Mercury Viewfinders Now Available

Here’s something we’ve been working on since the beginning, now updated, improved, and ready to be released into the wild: Mercury viewfinders.

The Mercury viewfinder contains no optics—it is a simple framing device. However, it is typically faster and easier to use than a sportfinder, as two different squares do not need to be aligned: you simply need to keep the images centered in your vision. The viewfinder is enclosed, so it blocks out all light and frames your subject more clearly.

Unlike the Mercury sportfinder, the Mercury viewfinder includes a front “cap” that allows you to insert masks. Masks made from black cardstock can be easily cut to any aspect ratio and format you wish; this makes the viewfinder extremely versatile. Viewfinder caps are black by default, but can be made in any standard Mercury highlight color, to match your other camera highlights.

Each viewfinder includes a removable rubber eye cup for comfort. Because the eye cup properly spaces your eye, it is required. However, you can replace the included one with certain other eye cups that conform to the “Nikon 22mm square” format. This includes the Hoodman H-RAV right angle viewfinder attachment, which comes with a range of adapters for different cameras. One is Nikon 22mm Square. Though the Hoodman adapter’s metal prongs need to be bent out slightly, it can then take the place of your eye cup and allow you to view your subject from nearly any angle!

Mercury Viewfinder No. 2 with optional Hoodman H-RAV attachment

Because Mercury viewfinders are non-optical, they aren’t practical for wide angle lenses. They are only sized up to a normal field of view. Their field of view numbers correspond to Mercury sportfinders; for example, a #3 Viewfinder will have roughly the same field of view as a #3 sportfinder. Viewfinders are available in sizes 1, 2, and 3 only.  Use the following chart to cross-reference sportfinder and viewfinder numbers with particular focal lengths and formats.

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