ad for Eastman Focussing Finder in May, 1938
Toronto. The American Cinematographer for May, 1938 carried an ad for the new Eastman Focusing Finder. It was used in the 16mm Ciné-Kodak by swapping out the film magazine. The camera had to be on a tripod or use some other means to fix it firmly in place.
The ‘Focusing Finder’ has a side lever that slides back and forth to change its magnification. An eye piece at one end allows the cameraman to view and set the chosen subject focal plane through the camera lens. This accessory was said to help if the camera was used for extreme close-ups, titling. or where critical focusing was a necessity.
The key point is the need to use a tripod and remove the film magazine in order to insert the accessory and focus the camera lens. Awkward – especially given modern digital technology.
My thanks to good friend George Dunbar for discovering this slice of history and sharing it with us.
