Creation of A TtV Light-blocker-outer.... by Debbie Black

…. this was an adventure!

It started with a few basic items, most likely found in any artist’s creative space:

Mount-board

Craft knife

Duct Tape

Spongy foam

(thanks to google images for the above! the rest of the images are mine…)

So, what’s the idea of a TtV Light-blocker-outer? Aside from the obvious – It’s used in TtV, and blocks light? well, thats about it really…..

To ahieve the Through the Viewfinder effect, you first need a TLR camera, like an Argus 75 or a Kodak Duaflex (this is my tool of choice thanks to a particularly bargainous eBay auction!). But it doesn’t matter if it actually works – so long as you can see through the viewfinder.

Next you need your main camera – usually a digital SLR but I’m sure it’s achievable with others! For this, I have a Canon EOS 450D with 50mm fixed lens.

Basically, what you aim to do, is set the old camera (Kodak) up with your shot visible in the viewfinder, then take the image using your regular camera. This creates problems though… excess light between the two can creat reflections and glare in places you just don’t want em. So, what’s needed is a solution.

And here it is!
The finished contraption:

Consisting of 1.33 pieces of A3 mountboard, duct taped to a square shape, fitting neatly around the Kodak with slits cut to accommodate the various screws and buttons on the side.
Now, that deals with the main body of light between the two cameras, but what about the little stray rays slipping in from around the ROUND shaped lens, and the SQUARE shaped Kodak? FOAM!!!

Top (where the SLR fits in):

I used a strip of foam here, glued to a circular shape just the size of the 50mm lens I planned to use. Snug but not too snug. A small square of mountboard taped over this with a slightly larger circle cut out ensures complete blackout from this end!

Bottom (where the Kodak goes):

Now, the bottom of my light-blocker-outer (perhaps I should copyright that particular phrase….) comes lower than my foamy blackout strips. I glued 4 strips in place just where the top of the kodak sits, ensuring all glass parts of the camera are completely free from foamy obstructions.

And with the kodak in place:

This is what my contraption looks like, ready for use. I really must stress, this is only MY version, I’m entirely sure other more experienced TtV-ers will have much more sophisticated light-blocker-outers© to display!

Finally – what have I produced after my morning spent building this innovative, UNIQUE contraption?

A long and winding (perhaps even disinteresting?) story, but well worth the effort in my opinion!