SOFTWARE DOWNLOADS — Macintosh
ViewFinder™ Software for Mac OS X and OS 8.1 -- 9.2.2, including newer Mac OS versions to 11

VIEWFINDER CAMERA CONTROL SOFTWARE:

2021 USB-2 HS-Series Control Boxes with Mac OS 10.14 or later only:
This new 64-bit ViewFinder version 9.0 replaces the previous version 7.4.4 from 2009 and is a PURCHASED UPGRADE. If you are working with newer Mac computers and using Mojave (10.14), Catalina (10.15), Big Sur (11.0) and beyond, you should purchase and use this new software to avoid operational problems. It has also been working on High Sierra (10.13). Functionality remains the same as ViewFinder 7.4.4 and may still have some lingering bugs due to limited beta testing. Not recommended for Macintosh users that remain on older computers and using a Mac OS of High Sierra 10.13 or earlier. DO NOT USE WITH SCSI CONTROL BOXES —apparently changes in Apple OS has prevented connectivity with SCSI Boxes even with the Raytoc FR1SX SCSI to FireWire Converters.

6/8/2021— NEW!    ViewFinder™ 9.0 Software for Mac OS 10.14 or Higher
(5.3 MB .ZIP File)   64-bit Programmed Mac OS Software --USE ONLY WITH versions from 10.14 and higher. NOT WORKING WITH SCSI BOXES at this time. THIS IS A PURCHASED UPGRADE available on our Better Light Store at: https://archetypeimaging.com/Store/
Important Release Notes included in download folder. Please read before installation.

USB-2 HS-Series or SCSI Control Boxes with Mac OS 10.4 to OS 10.13:
Universal version compatible with Intel Macs and older Power PC Macs running OS 10.4 or higher. This version is now working with Snow Leopard OS 10.6. Includes new 10-stop Tone Curve and several ToneZone presets. Numerous bug fixes and improvements in operation. Replaces previous update 7.4.3. Recommended update for all Macintosh users.

9/25/09— NEW!    ViewFinder™ 7.4.4 Software for Mac OS X
(1.2 MB .ZIP File)   COCOA Programmed Mac OS X Software -- DO NOT USE with versions under 10.4.
Important Release Notes included in download folder. Please read before installation.


Previous Version: 5/3/07— ViewFinder™ 7.4.1 Software for Mac OS X
(1.2 MB .ZIP File)   COCOA Programmed Mac OS X Software -- DO NOT USE with versions under 10.4.
Universal version compatible with Intel Macs and older Power PC Macs running OS 10.4 or higher. Improvements in Tone curve control and 16-bit Tone curve processing. Additional improvements in DNG file processing, panoramic operations and new metadata options.
Important Release Notes included in download folder. Please read before installation.

FIRMWARE UPDATER 4.14 is REQUIRED to be installed on SCSI interface models to assure trouble-free operation of ViewFinder 7.2.x or previous 6.5.4. Firmware also available for separate download below.
HS-model, USB-2 Control Boxes have firmware version 5.03 factory installed. The 4.14 Updater is not required and will not work with the USB units.

USB-2 HS-Series or SCSI Control Boxes with Mac OS 10.3.9 or later:
       (only for use on 10.3.9, the latest version of Panther or Tiger 10.4.x)

ViewFinder 7.2.3 fixes a problem with the gain tables in the USB controller. All Mac users with the USB controller should replace their current version of ViewFinder with this 7.2.3 version immediately.

8/31/06— NEW! ViewFinder™ 7.2.3 Software for Mac OS X
(1.1 MB .ZIP File)   COCOA Programmed Mac OS X Software -- DO NOT USE with versions under 10.3.9.
Important Release Notes included in download folder. Please read before installation.

NOTE: Included in the download folder you will find FIRMWARE UPDATER 4.14 which is REQUIRED to be
installed on SCSI interface models to assure trouble-free operation of the new ViewFinder 7.2.x or previous 6.5.4.
Firmware also available for separate download below.
HS-model, USB-2 Control Boxes have firmware version 5.03 factory installed. The 4.14 Updater is not required and will not work with the USB units.

SCSI Control Boxes with Mac OS 10.2.1 or later:
       (only for use on Mac OX 10.2.1 or later. Will NOT run on System 9)

10/17/04 — Mac OS X Software -- ViewFinder™ 6.5.4 Software
(1.3MB Stuffit .SIT File)
READ THE NOTES INCLUDED WITH DOWNLOAD --
Very important information on differences in operation between OS 9 and OSX ViewFinder application!

Included in the download folder you will find FIRMWARE UPDATER 4.14 which is REQUIRED to be installed on all SCSI interface models to assure trouble-free operation of the new ViewFinder 7.1 or previous 6.5.4.
Firmware also available for separate download below.

SCSI Control Boxes with Mac OS 8.1 to 9.2.2:

2/10/03 — Mac OS 9 Software -- ViewFinder™ 5.3.4 Software
(636 K Stuffit .SIT File)

NOTE: Included in the download folder you will find FIRMWARE UPDATER 4.14 which is RECOMMENDED to be installed to assure trouble-free operation of ViewFinder 5.3.4. Firmware also available for separate download below.

VIEWFINDER MANUALS & TUTORIAL:

blue arrowViewFinder 7 (revision C) USER'S MANUAL- Print resolution version (PDF 6.1MB)
Complete PDF version of instructions for Better Light scanning camera and ViewFinder software.

blue arrowViewFinder 7 (revision C) USER'S MANUAL- Screen resolution version (PDF 1.9MB)
Complete PDF version of instructions for Better Light scanning camera and ViewFinder software.

blue arrowViewFinder TUTORIAL - On-line PowerPoint Presentation
Step-by-step procedure to create quality images with the Better Light scanning back and ViewFinder Software.

FIRMWARE UPDATERS:
The Camera Firmware is stored in flash memory inside the Better Light camera control unit, and controls all operating functions of the digital camera. It also controls the pixel processing functions of the Digital Signal Processor in the digital camera. The "Updater" is a simple (Macintosh) utility application that will upload the new firmware to the digital camera, and store it in the camera’s flash memory.

We recommend updating all SCSI interfaced Better Light scanning backs
(including SuperModels) to Firmware version 4.14.
(HS model USB-2 systems do not require this firmware upgrade).

5/10/05 — Better Light Firmware Updater (4.14) — Mac OS 10.2.1 or later
(316 KB .ZIP File)  For Use on Macintosh SCSI systems only (OS 10.2.1— 10.4.x).

1/20/05 — Better Light Firmware Updater (4.14) -- Mac OS 8.1 to 9.2.2
(64 KB Stuffit .SIT File)  For Use on Macintosh SCSI systems only (OS 8.1 – 9.2.2).

OPTIONAL DOWNLOADS:

8/12/03 — Practice PREVIEW IMAGES for ViewFinder™   
(Available on Tools & Utilities download page)
Sample 14-bit (4.3MB) prescan image files which can be used to demonstrate or practice with the ViewFinder™
software, even without a Better Light scan back connected. Use with any version Macintosh OS.

7/6/05— Repro Curves Instructions and Target Numbers
(84 K PDF Document)   Includes RGB values for new ColorChecker™ SG color chart.
The Repro Curves are included in recent versions of the ViewFinder Tone Curve menu. Using the Repro curves will assure an accurate reproduction of the full tone scale and minimize the need and importance of making subjective decisions on tone from the monitor preview.

Copyright 2004-2009 Better Light, Inc.  All Rights Reserved.