Viewing means for viewing a product stream within a distributor device

The invention relates to a viewing means (13) for sifting a product stream within a distributor apparatus (10) for charging a cigarette strand machine, wherein the viewing means (13) forming a a substantially vertically extending sifting zone (18) classifying chamber (17) with at least one access (19 has) to sifting for (within the sifting zone 18) product stream, and means (24) for supplying a feed air stream into the classifying chamber (17) that is characterized in that the sifting chamber (17) across its width B transversely (to the viewing section 18 ) is divided into at least two segments, wherein the conveying air stream in segments has different flow velocities within the viewing space (17). The invention further relates to a corresponding visual inspection method.