TtV (Through the Viewfinder) photography gives life to old TLRs

Leonard Goh | Nov 16, 2009

The contraption can be made from everyday materials like cardboard pipes and duct tape. (Credit: Tim Verthein via Shutterbug)

Twin lens reflex (TLR) cameras of olden days are making a comeback among some digital shutterbugs. By combining the aged shooter and a dSLR, photographers have created a new form of photography known as TtV (Through the Viewfinder). This can be quite a hard concept to grasp, but essentially you're pointing the lens of the dSLR at the viewfinder of the TLR and taking a picture of it.

The black frame around the picture is the distinctive feature of TtV photography. (Credit: Tim Verthein via Shutterbug)

The whole contraption looks quite bulky and difficult to hold steady. Also, if you bring this out to shoot along the streets, you're bound to get a couple of weird stares. Nonetheless, the results look quirky and will appeal to some shutterbugs. Check this site on how to make you own TtV device. If you have an old TLR lying around the house, blow off the dust and give this DIY project a go.