Dude, it's so crazy that you posted this video today as I just learned about this today before seeing this video. I'm not sure if you're familiar with Rick Oleson's Bright Screen's, but he makes replacement focusing screens for TLR's and SLR's. I replaced the focusing screen in my Mamiya RB67, and in the directions, he mentions the exact tip you said of not stuffing your face into the magnifying glass, and having more distance between your eye and the magnifying glass makes it appear larger and easier to focus. Also, the screen I bought has a micro prism in the center, similar to what my Canon AE-1 and other 35mm SLR's have, and it helps nail focus even more easily. Not sure if you've looked into this for your Yashica, but might be worth it for you or anyone else looking to focus faster on their medium format camera!
Haha always the way. I have heard about those screens, they seem like a nice upgrade. Glad to hear it's working nicely cheers for sharing, happy shooting ✌
Agreed, discovering I could focus at waist-level with the magnifying glass was a welcome revelation. The other general tip: if you’re new to your TLR, cleaning the mirror can make a huge difference. My viewfinder was crazy dim, and when I opened it up the mirror looked fine, but as soon as I started cleaning it I saw the grime and it brightened the view dramatically.
It really does help with nailing focus doesn't it. Yeah I have actually thought about cleaning the ground glass etc but I am a little afraid of breaking something when taking it apart lol
Hi, I am enjoying your content. For a real bit of fun dive down " circle of confusion ", once a photog gets that everything becomes more clear. (OK, pun intended) So, the real reason I'm typing this is to suggest that you get a plumb bob, or at least something that you can carry in your pocket that works like one. Focus the camera at whatever height is comfortable and notice where the 'bob' is on the ground and as long as the camera is not refocused and the subject doesn't move you should be good to go whichever way vertically. Of course this doesn't work on subjects that are really close but hey, tripods work as you've demonstrated.
That's a solid idea for a video actually cheers for the suggestion. I will maybe do that at some point soon. It can be a little tricky especially handheld but you will get used to it after a few photo sessions.
@baljeet650 I second that. Finally got a Yashica myself and felt kind of silly trying to get what I wanted in the frame and making sure it was level. I’m on my first roll so trying not to be hard on myself knowing it takes practice but any tips would be appreciated. This was definitely helpful for focusing though. 😅