Kinotehnik EVF

petermullett

petermullett

Well-known member
Has anyone bought or used extensively the Kinotehnik EVF for the F3?
I'm still floundering around trying to decide on which EVF to buy, or not to buy one at all and go for the Sony CBK-MH01 Loupe instead.
I know I've asked about this earlier this year but the F3 hasn't been used for a while as I've been shooting a film project however now the F3 has work to do again so I'd like to be able to solve the viewfinder choice problem.
When I asked about EVF choices back this past winter the Kinotehnik wasn't shipping and there was only feedback from people who'd seen it at trade shows. Also, what about the mounting options for this EVF, do they work or not?
 
I bought it 3 weeks ago and used it during a short and some stock footages.

PROS
-it's solid enough and overall well built;
-the mounting tool included with the EVF is really smart, mounting it on a camera is a matter of seconds. It's worth to mention that this system allows you to save some money, since you don't have to buy other accessories whenever you need to pass it from one camera to the other.
-the loop is good and once you get accustomed it's hard to miss the focus. There's a screwed in filter over it, so no worries if the glass get scratched. Just replace the filter.
-the screen has a tremendous resolution. Not like a retina display, but still a very high dot pitch.
-I like using rechargeable AA batteries. They last many hours and you can find them anywhere.
-processing is really fast.
-weight
-price

CONS
-don't rely on peaking. It's just confusing as it overlays on areas out of focus! No matter which settings you choose for it (hard, medium, low), I don't feel it's ok.
-the battery compartment could have been improved. Mounting the battery slot inside the EVF is kind of tricky. A push&pull system like on dslrs would have been better.
-except for the central button, the others are kind of hard to press. I don't like them. Most of the time I need to use my nail to push them!!

I don't own other EVF, so I can't compare it to the zacuto, cineroid etc. Anyway, I like it and I think I will keep it for a long time.
Hope this helps,
Diego
 
Thanks Diego and Tata, very helpful.
I forgot to mention that I have the Berkey top and front extension plate always mounted on the F3, so would that present any problems with the mounting of this EVF?
It's one big reason I hesitated with the Sony CBK-MH01 Loupe, I didn't want to have to remove the top plate everytime, or if I modified the loupe so that it can fit under the Berkey plate I'd have to carry a hex tool to de-mount /re-mount the CBK-MH01.......Though I do like the fact that that loupe means no batteries, or power and input cables.
 
Unfortunately I don't use a berkey plate on my f3, therefore I can't speak for sure. How much it extends on the sides?
The Kino top mount horizontal rod is 10cm long. You can slide the EVF 6-7 cm away from the top mount cold shoe of your F3. Eventually, have you considered to attach a cold shoe to the berkey plate and mount the EVF there?
 
I use the kino with the glossy display as opposed to the matte display. Its good and great value. the matte display was too hard to focus with though. so I'd pick the other one. I've tried both. it does burn in a little too easily and very limited exposure to the sun has resulted in several burn in marks on the display. the buttons are a pain and the peaking is just silly. but its decent value. I have a feeling I will go with the alphatron soon. the kino mounts well and is usable with the berkey plate as I have it on. but I dont have the berkey extension so maybe thats an issue. overall I'd give the kino a good review. but not great. the cons listed above are all valid though and they do get on my nerves a bit. I think these guys are a good company and are goin the right way. but there are improvements needed.
 
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