DIY T2i/550d dedicated LCD Viewfinder with arm mount, rubber eyecup

Forrest Schultz

Forrest Schultz

Active member
My goal was to make a producable Viewfinder for my T2i from scratch. Everything seen was first sculpted, then molded, then finalized, and molded again. These pictures are of the first castings of the mold, and while they aren't perfect, i was excited as i wanted to put it all together and see how it worked.

The Loupe has a +10 58mm lens for magnification (i don't know what magnification level this equates to) and the Rubber eycup has a empty 58mm ring imbedded to screw on and off of the loupe. You can see that joint looks a little rough and this is because i am still getting used to pouring with these molds. Also the rubber eyecup was not cast under pressure so you can see trapped air in it. But this basically gives the general idea.

I wanted to do something different and while i might have been better off just buying a viewfinder straight away, im proud that i was able to make something like this with my basic knowledge in sculpting, fabricating, and molding/casting.

Oh yeah. the loupe and the mount arm are both cast in a black high strength urethane plastic, and the eyecup in a soft 30 shore Urethane rubber.

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Thanks guys! here is some info on the viewfinder:

My goal was to make a producable Viewfinder for my T2i from scratch. Everything seen was first sculpted, then molded, then finalized, and molded again. These pictures are of the first castings of the mold, and while they aren't perfect, i was excited as i wanted to put it all together and see how it worked.

The Loupe has a +10 58mm lens for magnification (i don't know what magnification level this equates to) and the Rubber eycup has a empty 58mm ring imbedded to screw on and off of the loupe. You can see that joint looks a little rough and this is because i am still getting used to pouring with these molds. Also the rubber eyecup was not cast under pressure so you can see trapped air in it. But this basically gives the general idea.

I wanted to do something different and while i might have been better off just buying a viewfinder straight away, im proud that i was able to make something like this with my basic knowledge in sculpting, fabricating, and molding/casting.

Oh yeah. the loupe and the mount arm are both cast in a black high strength urethane plastic, and the eyecup in a soft 30 shore Urethane rubber.
 
i like the design, it makes for a big eye piece. Without looking through it personally i couldn't tell if that is a good thing or a bad thing but im more inclined to believe it makes for a great piece of kit.

and im all for the idea of building my own even if its not cheaper than what i could buy, i have most of my fun in the process of the build.
 
Hey! sorry i have been out of town for a friends wedding. i do have some BTS shots i can put up. it will take me till tomorrow or so to get them up.

I also have been meaning to follow up on this too. how many people are looking for a cheap viewfinder that is made to fit their T2i. i am thinking of making up a couple of these and sending them out to some users here on the board.
 
I would be more than happy to give it a shot. im ready to start a short film on the Vietnam war. We have some cool stuff for it (huey helicopter, Cobra helicopter, live explosions, and have made sure all uniforms and props are spot on. I would love to give it a try for you in real world use. If your interested send me a pm. Here's a link to a short film I did last fall.
http://vimeo.com/7805501

I just want you to know it will be put to the test, and im not some guy looking to swipe free gear. I will send it back when finished. thanks hope this helps you out.
 
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