through the looking glass (or viewfinder, as the case may be)

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!

Comments

[Carole]

And totally cool, too!

[maryse]

thanks for this post and the links. there's a duaflex being shipped to me right now.

[Jeanne B.]

I love the artsy feel that the photos get from the way the viewfinder frames them. Neat!

[Cyndilou]

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. :)

[Cyndilou]

Doh - make the second one a different brand. The Duaflex is the Kodak. *blush*

[Meagan]

wowwww that is so cool! i'm totally trying this

[mai]

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.

[k]

Oh that is so cool. I might have to hitch a ride on that bandwagon shortly.

[Clestial]

Loving the house shot.

[Heather]

So fab Caro! I have an old timey black and white polaroid that take similarly fun, nostalgic pics.

[mikomiao]

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...

[Jody]

Wow - you just sparked something in me that makes me want one too! I love the old dusty lens too - so much character!

[margaux]

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!!!

[pang]

thank you! now i must go on a quest to find an old camera!

[pang]

ps - your pictures look great!

[diana]

Love the TTV! Let' go for another walk soon.

[Miss T]

Ohh that's a gorgeous camera!

[Peacock Chic]

oh cool!! I have got to try that!! I have one of those cameras just waiting for me to try.

[Kansas A]

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!

[Stacey]

damnit! had to have one the minute I read this post. scored one from ebay for $6.99. This looks like so much fun.