Seeing what the camera is 'seeing'

[P3D Jamie Drouin <jdrouin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

George wrote:

>The problem then is that you are not sure what the camera "is seeing".  Any
>solutions for this?

      Although I have not tried these myself, here are two 'solutions':

1.Build a wire sports-finder, similar to the one on old press cameras.  It
is possible to extend this finder far enough away from the camera to hold
it above your head and still frame the subject rather well.  Once you have
measured the proper size of frame to use, the left and right edge will
remain constant if you extend the frame away from the camera like so:

               __________________
               I                I
               I   ***     ***  I
               I   ***     ***  I
               I________________I
                        I
                        I
                        I
                        I
                        I
                        I
                        I
                    ____I____
                    I       I
                    I       I
                    I       I
                    I_______I

         The only thing to worry about is the paralax on the top and
bottom, but I'm sure even this could be overcome with a bit of testing.  Of
course, this set-up will not help if you have a solid object (like a wall)
infront of you, but perhaps the next solution will help that...

2. I recall seeing old photographs of photographers using something like
the 'spy scope' attached to their camera to allow them to hold the camera
above their heads.  I know that I've seen lightweight, cardboard,
collapsable spy scopes at places like science stores which could be
modified to show a framed area to match your camera.  Adding a hotshoe
mount would also allow you to just clip this device onto the camera
whenever you need it.  Hey, you could even put a tiny level INSIDE the
scope!

                                                 :-)jamie.

Jamie Drouin (jdrouin@xxxxxxxxxxxxx)
______________..___________________
    Photographer & collector of
     Stereophotographic items
______________..___________________
 http://www.islandnet.com/~jdrouin



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