LCDVF - a few thoughts...

Curnsie

Curnsie

Well-known member
I purchased the LCDVF as it seemed to be getting more or less the same positive feedback as the Hoodman Loupe. It was also in my price range.

Attaching it to the camera (550d in my case) is relatively easy, although its obviously been designed for the 4:3 LCD of the 7D or 5Dmk2, as the metal frame is not the correct shape for the wider aspect 550d LCD. That said it does not cover the picture in any way. The metal frame comes with an adhesive surface which bonds to the back of the camera (more said about that later) and the LCDVF loupe is attached to this magnetically. Focusing is made easier, but where it shows greatest benefit is when shooting outside or in sunlight. I can no judge exposure more accurately. It also provides a stability when shooting handheld. The magnification does show the pixels on the LCD, meaning focusing is still a little tricky until I get used to it.

As I mentioned above, the metal frame is bonded to the back of the camera. The adhesive comes already applied. You simply remove a paper cover. I've only had the LCDVF for 2 days, and have only run some 'minor' tests. To my great annoyance the metal frame has fallen off twice. The first time I was removing the loupe which also removed the metal frame. The second time I simply lifted the camera with the loupe attached and the loupe plus metal frame fell off!! The adhesive used is not strong enough. That combined with the fairly powerful magnets mean that the metal frame is prone to coming off.

I'm not sure what the solution is. I've read that elastic band method of the Hoodman has its problems with the 550d body. I'm aware that RedRock Micro produce a device for attaching the Hoodman, but does anybody know if it will work with the LCDVF. Is anyone else experiencing this problem?
 
I used some heavy duty "permanent" 3M double sided tape (thick grey stuff) that I cut with a razor blade. It worked great. Doesn't look bad either.
 
They will replace it im sure but IMO glue/bands/magnets are just not a good sulution with the hotshoe right there..

S

1.jpg
 
It depends on where you ordered the LCDVF from, it doesn't stick to the 7d like it does on the 5d so they made a stronger adhesive for it. If you ordered it from some place in the states then you might have the older version. Contact them and they will send the replacement.
 
I find the focusing really quite difficult without resorting to the magnifiers on the 550d. Following action makes the screen experience quite jittery and not very enjoyable. I've no qualms about the build quality and fit which is fine, but a bit disappointed with the user experience. Is it similar with the Zacuto?
Other opinions gratefully received.
 
Curnsie said:
I purchased the LCDVF as it seemed to be getting more or less the same positive feedback as the Hoodman Loupe. It was also in my price range.

Attaching it to the camera (550d in my case) is relatively easy, although its obviously been designed for the 4:3 LCD of the 7D or 5Dmk2, as the metal frame is not the correct shape for the wider aspect 550d LCD. That said it does not cover the picture in any way. The metal frame comes with an adhesive surface which bonds to the back of the camera (more said about that later) and the LCDVF loupe is attached to this magnetically. Focusing is made easier, but where it shows greatest benefit is when shooting outside or in sunlight. I can no judge exposure more accurately. It also provides a stability when shooting handheld. The magnification does show the pixels on the LCD, meaning focusing is still a little tricky until I get used to it.

As I mentioned above, the metal frame is bonded to the back of the camera. The adhesive comes already applied. You simply remove a paper cover. I've only had the LCDVF for 2 days, and have only run some 'minor' tests. To my great annoyance the metal frame has fallen off twice. The first time I was removing the loupe which also removed the metal frame. The second time I simply lifted the camera with the loupe attached and the loupe plus metal frame fell off!! The adhesive used is not strong enough. That combined with the fairly powerful magnets mean that the metal frame is prone to coming off.

I'm not sure what the solution is. I've read that elastic band method of the Hoodman has its problems with the 550d body. I'm aware that RedRock Micro produce a device for attaching the Hoodman, but does anybody know if it will work with the LCDVF. Is anyone else experiencing this problem?
Click to expand...

Please detail the procedure you used to attach the LCDVF frame to the camera body.
 
Curnsie said:
Great idea. But the magnets are still present, unless you can remove them.
Click to expand...

Tha magnets are still there indeed - not a problem ?

My 7d has the finder metal square still on it, the 5d the glued on square has fallen off, so it works both ways, actually a little better seating with the magnets

What I like about it is that you never knock off the LCDVF when handling the camera (as opposed to operating the camera)

S
 
I love it. Great device. I followed the directions it gave me but also used that double sided red tape. Hasn't came off once.
 
47thRonin said:
It depends on where you ordered the LCDVF from, it doesn't stick to the 7d like it does on the 5d so they made a stronger adhesive for it. If you ordered it from some place in the states then you might have the older version. Contact them and they will send the replacement.
Click to expand...

I got it from a UK supplier and had to wait 10 days for a new batch so I think its the latest version.
 
Bawes said:
I love it. Great device. I followed the directions it gave me but also used that double sided red tape. Hasn't came off once.
Click to expand...

What directions would that be? There were none with mine.

I'll give double side sticky tape a try.
 
Curnsie said:
What directions would that be? There were none with mine.

I'll give double side sticky tape a try.
Click to expand...

They will send you a few replacement frames if your's might have been defect just shoot an email to support at lcdvf dot com


  • Always remove the LCDVF after using it to avoid damaging the bond strenght that might lead to eventual failure of the metal interface frame attached to the camera.
  • Never leave it on when travelling, during transport or even when the camera is stored.
  • Also make sure that the LCDVF has ground clearance when you put your camera on a flat surface like a table etc.

If camera is put on a level surface, let's say onto a table user should make sure there is a ground clearance so the LCDVF is not under pressue from the camera itself or by any other object. Such a constant payload to the adhered interface frame will result in peeling off the mounting frame or at least damaging the bond strenght that might lead to eventual failure.

Attach it to the camera only when you use it to avoid any issues with the mounting interface frame.

T
 
I have also found that using it outdoors in the sun/heat makes the bond fail as well, makes the glue liquify some.
 
LCDVF expilictly states to warm up the camera by letting it record to create a strong bond with the glue. Apply frame and let it record with a weight on it (also, I took a hair dryer and heated up the area a bit). I did that and let it sit for 24hrs with a 5lb weight on it. It seems to be pretty good. No problems.
 
f64manray said:
LCDVF expilictly states to warm up the camera by letting it record to create a strong bond with the glue. Apply frame and let it record with a weight on it (also, I took a hair dryer and heated up the area a bit). I did that and let it sit for 24hrs with a 5lb weight on it. It seems to be pretty good. No problems.
Click to expand...

See I did the typical man thing and didn't read the instructions.;)

I'll have a look at them online.
 
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