View Full Version : Hoodman z-finder for cheap
jenningsp
09-12-2009, 02:59 AM
i thought zacuto were the only ones making these. but hoodman has some cheap ones - http://www.hoodmanusa.com/products.asp?dept=1017
dadoboy
09-12-2009, 03:58 AM
Wow, that's significantly cheaper... wonder if it's the same Schneider optics.
Now if someone could only make a right angle or adustable angle finder that would be heaven.
USLatin
09-12-2009, 04:16 AM
Nice price. I wonder how well it stays on with the rubber strings?
Wow, that's significantly cheaper... wonder if it's the same Schneider optics.
Now if someone could only make a right angle or adustable angle finder that would be heaven.
Agreed!
Some sort of mirror deal that let you adjust it... such an important function.
xbourque
09-12-2009, 12:23 PM
Hoodloupe review:
http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/06/23/the-hoodloupe-3-0-with-the-canon-5dmkii-and-the-zacuto-z-finder-v2/
Sock-loupe review:
http://philipbloom.co.uk/2009/07/28/a-great-cheap-way-of-getting-a-canon-5dmkii-viewfinder/
USLatin
09-12-2009, 10:43 PM
Excellent. Thanks for the link.
Its cheaper because the hoodloupe doesn't magnify like the Z finder.
I have one fro my Ex1. Hoodman just made an add on extension piece for it and it now covers the whole lcd of the ex1 letting you use the high res lcd as a viewfinder . Since the EX1 magnifies in camera for focus assist its perfect.
And companies like redrock micro have developed attachment pieces to hold the hoodman in place for dslr's
I'm waiting on on the lcdvf to go into production. Its $169 with magnification and magnetic attachment.
USLatin
09-12-2009, 11:43 PM
Mico, I am very interested in RedRock's solution. I can't find it, can you link me to the attachment?
Also, are they coming up with their own version of the Z-Finder? Is there a release date?
Redrock only makes the attachment to camera Here:
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.1012/.f
The new loupe from the lcdvf company is here. The website is being updated as they are still working out production details:
http://www.lcdvf.com/
USLatin
09-13-2009, 12:59 AM
Redrock only makes the attachment to camera Here:
http://shopping.netsuite.com/s.nl/c.472981/it.A/id.1012/.f
That seems to solve the mounting issue but the hoodman looks painful to hold against your face for balanced support. Philip Bloom said something like that on his review. The total cost is low though.
The new loupe from the lcdvf company is here. The website is being updated as they are still working out production details:
http://www.lcdvf.com/
This sounds very promising, but the magnetic deal doesn't sound like good idea at all. Is there a released date?
The Z-Finder looks like a home run. I really like how it seems to be hard to knock it off, so it feels solid and you can really use your face to make movements smoother.
It is a shame about the price. $300 would sound like a fair deal. But if the magnetic thing doesn't work like I wish it did it might be the only way to go.
Kegan
09-13-2009, 02:21 AM
Hm, the Z-Finder is nice and looks excellent as a 'point of contact', when using a shoulder rig...but $400 is a little pricey for me. I am considering the Sock Loupe, if only for magnification - it just looks as if it won't do too much in terms of being a point of contact.
I am considering the DSLR Rapid Fire from Zacuto for my shoulder mount, but I'd also like to make sure all accessories work well with one another before purchasing.
Kegan
drewmaw
09-13-2009, 03:54 AM
Yeah, can anyone verify (Phil?) if the Sock Loupe is a certifiable "point of contact"? Can you really press this "Sock Loupe" up to your face when seeking extra stability, or is it just not sturdy enough for that?
Try i cuffs or the hoodman hoodfinder. I use the hoodfinder and although its not a perfect fit you can press it against your eye very comfortably.
philip bloom
09-13-2009, 08:28 AM
Yeah, can anyone verify (Phil?) if the Sock Loupe is a certifiable "point of contact"? Can you really press this "Sock Loupe" up to your face when seeking extra stability, or is it just not sturdy enough for that?
yes you can, just about. it's obviously nowhere near as solid as the z-finder v2 and a bit fiddly and it works.
with regards to lcdvf...lots of promises, it sounds good and is cheap (but has no diapotre) but I have been waiting on a review sample for two weeks and not heard a thing...as soon as I get one I can report back on it.
dcoughla
09-13-2009, 01:27 PM
yes you can, just about. it's obviously nowhere near as solid as the z-finder v2 and a bit fiddly and it works.
with regards to lcdvf...lots of promises, it sounds good and is cheap (but has no diapotre) but I have been waiting on a review sample for two weeks and not heard a thing...as soon as I get one I can report back on it.
LCDVF is going through some tough times, it appears. They are shipping units to the original pre-orders right now, but it remains to be seen what will happen after those are filled. Phil, you're actually mentioned in this thread http://www.cinema5d.com/viewtopic.php?f=21&t=2675&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&start=320 by the company creator with his reason for not wanting to send you one immediately (they're not ready for any kind of increased demand).
I think I'm going to wait it out because at almost half the price of a Z-Finder it looks like a great deal, even though it might be a few months.
Kegan
09-13-2009, 01:46 PM
I think I'm going to go with a LCDVF as well - in terms of price, down to the fact that within an hour I received an email back from Tonis being very helpful...I think it will be the product that I go with once their mass production units are available.
Hopefully sooner than later!
Kegan
All right guys, forget about View finders, I have the solution: Good old black velvet curtain from the old days. I just think it could be a problem when you are doing hand held work walking around with the curtain on your head. :)
http://static.photo.net/attachments/bboard/001/001fSz-5858484.jpg