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larrybobba · 05-02-2015, 02:30 PM

When I set the Stills/Movie switch to Movie on my K-3, the viewfinder automatically goes blank and the camera converts to Live View on the monitor.

Can I over ride this?

In other words, is there a way keep the the viewfinder active while shooting movies on my K-3?

Thanks for any advice.

OJGoreng · 05-02-2015, 02:42 PM - **1 Like**

No; in order for you to see anything through the optical viewfinder, the mirror needs to be down to reflect the incoming light to your eye. If you want to record anything, the mirror needs to be up, otherwise it blocks the light from reaching the sensor. This is inherent to a DSLR.

crewl1 · 05-02-2015, 02:44 PM - **1 Like**

No the viewfinder uses the mirror to reflect the image to itself.
Video requires that the sensor be exposed so the mirror needs to be moved out of the way.

If you want to put your eye up to the camera you can get an lcd loupe like those from Hoodmanusa.com.

Steve.Ledger · 05-02-2015, 03:33 PM - **1 Like**

Maybe trade-in your K-3 for a GH4. It has an EVF which allows for this (and you'll get superior video).

But as the others have said, no - the K-3 is a DSLR, which means it is a reflex camera, and this means the mirror flips out of the way in order for light to fall on the sensor (or film for SLRs) which blocks the OVF light path (and also stops stray light entering the recording via the OVF optics and prism)

larrybobba · 05-03-2015, 06:36 AM

Thanks to each of you for your explanations. I appreciate your sharing.

Now I know. :-)

05-02-2015, 02:30 PM	#1
larrybobba New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 13	Movies on K-3; can I use the viewfinder? When I set the Stills/Movie switch to Movie on my K-3, the viewfinder automatically goes blank and the camera converts to Live View on the monitor. Can I over ride this? In other words, is there a way keep the the viewfinder active while shooting movies on my K-3? Thanks for any advice.

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05-02-2015, 02:42 PM - 1 Like	#2
OJGoreng Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Amsterdam Photos: Gallery Posts: 188	No; in order for you to see anything through the optical viewfinder, the mirror needs to be down to reflect the incoming light to your eye. If you want to record anything, the mirror needs to be up, otherwise it blocks the light from reaching the sensor. This is inherent to a DSLR.

05-02-2015, 02:44 PM - 1 Like	#3
crewl1 Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,797	No the viewfinder uses the mirror to reflect the image to itself. Video requires that the sensor be exposed so the mirror needs to be moved out of the way. If you want to put your eye up to the camera you can get an lcd loupe like those from Hoodmanusa.com.

05-02-2015, 03:33 PM - 1 Like	#4
Steve.Ledger Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,294	Maybe trade-in your K-3 for a GH4. It has an EVF which allows for this (and you'll get superior video). But as the others have said, no - the K-3 is a DSLR, which means it is a reflex camera, and this means the mirror flips out of the way in order for light to fall on the sensor (or film for SLRs) which blocks the OVF light path (and also stops stray light entering the recording via the OVF optics and prism)

05-03-2015, 06:36 AM	#5
larrybobba New Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 13 Original Poster	Thanks to each of you for your explanations. I appreciate your sharing. Now I know. :-)

Movies on K-3; can I use the viewfinder?

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