Viewfinder Envy
For the last month I’ve been exclusively using film cameras, both rangefinder and SLR’s. Two days ago I took out my digital SLR to take some birthday pics and was shocked when I put my eye to the viewfinder. I had honestly forgotten how small that thing is and how poor the magnification was. Compared to a film SLR these digital viewfinders are an outright joke. It’s a given some models will have bigger viewfinders and mine is but an entry level Canon 400D but even so, they will never be a match for the gorgeously clear, large and bright finders of old film SLR’s.
The second thing I noticed was the focus screen on these old film cameras is no less than 24.325 times better. Not only did they come with a variety of focus screens but they were also much easier to focus. The combination of large viewfinder and wonderful user friendly focus screens makes me feel pitty for all photographers who have only ever known digital. I suppose they are better off for not knowing what they are missing out on.