steven_dial

Chin,

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I use the Toyo binocular viewer on a Toyo VX125. I love it, but

having said that, there are a few things to take into consideration.

The viewer is light weight, but it is very bulky. It takes up a lot

of room in my pack.

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Another thing to consider is that because you look down into the

viewer, you have to lower the height of your tripod which changes

your perspective - for distant landscapes this probably isn't a big

consideration though. The alternative would be to stand on something

like a case so that you could position your tripod higher.

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The viewer also altered the weight distribution of my camera over the

tripod head since it sticks out at the back. This was a little too

much for my old tripod head so I upgraded to a sturdier head and this

added some more weight to carry.

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I've read that a lot of people modify the folding Horseman binocular

viewer for Toyos. The fact that it folds up is very appealing, but I

couldn't find a lot of information on the Horseman viewer and the

pictures I saw of it showed a large spring thing which looked kind of

clunky to me and I wasn't sure how that would work on a Toyo.

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Steven

Check out Quality Camera in Atlanta.

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www.qualitycamera.com

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They only have a minimal web site, but it has a phone number and

email address.

In the magazine article he refers to it as the Domke camera satchel.

I just happened to have a Domke catalog so I looked it up. Sure

enough they have a bag called a "Camera Satchel" - model F-803.

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Main compartment - 13" long 4" wide and 9" deep. Weighs 1 pound 15

ounces.

After waiting several months for my binocular viewer to be back

ordered from Japan, it finally arrived yesterday. I took it out for a

trial run today.

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Positives - After struggling with a dark cloth, this thing is

wonderful. I find it much easier to compose with the image right side

up. I can get my head with my glasses on inside the viewing flange

and its very easy to manipulate the camera's movements while looking

through the viewer. It can be easily swung out of the way to verify

focus with a loupe. It is light weight - I expected it to be heavy.

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Negatives-(for others possibly considering purchasing one)It is bulky

and extends about 5 to 6 inches beyond the back of the camera -

You'll have to find some extra room in your case or pack. In strong

sunlight, some light leaks in around the hinge area and around the

latch. The viewing flange is fairly wide and even though I have a

large head, some light does get in around the sides of my head. In my

estimation though, these are minor problems and do not take away from

the positive experience of using the viewer.

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The bottom line is that I think its great and I wish I had gotten one

sooner. If you are a view camera purist, it may not be the thing for

you, but if you have a Toyo and have struggled with using a dark

cloth while trying to wear reading glasses, it may be the answer

you're looking for.

Paul, you may be remembering a response to my question about the Toyo

binocular reflex viewer. Check out the archived topics under

Accessories. The topic was Toyo 4x5 Binocular Reflex Viewer. The

respondent suggested holding a mirror at a 45 degree angle from the

ground glass. I haven't tried it to see if it would work though. My

interest in the binocular reflex viewer was a result of failing

eyesight more than a desire to see the image upright. I haven't

purchased the viewer yet, but I am planning on purchasing it soon.

Bill, thanks for the additional input - just read your posting. I'm

still contemplating my options while I let my wallet take a

breather. I'm leaning toward trying out the Toyo binocular viewer.

Your suggestion of purchasing it from some place with easy returns is

a good one. A local camera store just recently had a MAC sales rep

in house during a special sale, but unfortunately didn't have a bino

viewer on hand. The focusing cloth from Darkroom Innovations sounds

like a good idea too. I may get one even if I get the bino viewer so

I'll have an option of how much equipment to carry. Again, thanks

for the input. I'll post again after I make a purchase to update

everyone with my experience.

Thanks for all of the responses so far. Thanks especially to Manuel

Johnson for your Toyo specific comments and to Danny Burk for your

comments on your reflex viewer experience. I also appreciate the

suggestion by Pete Andrews, but part of the reason that I'm exploring

reflex viewers is that since I'm getting a little older, I am forced

to wear glasses for reading and close up work. I started off with a

focusing cloth, but juggling it, the glasses and a loupe has been

very frustrating and is very distracting when trying to compose an

image. I thought some sort of viewer would be the best answer. I

also considered the monocular viewer, but I would probably have to

take my glasses off to put my eye up to it and I'm not sure how well

that would work for me. Thanks again to everyone.

I have just purchased a Toyo VX125 camera and am considering purchasing the reflex viewer. Although I don't plan any extensive hiking, I am still concerned about the weight of the viewer, especially since the camera is fairly light itself and the quick release isn't rated for very much weight. Does anyone know what the viewer weighs? What experiences do users have with the viewer? Does the convenience of using it make up for its size and weight and cost?

Would appreciate any responses.