As most folks know, I spend a lot of time trolling around on flickr. I love photography and all the quirky and odd things you can do to manipulate an image. A few years ago I stumbled across the Through the Viewfinder group. I was completely captivated by all the images. Seriously. All of them. It was like there wasn't a bad photographer in the group. I quietly bookmarked a few of the links found therein and filed it all under 'someday.'
A few weeks ago, the ever clever and talented Ms Soto started posting her own TtV (as the cool kids call it) photos. Ever the bandwagon jumper, I quickly followed her lead and snagged myself a old camera to use.
It's a really cheap and easy set up if you're looking to try it out. Kodak used to make the Duaflex series of film cameras where the viewfinder is a bubble-ish dome on the top of the camera. The basic TtV set up is to take a photo of the viewfinder of the Duaflex. The beauty of the whole process is that the Duaflex doesn't even have to be a functioning camera. The dust that comes on the mirror only adds to the mood of the resulting photos. You can pick up and old one on Ebay for anywhere from $2 to $20.

Once you get the Duaflex, you build what's called The Contraption. Basically it's a light blocking tube that you put between your digital camera (the top camera) and the Duaflex (the bottom camera.) You can find a ton of tutorials online on how to build one. The best place to start is the links in the main
TtV flickr group page. I used the cardboard from a
Ginger Ale fridge pack. After that, head outside (you'll need plenty of light) and snap away. A square crop and pinch of post-processing later and you have some funky photos!

Totally fun to try and inexpensive to boot!
And totally cool, too!
Posted by: Carole | April 09, 2009 at 12:31
thanks for this post and the links. there's a duaflex being shipped to me right now.
Posted by: maryse | April 09, 2009 at 12:49
I love the artsy feel that the photos get from the way the viewfinder frames them. Neat!
Posted by: Jeanne B. | April 09, 2009 at 13:59
Yes - I love my Duaflex (and I have a Kodak one, too - can't remember which model) that I inherited from my father. Love, love, LOVE the TtV shots. I just wish the contraption (and camera) weren't so bulky to carry around so I could get more shots when I wasn't deliberately planning a TtV trip. :)
Posted by: Cyndilou | April 09, 2009 at 14:41
Doh - make the second one a different brand. The Duaflex is the Kodak. *blush*
Posted by: Cyndilou | April 09, 2009 at 14:42
wowwww that is so cool! i'm totally trying this
Posted by: Meagan | April 09, 2009 at 14:56
this looks like so much fun! i've been wanting to get one of my own for awhile, too. they're so inexpensive! i'm loving the shots you've taken with yours.
Posted by: mai | April 09, 2009 at 15:36
Oh that is so cool. I might have to hitch a ride on that bandwagon shortly.
Posted by: k | April 09, 2009 at 15:39
Loving the house shot.
Posted by: Clestial | April 09, 2009 at 16:14
So fab Caro! I have an old timey black and white polaroid that take similarly fun, nostalgic pics.
Posted by: Heather | April 09, 2009 at 17:55
what a fabulous idea! I love the middle image. [goes to eBay right now to look for a Duaflex]. actually I even have a Lubitel I might be able to use...
Posted by: mikomiao | April 10, 2009 at 12:02
Wow - you just sparked something in me that makes me want one too! I love the old dusty lens too - so much character!
Posted by: Jody | April 10, 2009 at 14:39
that is SO awesome! I saw that idea on the photojojo newsletter (if you aren't a subscriber, you would LOVE IT!) i really want to try that!
can't wait to get my box bags! YEA!!!
Posted by: margaux | April 10, 2009 at 19:19
thank you! now i must go on a quest to find an old camera!
Posted by: pang | April 10, 2009 at 19:27
ps - your pictures look great!
Posted by: pang | April 10, 2009 at 19:27
Love the TTV! Let' go for another walk soon.
Posted by: diana | April 11, 2009 at 08:33
Ohh that's a gorgeous camera!
Posted by: Miss T | April 11, 2009 at 14:05
oh cool!! I have got to try that!! I have one of those cameras just waiting for me to try.
Posted by: Peacock Chic | April 11, 2009 at 21:03
That is so cool! I've never heard of doing this before but now I'm keeping my eye out for an old camera :) Thanks for posting!
Posted by: Kansas A | April 13, 2009 at 00:06
damnit! had to have one the minute I read this post. scored one from ebay for $6.99. This looks like so much fun.
Posted by: Stacey | April 15, 2009 at 12:11