Optical Viewfinder Adapter for Side-Mounted Cinema Camera Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium format camera optical viewfinders for digital cinema cameras like the Red Komodo require viewing from the rear or top, making them unusable for handheld camera work and restricting operators to uncomfortable positions, especially when using tripods, as they lack the ability to view from multiple positions like traditional motion picture cameras.
Innovation Solution
An adapter apparatus that combines a medium format optical viewfinder with a cinema optical viewfinder, allowing the camera image to be viewed from the side without additional power sources or electronic devices, using a housing with adjustable mount parts to enable viewing from diverse angles, including the side of the camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If medium format camera optical viewfinders are mounted on top of digital cinema cameras, then optical viewfinder solution is achieved, but viewing position is restricted to rear or top only
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter apparatus changes the mounting dimension from vertical (top/rear) to horizontal (side) orientation. By rotating the viewfinder assembly 90 degrees and mounting it on the side of the camera body, the system enables viewing from multiple positions including side viewing, which was not possible with traditional top-mounted viewfinders on digital cinema cameras.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter apparatus acts as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between the digital cinema camera and the optical viewfinder. It includes a housing with mount parts that attach to the camera body and viewfinder components that enable optical viewing, serving as a mediator that combines the functionality of both systems while enabling side mounting.
2Ease of operation
If electronic display monitors or electronic viewfinders are used, then camera image can be viewed, but additional power source and digital configuration are required
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter apparatus replaces electronic viewing systems with an optical viewing system. Instead of using electronic display monitors or electronic viewfinders that require power sources and digital configuration, the system uses pure optical components (viewfinder, eyepiece, and optical path) to display the camera image, eliminating the need for electrical power and digital settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical viewfinder system is self-contained and does not require external power sources or digital configuration. The viewfinder components automatically optically couple with the camera sensor to provide viewing functionality without needing additional power or electronic setup, making the system self-sufficient.
3Reliability
If optical viewfinder is mounted on top of camera, then optical viewing is enabled, but operator must hold camera rig in front of body which is uncomfortable and front heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter apparatus repositions the viewfinder from a vertical mounting (top/rear) to a horizontal mounting (side) configuration. This dimensional change allows the operator to view the image from the side of the camera rather than from the top or rear, enabling more comfortable handheld operation and reducing the front-heavy feel of the camera rig.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables traditional handheld shoulder mount operation and flexible viewing angles, providing comfortable and stable camera operation by allowing the camera image to be viewed from the side, similar to motion picture cameras, without the need for external electronic devices or power sources.
Implementation Method 1
the first optical imaging apparatus is optically coupled to the second optical imaging apparatus through the adapter apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter apparatus, comprising a housing comprising two mount parts, wherein when a first optical imaging apparatus and a second optical imaging apparatus are attached to the housing, an image from the first optical imaging apparatus is visible through the second optical imaging apparatus such that a subject of the first optical imaging apparatus is visible to a viewer in focus and in full through the second optical imaging apparatus. The configuration creates a new apparatus via the combination.