Through the Viewfinder - Giving an old camera a new lease on life
By Madelyn Herring
30 July 2007
While surfing the net one day last December, I came upon a photo that would change the way I viewed not only photography, but the way I saw the world.
The photo was of a flower.
It wasn't the flower in the photo that got my attention, it was the black vintage-esq border around it. I had to know more. When I discovered all that was needed was an old unwanted twin lens camera, well, I knew I was in. I had an old Ricoh tlr that cost me probably $10, but I couldn't get the crisp edges that I longed for. Then I found the duaflex. When I realized how easy it was going to be, well, I was totally hooked.
To do "through the viewfinder" (ttv) you only need a few things:
Camera
old twin lens camera
cardboard
electrical tape
Camera – digital or film – it doesn't have to be anything fancy. A dslr, 35mm, or if your point and shoot camera has a manual setting, that will work too. I personally use a dslr with a 55mm lens that has a +3 closeup filter. I use the filter to ensure I fill as much of the frame as possible while still maintaining focus.
The next thing you will need is an old discarded twin lens camera – any type will do - a duaflex, brownie starflex, yashica. I have even used a Richoflex with interesting results. When looking at used twin lens cameras search for something that has a nice big viewfinder, feel free to experiment, but I think in this case, bigger is better.
Things things to watch out for are scratches, rust spots and fungus, you don't want to find any on the viewfinder lens or on the mirror.
Dirt and dust, that is another storey - I like my viewfinder dirty, it really adds something to the photos I think.
In order to achieve the crisp black border you need to block out unwanted reflections and light, so a 'contraption' is required. To make your contraption, you will need some cardboard and electrical tape. I used a stiff cardboard box and a red tube that an ornamental Christmas tree came in. The tube made the end of the contraption round - like my lens - which helps in blocking more light.
How to:
Finished height: approx 10.5"
- Using one piece of cardboard (approx 13.5" x 10.5") measure and mark out 1/4" wider than the width of each side of the camera.
- Score along the lines (not cutting all the way through makes it easier to assemble)
- Cut a hole in the front panel for the viewfinder lens.
- Cut out a section of the left panel to allow for the film advance knob and the sutter release button.
- To assemble, fold the scored cardboard around your twin lens camera.
- Using electrical tape (in my case - hockey tape) tape it up, leave the lenses at the front exposed (naturally)
You are now ready for action. If you're heading out where people might be, you should be prepared for stares and questions. I've found that people like to touch the twin lens camera to see how it works. They tend to think I'm using the twin lens for film and when I tell them I'm not, they are very interested to learn more.
When I'm done shooting, I crop the images into squares and make other adjustments (brightness/contrast etc)
In just a few simple steps you can give an old $5 twin lens a new life as a "Through the viewfinder" camera.
More How To Stories
Thanks for letting us know!
Thanks for voicing your concerns. Rest assured, we take it seriously. We'll look into it and take any appropriate action.
