HPX172 re-locate the Viewfinder ?

Tom 4

Tom 4

Well-known member
OK, I have for many many years been using the larger shoulder mount cams, now adding a smaller HPX172 as a second unit to my kit.

I've searched the question of a stable viewing position of the smaller cams, and everyone comes up with a shoulder rig/s to stablize the camera, and there are many out there.
So my question,
Why can't the viewfinder be re-located to the front of the camera so as it can be used off the shoulder as just like a Pro camera ?. not rocket science ?

If the viewfinder flat cable was able to be extended and routed thru the Camera handle, plus fitting a horizontal "slide mount" at say, above the lens and below the Mic position woul be ideal, for transport it could be simply "slid back in".
Pull it out to the desired position Much the same as the Pro cameras.

Is there anyone out there that could make an HPX172 extension cable for the Viewfinder. or advise of a person who could effect a solution.
Love to hear of any thoughts, would be a great panasonic option on future models..

Pic attached of a PS mock up.
Cheers
Tom K
olinevideo.com.au
 

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Hi Jester,
Only reason I asked was because the poor ergonomics of the HPX, it reminds me of the old 8mm Film cameras of last century, they were designed on "Pistol grip" principal very difficult to hold still, that's why a shoulder mount cam is more stable.
adding "shake" to an image can give a sense of urgency, but after some time it's very difficult to watch and looks un professional.

Cheers
Tom K
olinevideo.com.au
 
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Hi Jester,
I think we are talking about two different configs, I'm just suggesting a simple relocation of the viewfinder for ease of use, not more add-on gear, for sure your example would suit some, but I suspect most guys want as little as possible hanging off the cam when in the field.

sorry for the confusion.

cheers
Tom k
 
Well I'm just saying if you relocated the viewfinder on a handycam style camera you'd need some kind of rig to be able to use it like that anyway. The HPX 172 isn't designed to sit on your shoulder, it's not nearly long enough. So since you're adding a shoulder mount you might as well just add a monitor and save yourself the trouble of relocating a viewfinder.
 
I have an HVX and I totally understand your argument about ergonomics - our company lizardlandvideo.com uses HPX500's on most everything and when I use the HVX for handheld stuff, i always use a shoulder mount.

Here's my stab at an idea for you.

You might be able to get a viewfinder for larger professional-grade cameras like an Ikegami and hire some tech savvy guy to terminate it in an S-Video or Composite port and mount that on the handle. Honestly, I think you're assuming a lot of risk by taking that viewfinder off and your ergonomics question still isn't answered as you have to remember that besides resting that camera on your shoulder you also have to handle the zoom/focus and you would have the shutter speed, gain control and other controls right next to your face.

Honestly, i think you'd be better off selling that baby and buying an HPX300. New they go for $8500 on B&H.
 
Hello Joe,

Thanks for your input, yes ergonomics could be much improved, but cost I guess is the deciding factor from most makers these days.
A great example of good desing is the JVC GY-HM700E,
GY-HM700E_lge.jpg
I have never owned a JVC, I have been a SONY buyer since the early 80's (I still have some U-Matic gear in the attic), but cost and image quality drove me to become a Panasonic Buyer.

If Panasonic could design a Lightweight cam as this, with the HPX P2 capabilities, then my orders in.
Most likely they will if/when P2 falls by the wayside as many other formats have, and a expresscard derivity or the next best thing take's it's place. "Who knows".

Yes I did google a pro viewfinder mounted on a cam, but that defeats the purpose of having a light weight camera in the first place, and it looked messy.
HPX300, well, that's physically just as big as my main camera the SPX800 . that is what i'm trying to use less as time goes on especially for the longer "On the run work".

Cheers
Tom K
olinevideo.com.au
 

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