View Catcher

[nldunne]

Following are a couple of examples of how I block out the surroundings with the V C. My main image is at 3 X 2 RATIO.

My circle is LOOKING THROUGH the PEEP HOLE and how I use it - LIKE a TROMBONE SLIDER - in and out - to TARGET my SUBJECT LOCATION

This gives my 2 images in one tool - narrow part and full composition - at the same time. Best little tool I have found - 3 1/2 inches - outer frame, up to 3 inch SQUARE opening in the COPOSITION VIEWING PART. WWW.COLORWHEEL.COM should have some info on this tool.

[miketoll]

I looked on that website out of curiosity but could see no reference to your View Catcher.
I guess it is basically a little plastic framing device to help you visualize the shot without putting the camera to your eye. Tried something similar decades ago by carrying an empty slide frame but have found over the years I can look at a scene and pretty well imagine how things could be framed without the aid, the other downside is that it cannot allow for different focal lengths.
Still, if you find it helpful then that is great and thanks for sharing.

[nldunne]

My thanks for the vlisit Mike.

As for the different focal lengths of lenses - when you move your arm in and out (like the Trombone Slide) you put in more or less of your subject. Both the main opening and PEEP HOLE work this way. Doing this reminds me of uisng wide angle to tele lens. Doing this is much easier than using the weight of a a long lens - especially - to frame a scene first. Mysefl, I CANNOT EYEBALL my FINAL COMPOSITION without it. One thing I like here - I am able to work -for as long as I want without a cam - if I just want to STLUDY ONLY how to PORTRAY A SUBJECT without thinking of a cam.

Along with that, I am able to use the small PEEP HOLE to ISOLATE SMALLER AREAS of a SUBJECT to STUDY LIGHT VALUES which help in JUDGING EXPOSURES. Since I started using this PEEP HOLE, I found thlis most helpful - especially if I - need or do not need - to assess - whether to add or reduce light in small parts of a subject. A V. C. PEEP HOLE is a real help for this - unless a person walks up to a subject with a MAGNIFYING GLASS.

The 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 viewcatcher is constructed of durable plastic to hold up to the elements and provide years of use. Pulling out the slider gives you a 3 inch SQUARE opening. V C'S SLIDER DOES NOT PULL RIGHT OUT of the FRAME. It is colored a #5 gray to help judge value and has a small sight opening in the center that enables artists to see "true" color. It can be held at different distances and the adjustable opening can be oriented horizontally or vertically to help find just the right composition.

Even on the P C SCREEN - I am able to use these ildeas for the same pruposes in making my final decision in my COMPOSITION.

Here is a link - showing one side of the package for it - http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discou...ew-catcher.htm

[miketoll]

Well I can certainly see the use of it and it has many plus points, especially deciding if it is worthwhile getting the camera out and saving batteries if the camera has to be turned on because it does not have a viewfinder but only a viewing screen.
The new link works by the way. I have never seen it advertised in the UK so will have a bit of a Google.

[nldunne]

Good luck on your search. Mine I purchased at a major art store locally and then recently got one for Anne. As for the PEEP HOLE, I made PEEP HOLE in a WHITE, BLACK CARDS used in CRAFT CLASS and an old KODAK GREY CARD - I can now check various TONES and VALUES with those as well. These have worked well for the purpose intended as well.

[davet47]

Mike-Amazon(UK) stock them.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/View-Catcher...5473615&sr=8-1

Dave

[miketoll]

Thanks Dave, but I found a UK site selling them for £3.75 not £13.03! Amazon are not always the cheapest!

[nldunne]

Mike/Dave

Over the last few minutes, I have taken the V C - SET IT TO 2x3 RATIO - and worked with it over PAINTING REPRODUCTIONS in my books. With care, I found the V C helpful to SEE whether I would go with the image as it stands in the book or if I would CROP or make 2 iIMAGES or so out ONE WHOLE. My PEEP HOLE works well in this exercise as well to PIN POINT a TARGET WITHIN the SCENE.

One good thing here as well, with my BOOK on PERSPECTIVE, and with the V C, I am able to ISOLATE DIAGRAMS with the VANISHING POINT LINES WITH IT. STUDYING DIAGRAMS this way TRAINS my EYE to TRY to VISUALIZE THOSE V P LINES when I USE THE V C ON LOCATION.

[nldunne]

Here is another Link for the VIEW CATCHER
http://www.colorwheelco.com/viewcatcher/features.shtml
http://www.canvaspanels.com/Viewer/One%20Page%20VC%20Instruction%20Document.pdf

[nldunne]

Here is another use of the View Catcher. My V C'S PEEP HOLE is VERY GOOD for SIGHTING on SMALL AREAS WHEN USING A REFLECTOR. My EXAMPLE is INSIDE with the WHITE CARD REFLECTOR. Using the PEEP HOLE with the REFLECTOR, I am MUCH BETTER ABLE to TELL - WHERE and HOW MUCH LIGHT my SUBJECT RECEIVES.