Apparatus and method for adapting a 35mm SLR still camera to a 35mm motion picture viewfinder

This invention relates generally to the field of 35 mm motion picture photography, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for adapting a 35 mm single lens reflex (SLR) still camera to function as a 35 mm motion picture viewfinder able to record images, which include 35 mm motion picture format markings. The invention enables users to adapt 35 mm SLR still cameras to function as 35 mm motion picture viewfinders and adapt 35 mm SLR still cameras to create photographs which correspond to what they see through its viewing system. By substituting an accurately marked focusing screen for the original and placing an identically marked insert within the camera we can accomplish both of these goals. The insert interrupts the image forming light path close enough to the film plane to precisely transfer its markings to the image exposed there. As the images are all formed in the same size as in 35 mm motion picture photography the optical characteristics they present are identical to those of 35 mm motion picture photography.