/16/girl-reconstructed-clara-bow-in-get-your-man-1927/

We had to bridge gaps with stills and titles, but it was all we had. 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks, Frank. Amazing how some films just disappeared forever. I know we can't and shouldn't keep literally everything, but... you don't always know what you should and shouldn't preserve until much later. And Hollywood wasn't concerned with that philosophy back then, I don't think.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Premium Member

Karim,

It is really strange how some motion picture elements can lead a charmed life while others can barely seem to make to the cinema before vanishing from the face of the Earth.  "Purposeful" destruction, fires, floods, poor storage and neglect are among the most prevalent reasons, but it varies wildly on a title by title basis.

Hollywood, as a general term, is a business and it thinks in business-like terms even today. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...