Any Update on the Convergent Design Sunscreen Hood for the Odyssey

I've got the Hoodman. It's not too bad once you've tightened the straps - just gets in the way of the power button which can be annoying. It provides good sun protection, only problems I had operating was the reflection of my face on the screen. However say the Westide AV one looks better, mostly because the bottom opens up: it's annoying having to reach in (that half flap is just stupid IMHO).

Just back from a three day shoot and I agree with all these points. The Hoodman hood does the job. It's the right size, not too big and not too small. It's relatively simple to attach but really annoying to take out (gets stuck on the the power cable of my Hawkwoods plate) and you need to attach it in the right order (after plugging in the BNC and power cable).

The flap at the bottom is not in the optimal place and doesn't really help with the touchscreen, I have small hands so I manage access to the touchscreen, but just barely.

Best thing about the Hoodman is it's really rigid so it keeps its shape no matter what. Would be perfect if it'd be a bit bigger and would attach to the side 1/4 inch screw holes.
 
I have heard these "next week" announcements so many times about 7Q and battery plate availability. Not to mention firmware updates. Don't clap too early and wait with congratulations until you see it in the dealer's shelf. my 2cts. nice weekend everybody.
 
I have heard these "next week" announcements so many times about 7Q and battery plate availability. Not to mention firmware updates. Don't clap too early and wait with congratulations until you see it in the dealer's shelf. my 2cts. nice weekend everybody.
Yesterday morning I received the final test sample from the molder. The previous sample was excellent but showed some interesting texture on the surface. The molder wanted to try another compound formulation to make a smoother-appearing finish. That material, the sample I received yesterday, looked perfect but was too flexible. I found that when mounted the top section tried to continue the bending curve and pulled away from the Odyssey a bit, possibly allowing light to slip in next to the SSDs. So I rejected it and instead approved the previous sample for manufacture. We like the look and it performs its job perfectly. They product is in manufacture now and is shipping into the US in the next couple of days, so we should have it around the middle of next week. We'll turn it around and send out to dealers the same day.

So now you know. ;-D
 
I have the Hoodman, and its not a perfect solution. I almost wouldn't mind if it were longer, lighter, far more tapered and I could press my face to the opening to preclude more light. In the bright tropics, I don't think a hood without a bottom light blocking panel would work. I can imagine a hood that has a removable bottom panel for when there is no white sand in the tropics to reflect up onto the monitor.

Then the other issue is, monitor cages that surround the periphery of the monitor may interfere with side screw attached hoods.

Hopefully Mitch can post up a pic of the final production version. His suggestion that wearing a dark shirt sure was a good suggestion.
 
I was really hoping to have the hood this week as I have 2 outdoor wedding ceremonies this coming weekend. However, I guess I will have to continue to look like an idiot (ok - a bigger idiot) standing there with a towel draped over my head & monitor :Drogar-Dum(DBG):

Thank you,
Robert Pfeifer
www.pifemaster.com
 
How many pictures can I post of a sun hood? ;-)

OK, here it is. Note that it is a kinda rubbery material. Feels great in your hands, still rigid enough to keep its shape but pliable enough to wrap around the Odyssey and to fold flat in a case without danaging the hinges. There's a lip around the edge to self-align it around the Odyssey, as well as help prevent light leaks. The extensions for the tie-down bolts are thicker for reinforcement. If you are using the side 1/4" sockets, you can remove the hood's tie-down bolt and pass thru the bolt for whatever you are using on your side sockets.
 

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Well done.
Can it be fixed upside down (connectors at the top), too? The anchor positions are not centered?
 
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This looks killer. Sure beats gaff taped black wrap! When & where will they be for sale?

Mith said they should be in to CD this week and out to dealers shortly after - you can pre-order at a number of retailers I believe.
 
Well done.
Can it be fixed upside down (connectors at the top), too? The anchor positions are not centered?
It appears to me that yes, it should be able to be attached upside-down as well because the holes in the 7q are centered. Therefore it wouldn't matter whether the anchor positions on the hood are centered.

Also, I think maybe I remember Mitch saying it could be done.
 
It appears to me that yes, it should be able to be attached upside-down as well because the holes in the 7q are centered. Therefore it wouldn't matter whether the anchor positions on the hood are centered.

Also, I think maybe I remember Mitch saying it could be done.

Yes, it can absolutely be mounted to cover the bottom rather than the top. With the auto-flip mode of the Odyssey, a number of people find it preferable to rig the Odyssey with the connectors at the top. Whatever works for you.

BTW, we're updating the auto-flip mode. It will be noted as ORIENTATION and allow for the scrren to be set to AUTO-FLIP, LOCK UPRIGHT or LOCK FLIPPED. If you're running around handheld, last thing you want is the image to flip upside down in the heat of battle.

The hoods are on the way to us and should be to dealers at the end of this week, possibly next week depending on shipping. International probably adds a couple of days. You can order Convergent Design products from any of our dealers. A list of dealers is available on our website. Go ahead and place an order -- we won't ship to a dealer until they order stock from us.
 
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I spoke with B&H today and they said the hood would be drop-ordered straight from you at CD. Maybe they just haven't placed an order from you guys yet?
 
I spoke with B&H today and they said the hood would be drop-ordered straight from you at CD. Maybe they just haven't placed an order from you guys yet?

I have had one on order from B&H since April 29th and although I would love it to be drop shipped from CD, I honestly believe they will wait for them to arrive at B&H and then ship them out from there.

Thank you,
Robert Pfeifer
www.pifemaster.com
 
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