Myth busting

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Charles Twist
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Myth busting

Post by Charles Twist » Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:07 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I have yet again been approached by a lay member of the public who was adamant that the picture should be taken while under the dark cloth. Clearly pointless with any ground glass + dark slide approach. But the myth is so commonly held that I am now wondering where it started. Is there a camera out there that would be fired from under the dark cloth? Was there a pre-war, mirror-based camera with a very dark viewing glass? Or did the myth start with graphic designers concatenating the viewing and taking processes in to one simple logo?
Thanks,
Charles

dave_whatever
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Re: Myth busting

Post by dave_whatever » Fri Nov 30, 2012 7:22 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

It must just be a misconception permenantly engrained in popular culture.

Unless of course you're packing a twin sinar setup....

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Peter B
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Re: Myth busting

Post by Peter B » Sat Dec 01, 2012 12:27 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Ah Charles, it was when things got modern and you didn't have to stand out front with the flash powder and take off the lens cap to expose the sheet. :) Bizarrely enough, you now have me wondering if it is linked with digi compacts where you have to look at the rear screen while you take the shot? :shock:

George Hart
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Re: Myth busting

Post by George Hart » Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:03 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Charles, I suspect that people may remember school photographs etc. when LF cameras were the norm. The photographer would keep the dark cloth over the camera while he fired the shutter. I think I read that ?Ansel advised this to avoid light leaks when removing and inserting the dark slide. Leaky darkslides would be a possible explanation.

George

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Re: Myth busting

Post by Andrew Plume » Sat Dec 01, 2012 10:12 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

a pure myth, imo

it simply looks good to see that line taken, nothing other as far as I can see

.........but simply place the darkcloth over the raised part of the DDS and remove and replace the lens cap (and no need for a shutter etc etc)

andrew

Charles Twist
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Re: Myth busting

Post by Charles Twist » Wed Dec 05, 2012 9:08 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Thanks for settling my nerves.
With the sun as low as it is at this latitude, it's hardly a worry. Move 1,000 miles south though...
Charles

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