Using a loupe on an SLR

I have been considering the Dw-4 finder for the F-3 since it would

provide a 6x magnification for macro photography, making it easier to

focus.

 

Being an expensive accessory it's hard to justify the expense of it.

 

I've been thinking about using a cheap higher magnification loupe

(22x for instance) for checking the focus directly over the camera's

screen. Should this procedure work?

 

It's like it is done with large format cameras, isn't it?

 

I understand I won't have the view of the whole frame, but I would

just check the focus and easily could take the loupe out for checking

the composition.

 

This won't be as confortable to do as with a dedicated finder, but it

won't be nearly as expensive either.

 

Peak even make a loupe with a rubber cup that should avoid any damage

to the screen.

 

What about this idea?

About a year ago a person mentioned using a Peak (rectangular) loupe mated to the focussing screen. It apparently worked very well. As you are doing everything manually, (exposure, focus) I can't imagine any real problem. Just tape over any places that may leak light onto the screen, for best visibility. I would guess that someone will remember this article and the actual model of loupe used. I have used small magnifiers to view ground glass images, and while they worked they were more cumbersome than this method.

You might want to try a lower magnifcation like a 4x or 5x. Some focusing screens use a fresnel (sp?) lens behind the focusing screen (or ground glass in a view camera) to make the image brighter, which when looked at with a high magnifcation loupe, you just see the fresnel, not the image. Your idea should work fine though, that's how I check critical focus when shooting stationary things in medium format. Also if you have trouble finding a loupe that you can fit onto the focusing screen, try turning it around and just move it up and down to get focus, that's how I check focus on polaroid negs so I don't get gunk on my loupe. Something to put over your head and the camera to keep out stray light will make the image much easier to see and focus.

 

Peter

Marcos;

 

If you use a loupe or any other magnifying type device that you attach to the camera's screen be carefully when not actively looking thru it. If direct sunlight hits it, the effect could damage (melt) your screen in a Very short time!

 

John

Very interesting considerations.

 

But tell me John, is this really that bad? I wouldn't imagine sun light could melt a screen. Good to know.

 

About the fresnel on the screen, I was also thinking of using one of those Nikon D (red dot?) screen that are clear. This should do it, right?

Marcos;

No, sunlight will not damage a screen on it's own, but a loupe or other magnifying glass would focus the light (think of a child using a magnifying glass on an ant). You just need to make sure that either there is a cover over the eyepiece (velcro?) or don't leave it on the screen when not using.

John

Ah, I am much more relaxed now John. Thanks to you and the users for the support.

 

As Alex pointed, it would be interesting to tape it all over to ensure that no light comes from the other side of the screen.

 

But tell me about the fresnel. Using this method with the default K screen would be useless then, right? What screen would you recommend in this situation?

 

Cheers.

Marcio:<p>I do have the DW-4, and it IS a 6x loupe placed on the screen. I don't think you can do it with a regular loupe, as the camera body will prevent direct contact with the screen. The DW-4 also has a lid to cover the eyepiece when your eye is away from the finder. The DW-4 allows you to see the entire screen as well as the meter readout. You can focus it to accomodate your eyesight. If you are serious about macro and micro photography, you should seriously consider at least a used DW-4.

Used Dw-4 are very rare to find and still expensive. I made a little experiment with an ordinary loupe and it works fine. Probably not as good as the Dw-4, but I wouldn't have the money anyway.

 

Cheers.