the.com/viewfinder
the tiny window where you decide what the world doesn't get to keep.
means the eyepiece or screen on a camera that shows you the frame you're about to lock in forever.
from from view plus finder, early 1900s camera terminology, because before it existed photographers guessed the frame or squinted through ground glass upside down.
early versionwaist-level box, image appeared upside down and reversed
rangefinder camerasviewfinder separate from lens, caused parallax error
slr innovationmirror let you see exactly through the lens
digital eraelectronic viewfinders now show exposure before you shoot