EVF SOLUTION (for now...)

tirapell said:
I know this is the F3 section and I've read through all the pros & cons mentioned, but could anyone comment on using the SmallHD DP4 hotshoe mounted with a DSLR? It seems to be the right size for a field monitor/EVF and price is about right for DSLR shooting.

I figured someone might have shot with it on a backup/stealth DSLR cam. Any insight would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

TimurCivan said:
ITs great. Using it in that configuration tommorow on a 5D job, and its small size and battery life is great. I use it without the Viewfinder.
Click to expand...

+1

On the 5DII pre-focusing is amazing, and with the camera's X5 and X10 zooms, the DP4's 1:1 is rendered moot... however, once rolling, the 5DII's low res output sucks, and focusing even with focus assist, becomes sketchy.
 
An ignorant question.
Why can't SmallHD offers, EVF on DP6, DP6 is a higher resolution monitor, all they have to is put that enhanced hood with diopter,
Bingo we have to High Res Monitor OR superb EVF..
 
visakk said:
Why can't SmallHD offers, EVF on DP6, DP6 is a higher resolution monitor
Click to expand...

In practical terms it would be WAY too big. Many complain the DP4-EVF is too big already. Second the DP4-EVF is by far the easiest EVF to focus with. Once you have used one you will understand.

I assume that people are comprehending what the actual users of the DP4-EVF are saying. Sometimes I wonder if people actually read the threads they are posting in. Boggles the mind.
 
I read the whole thread, I am just referring to the pixels are too small, especially working on cameras that are capable of producing 1080P, why to settle with 800x480..?
Yes, when I hire professional focus puller, there is no need of this monitor at all, he goes by the tape measurement.
But I am trying to take advantage of DP6 1200x800 pixels with EDGE Highlight/focus peaking feature to nail the focus to the mark.
 
Just wanted to report that the DP4 EVF arrived yesterday. Replaced the UV filter with a 46mm 0.6 ND filter on the viewfinder eyepiece at SmallHD's suggestion and did some testing. Absolutely beautiful product! The entire package is just so 'usable'. The ability to really customize to any job or setup is amazing. I can forsee uses for several different configurations depending upon the situation.

And FYI, an EVF that would be able to optically fit a DP6 would be ginormous! Not really an option. The EVF is already pretty large for the DP4 and probably won't be used in all cases (see the guys posts above about using with just the monitor).
 
I finally ordered up an EVF mounting solution that I cooked up a few weeks ago. It's not an off the shelf solution but darn close. You only have to go to one place to buy all the parts: Berkey System. It has completely met my expectations. Some pics before I explain a bit about the usability of the mounting apparatus.
 

Attachments

  • DSC_0158.jpg
    DSC_0158.jpg
    24.4 KB · Views: 0
  • DSC_0159.jpg
    DSC_0159.jpg
    28.8 KB · Views: 0
  • DSC_0160.jpg
    DSC_0160.jpg
    28.7 KB · Views: 0
  • DSC_0161.jpg
    DSC_0161.jpg
    37.1 KB · Views: 0
  • DSC_0162.jpg
    DSC_0162.jpg
    49.6 KB · Views: 0
Last edited:
You will note the pictures have a focus on the Kipp lever. This is an absolutely essential part. There is not enough room between the front of the built in handle on the camera (where the IR sensor is) and the fasteners for the cross clamp to accomodate either a single ended or double ended handle that you see on rails blocks and bits. The Kipp handle allows you to adjust the angle of the EVF by backing off the Kipp handle just under an 1/8th of the turn. The other bolt is just tight enough to provide a bit of friction but loose enough that you can slide out the rod at the end of the shoot without having to pull out the ball driver from your kit bag.

I have found the best way to adjust the EVF is to use slight pressure from your face to provide the leverage against the EVF once you back off the Kipp lever. It is almost as functional an adjustment solution as the heavy friction fitting that you have in professional EVFs and cams like the Sony EX3 which probably a lot of users have a degree of familarity. A workable solution that is a pleasure to use with no cursing during the shoot.

If people are interested I will post up the parts list to make it a bit simpler when ordering.

It feels absolutely solid. None of this wimpy tension that you get from these adjustable arms that we have been suffering through. I'm jazzed.
 
Last edited:
Andrew - Is it possible to get the DP4 EVF centred horizontal with the berkey cheeseplate with your system? It seems a little high for H/H. I was looking at all the berkey bits and thinking of trying something similar - in the end I have a small monitor arm on a small v lock quick release- it is a compromise as it has to be loosened when you want to move the position of the evf. Please post the parts you used. Thanks.

IMG_1468.jpg
 
The positioning and angle of shown in the photos shows the EVF set up for handheld. The beauty of this setup is you just backoff the Kipp handle, angle the EVF to taste and clamp down again. You will note the post underneath the EVF and where it is clamped. I have it no where near the bottom of the travel so it can be lowered. You could also buy some additional angle ends for 15mm rods to lower it if you wish. You are looking for issues where none exist. This works.

Will post of parts list when I am back in the studio.
 
Andrew,

Could you post the parts list for your mounting solution? I'm using a small Noga with the Zacuto EVF Pro, and it is less than optimal.

Ned
 
As for centering the EVF, it could be done with different parts... umm have you spent any time looking at the hardware at Berkey Systems? You will have to jones the Berkey site yourself.

Will do Ned. When I get back and I can access my spreadsheet that lists all the parts I ordered.
 
Last edited:
EVF Mounting Solution Parts List from Berkey System:

F3 Top Plate with Extension Plate - $310

Cross Clamp - $40

Adjustable Handle Mount Rod 8 - $64

Accessory Mount Post with Captive Screw - $40

Kipp Lever (Handle) - $10

Ball Driver - $5

Obviously, if you already have the F3 top plate which a few of you do, that isn't necessary but you need the extension plate and the rest to make it work.

I am sure many of you are going to spit out your Cornflakes when you tally the price and it is not cheap, however I think there are a few compelling rationales that justify the cost.

First, the top plate and the extension plate can be using to mount other accessories like top mounted IRIS/focus motor rods which could allow people to abandon a rails platform on the bottom in some circumstances. In my case for Steadicam use where weight is a primary consideration with all accessories.

Zacuto does have another solution but it doesn't have 2 mounting points for the rod going to the EVF (making it less secure... a problem also inherit with a Noga style arm solution we have been using) and it has to be attached to a rails contraption on the bottom of the rig which also takes up prime real estate on the rails platform in and around where you would want to put a Follow Focus unit and you have an armature going out and then up to the EVF. Any space that is occupied around the camera to me is a limiting factor when building a camera package as it can sometimes be useful for other things. The less space occupied the better.

I should mention that I cleaned out Berkey System of their inventory on Kipp handles (had uses for Kipp handles on other gear). Not sure how long it will be until they have more in but if you google the part number you will see other suppliers for them. The Kipp handle part number is KHA-976. Description on the packaging is "Size 0, 10-32x20, Handle Black". Do not buy imitation Kipp levers unless you are miserably cheap.
 
Last edited:
Thumbs up for Berkey Systems!
My set up is different from Andrew's but revolves around F3 top mounting plate. I also used various bits and pieces from Berkey to connect COOLLCD 7" magic arm (that holds DP4 EVF via 16x9 quick release) in to 2 positions: one on the top/side of F3 body for tripod use and other on the front of the rails next to the matte box for off the shoulder use. In both positions, camera is perfectly balanced.
I praised DP4 EVF earlier as my final EVF solution and that still stands...
Another plus for Berkey Systems is the fact that this is one of the rare US companies that does not rip off customers from Canada for shipping/handling. Their prices are what they are, and there is no extra charge for shipping(!!!!)... I hope it stays like that...
Again, good for Berkey!
 
I live an hour from the US border so I have my gear shipped to a letter carrier in the US and clear the goods through customs myself. If you are Canadian and live close to the US border I would highly recommend this practice. Saves a lot of surprise brokerage fees and as a business owner when you go through commercial customs you only pay 5% HST, they don't collect provincial tax even if it is embedded into the HST. You generally get your stuff a lot quicker as well not having possible holdups while brokers get stuff cleared through customs.
 
I can't seem to mesh with LCD screens so I scavenged a VF from my old Ikegami.... still need to make a chroma filter because I am getting dot crawl, but it looks great.Ike VF on F3-1.jpg
 
Hi Thomas, This Ikegami VF takes a standard composite video signal and +12 VDC to power it. I have put two pigtail leads for the power (AB tap), and a BNC cable for the video. The hitch was dot crawl because the video out tap has color information and the VF is designed to be fed just the luminance. Today I put an AJA SD SDI to composite/Y/C converter and so could tap into the Luminance only.. looks great. This is the Ikegami VF that has a sub D 9 pin connector that mounted right into a camera. I have a newer VF from a HL-59 that has a multi-pin cable. That one needs +12 and +9 volts so I will need to make a project box with a voltage regulator for the +9 VDC. Advantage of that one is the mounting hardware can be modified with a single plate to go right where I want it without using a wobbly Israeli arm. That is in my shop right now.
George
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top