C100: Custom Eyecup Solution

I'll have one soon and will test it with my reading glasses. Andrew is definitely on to something that is needed. I'm looking forward to testing it out and giving my feedback.
 
thpriest said:
andrew, i think it's important that you get people with glasses to test the eyecup.
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+1.

My zacuto loope is really uncomfortable to use with my glasses. Have to fold the eye cup back to get close enough. Unfortunately I wear glasses full time for work now.
 
I received the prototype and first impression is very good. So much better than without. I do think the shape should be more of a oval. The bottom of the eyecup hits the flip out LCD when opening it but doesn't cause the eyecup to fall off. it does stay on very well and a nice side effect is it covers the diopter adjustment lever. This does go out of whack from time to time.
The weight and stiffness are nice. Not a hard rubber and having that extra point of contact on your face is very helpful. I didn't get any light leak at all with the eyecup attached but it feels like the the presser is greater on the left side by my nose since the shape is round as opposed to an oval.

Thats my impressions and I hope you make this for the masses. Even in it's current state I would buy one, but I think a little tweaking would make this eyecup even better. Also if it is an oval shape third party soft eyecup covers would fit better.

Thanks for taking this project on Andrew!
 
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Erik Naso said:
Thanks for taking this project on Andrew!
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Erik I really appreciate your feedback - thanks so much for taking a look at it.

There is definitely room for a little tweaking and that's what this thread is all about! My initial thought was to create this in a teardrop shape. Ideally, the teardrop could be rotated to fit whichever eye the shooter favors. Unfortunately the OEM eyepiece is a trapezoid shape, so the piece will only fit on it one way. To make the eyecup in a teardrop shape would require multiple parts, and that would probably price us out of what a Kickstarter and the [relatively] small number of C100 shooters could manage to support. It also breaks my first rule for this project, which is to keep it as simple and inexpensive as possible.

The piece is actually very slightly ovular in the prototype you have (not favoring either side). We can explore shortening the bottom side so it doesn't connect at all when the LCD is flipped out. Also getting some constructive feedback from a handful of others and am excited to get this thing as good as it can be before we send it out to the manufacturer, Kickstarter willing.

Thanks also to all the positive words from other users. I hope to get an opinion on glasses soon, and I've got two standard size chamois on the way that I can test with the prototype. I'm connected and available once more, so feel free to hit me here or @raddosilver.

I'm also still exploring international shipping options, so if anyone has any insight on how I can get that number lower, please let me know!
 
This is all sounding very promising Andrew! Great that you're seeking feedback (such as the excellent suggestions from Erik above) yet staying focussed on meeting your stated objective of making it available soon and at a realistic price point.

For sure I'm in.
 
Thanks gundammrw. It doesn't look like that shape is in the cards for us on account of the shape of the original part's design. Forgive me for copying and pasting:
andrewaldenmiller said:
My initial thought was to create this in a teardrop shape. Ideally, the teardrop could be rotated to fit whichever eye the shooter favors. Unfortunately the OEM eyepiece is a trapezoid shape, so the piece will only fit on it one way. To make the eyecup in a teardrop shape would require multiple parts, and that would probably price us out of what a Kickstarter and the [relatively] small number of C100 shooters could manage to support. It also breaks my first rule for this project, which is to keep it as simple and inexpensive as possible.
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It is compatible with standard chamois however, and is quite comfortable with and without. Currently it fits perfectly with Bluestar's XL size (http://bhpho.to/1miwakw), and can just barely be squeezed into the L size. I'm experimenting with reducing the size of our eyecup to fit the L size chamois better because that combination is less obstructive when opening the LCD. It looks like any combination of eyecup/chamois will come into contact with the LCD, but even with the XL, it's not so bad that the eyecup needs to be removed, or that the eyecup would be knocked off by opening the LCD.

For glasses wearers: The only feedback I've received so far is less than ideal. Here is what my new friend Adrian had to say about wearing glasses with the prototype:

Without my glasses, it's really great! makes an excellent seal with no light leaks. I imagine with a chamois (my personal preference) it will be even more comfortable.
With glasses....hmm....
To be honest the round style eyecups aren't great for glasses wearers anyway so not a problem specifically with your design.
I have to wear my glasses to shoot because I'm shooting documentary and constantly need to look away from the viewfinder and back again.
Problem for me is light leaks. I'm a right eye person so I get light leaks from the right hand side.

I'm not sure exactly what we can do about this, and of course everyone has different glasses. I am certainly open to suggestions!

Lastly, I'm about to Launch the KS campaign in just a few minutes. I've got a few discounted C-Cups for the first few folks who donate, so consider yourselves notified. I'll post the link here shortly.
 
andrewaldenmiller said:
I'm experimenting with reducing the size of our eyecup to fit the L size chamois better because that combination is less obstructive when opening the LCD.
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This is a good idea. I'm for reducing the size, both to fit the chamois and to keep the overall profile of the C100 as low as possible.
 
Thanks Joe, I hope you like it. Might have to up the contrast a few ticks, and I use peaking (white) all the time, but to my eyes it is far better than relying on the LCD. Focus isn't a problem through the EVF, at least not for me. Thanks again!
 
Andrew, great concept! The one reason I never went the C100 route is because of that EVF. I like the camera's form factor, but not the EVF, and I prefer using viewfinders over monitors.
While the size of the C100's EVF can't be fixed, at least you've made it more usable. The C100 is now a viable option (I'm confident you'll make your Kickstarter goal).
Kudos to your design!

And as for you, Canon - you really screwed the pooch on this. Shame that an entrepreneur has to fix your mistake.
 
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