DIY Loupe/Finder for VDSLR

Heres some more pics on how to mount a DIY loupe, modified the plate for a quick attach and release.

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Hey Ted,
For my first post on this forum I would like to say thank you for all of your DIY knowhow. I have been lurking your stuff ever since someone posted the DIY Mattebox on HV20.com I have been a forum member there for some time and have recently upgraded to a T2i. I am wondering if your design still works just as well regardless of the viewfinder sensor that is above the LCD?

And for everyone else, hello! Hopefully you will be hearing more from me soon!
 
Welcome to the forum The Crowing!

I believe the design would work even on the t2i. It is currently used on a D90, also tested on D5000, 5D, and of course, 7D.
 
Awesome! This is an amazing find. After a few prime lenses I was going to look into getting the Hoodman one. But then I almost kicked myself. Over 100 dollars for something that I am sure can be made for really cheap, can have the same function and look just as good!? Never. Then I was lead to this. If you have any further info on the build could you perhaps PM me? I have done DIY before but never anything to your extent. I plan on building all of your items. The matte,ff and the loupe. Wish me luck!
 
The Crowing said:
Over 100 dollars for something that I am sure can be made for really cheap, can have the same function and look just as good!? Never.
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This is exactly my sentiments. A lot of people would say, "hey, you need to look professional for your clients..blahblah blah."

Well, Ive been a professional for a long time, using diy mixed with real stuff.. and I'm doing high end corporate and government stuff, not once did that bother my clients.

So, here's wishing you a "GOOD LUCK!" -save your money and go DIY.
 
teddybear said:
This is exactly my sentiments. A lot of people would say, "hey, you need to look professional for your clients..blahblah blah."
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Man, I'm sick of this too, I hear it all the time from my colleagues as I just refuse playing that game. Then again, they just feel better "looking industry standard"...definately a matter of attitude, not quality though.
 
Hey Ted:

First post on the forum to say a big THANK YOU for all of your DIY genius. Hat's off, sir, for all of you do for the community. Amazing.

Quick question, if I may. How do you cut slots in the sheet metal for the mounting plate? I don't think a drill press and drill bit would do it. Is it an endmill chucked into a drill press or some kind of mill?

Thanks so much,
Brian Brown
BrownCow Productions
 
Thanks Brian.

For cutting the plate, those sheets are thin enough to be cut by metal scissors. We did drill the holes in the mid part for the tripod baseplate screw. The "notch" for the loupe is done by drilling first, then cutting by metal scissors.

Ted
 
Ted,

Just stumbled upon your DIY - It looks great and very promising. I'm thinking about buying some materials this weekend and plan on working on the project so I can have a great LCD loupe for a fraction of the price!

The only question I have is the strength of the magnifying glass you are using. What kind of strength is it? 5x? 6x?

My concern is the overall length of the DIY hood loop would be rather lengthy if I have the improper loupe strength. You're input is very much appreciated. Thanks!

-Ryan
 
Hi Ryan,

I can't tell because they don't place this info on cheap magnifying glass. I only placed the diameter. And I think, as far as magnifying lenses go, their diameters determine somewhat their magnification.
Different diameters gave me different optimum lengths. You'll have to eyeball it, as to which distance won't give you a headache, and no distortion on the sides and corners.

The size I used is a good compromise on distance versus distortion. Smaller loupes give distorted sides to the LCD. Bigger ones become cumbersome.

Ted
 
Pardon my ignorance, but I didn't see in this thread any suggestions for where to actually find a loupe to use? I have never seen one in a store or even looked, but what type of store should I look in? I don't even know where to begin! Thanks for any advice :)
 
Wow, thanks for the fast response! It's just a plastic magnifying glass then? BTW thank you very much for sharing all of your info and experience. People like you make DIY fun and collaborative and I am glad to have found this thread!
 
Your welcome.

The lens is glass. the frame and handle is plastic. I sawed off the handle.

Note that the diameter of the magnifying lens determines how far it is from the LCD thus impacting the overall length of the finder housing.

Smaller than 2 in, will give you a distorted corners on your magnified lcd image.

Good luck.
 
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