lf-photo.org.uk

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

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

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

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?

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

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

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