Secrets Behind the Viewfinder — Take a look at the world through the camera's eye.
Special Exhibition
Dates: October 22, 2026 (Thu) – February 27, 2027 (Sat)
Rangefinder, single-lens reflex, mirrorless
—each camera design changes how it sees things.
Explore the viewfinder’s design and functions by picking up,
looking through, and operating cameras for yourself!
Nikon Museum will hold the special exhibition “Secrets Behind the Viewfinder — Take a look at the world through the camera's eye.” from October 22, 2026 (Thu) to February 27, 2027 (Sat).
Rangefinder, single-lens reflex (SLR), mirrorless. What makes these viewfinder designs different?
In this exhibition, there are three areas in which visitors can experience viewfinder mechanisms. Using actual products and demonstration models, the exhibition introduces visitors to how objects are seen through different viewfinder mechanisms and types.
Take a look through the viewfinder and try out an actual camera to better understand the mechanisms and unique characteristics of each approach—and experience the fun of photography for yourself!
Major exhibits
Area 1: See Inverted Images
When light passes through a camera lens, the image is inverted—upside down and reversed from left to right. With large-format cameras, this inverted image can be seen via the ground glass focusing screen on the rear side of the housing. So why does the viewfinder show the image in correct orientation? Move on to the next area to find out more!
Area 2: Experience the Secrets of the Viewfinder
Try out rangefinders, SLRs, and mirrorless cameras using real units, cutaway models, and demonstration models to see how the different viewfinders make images appear in the correct orientation. This area also includes episodes about Nikon cameras.
Rangefinder Camera
Light passes along different paths through the lens and the viewfinder, resulting in a difference between what you see in the viewfinder and what the camera captures. Learn about the unique focusing method that brings the two images into alignment.
SLR Camera
Discover how a single-lens reflex system uses a mirror and prism to turn the inverted image to its original orientation.
Mirrorless Camera
See how the electronic viewfinder (EVF) lets you preview the image before taking the photo.
Area 3: Look Inside the Camera
Components from a dismantled rangefinder camera (Nikon SP) and an SLR camera (Nikon F) are on display here. Some of the components are identical, while others are designed specifically for each camera's unique mechanism. Imagine how these differences affect the way each camera sees the world and works.