Short Viewfinder to replace Sony's

D

Doctor Wu

Well-known member
Hi,

I need to find a shorter alternative to the viewfinder provided by Sony for my FS100. Does anybody know of something like the DSLR loupes, such as the Z-Finder that would fit the Sony's 3.5" screen? I need to be low profile for a shoot that is somewhat gorilla.

Thanks.
 
Just google FS100 and short viewfinder. There's a Vimeo tutorial that shows you how to do it. It's easy and the viewfinder is way, way better once you shorten it.
 
You definitely need a jewelry screwdriver and very careful when taking the frame out. You have to be a little forceful as its stuck in there good. But it's fragile.
 
You can just remove the middle section of the barrel and fasten the two end parts together with black PVC tape. I know that sounds hopelessly cheesy, but it works great for me, and if you ever want it back to factory condition, it's no problem. Like Gene said, popping the frame part out is a little tricky, other than that it's just a few screws.
 
it's super easy. if you have a long and narrow enough screwdriver you can just unscrew the middle part right away, instead of unscrewing the top part (closer to the eyepiece) first to reach the middle part.
 
now you have me thinking about doing the modification to my fs100 viewfinder-a tool i NEVER use.


ymmv.

be well.

rob
smalltalk productions
nyc
 
robfilms said:
now you have me thinking about doing the modification to my fs100 viewfinder-a tool i NEVER use.


ymmv.

be well.

rob
smalltalk productions
nyc
Click to expand...

I actually use it way more than my Small HD DP6, but I shoot a lot of handheld and the shortened loupe is a must for that. Different style of shooting I guess. The thing I never use is the side handle, that just throws your camera way off balance IMO.
 
robfilms said:
now you have me thinking about doing the modification to my fs100 viewfinder-a tool i NEVER use.


ymmv.

be well.

rob
smalltalk productions
nyc
Click to expand...

you'll use it if you shorten it. once shortened it doesn't rotate or tilt quite as easily, and the fs100 feels and looks better too. like gene i actually rather like the efficiency of a screen doubling as a viewfinder.
 
Another user who did this mod on the otherwise unused 'chimney' - definitely the way forward for HH R&G.

However - one point for fellow ham-fisted non-DIY folks who shouldn't be trusted with a screwdriver... (blush)

There's a bit of glass inside the optical bit, and it's POLARISED. So if you get carried away and tape the top bit to the bottom bit and DON'T line things up, there's a possibility that your screen will look black. That's when you rip it apart before the glue cures, turn it round 90 degrees and re-attach.

It's really easy to spot as the glass has a baffle that lines up with the screen, but 'measure twice, cut once'.

I bring this up because, when in the original position, the polarisation seems to be 'one click in' from 'none', almost as if it's there to improve the contrast of the LCD panel when magnified in a dark environment.
 
For the little bit of effort, this is one of the best mods you can do for your FS100. I used to mutter under my breath if I had to use the useless chimney but shortened it's a joy to use. I just undid the screws, removed the mid section, and gaffered it back together. Easy to reverse if for some bizarre reason I decide to put it back the way it was.
 
Jeff Kirkland said:
For the little bit of effort, this is one of the best mods you can do for your FS100. I used to mutter under my breath if I had to use the useless chimney but shortened it's a joy to use. I just undid the screws, removed the mid section, and gaffered it back together. Easy to reverse if for some bizarre reason I decide to put it back the way it was.
Click to expand...

Agreed totally.
 
MattDavis said:
I bring this up because, when in the original position, the polarisation seems to be 'one click in' from 'none', almost as if it's there to improve the contrast of the LCD panel when magnified in a dark environment.
Click to expand...

I was wondering if the polarization was to protect the LCD panel from focused sunlight. (Does it?) But your explanation makes more sense.
 
ANYONE using the Sony Stovepipe viewer might want a Shooting Machine SWIVEL-ATOR
Look at this picture

swivelator.jpg $65

The eccentric "ears" permit up down travel to approx 90% and full left right axis rotation. Just back off the scews, adjust viewer
and tighten down. Screen is locked. Thats right, put the viewer wherever you like it and it STAYS there.

Sony asked us for this. Customers were complaining about "face chasing" the viewer. They provide a clamp for limiting up/down swivel - (the thumb wheel on the top surface) but nothing to ARREST left/right swivel

ENTER THE SWIVELATOR stops unwanted swivel. https://www.shootingmachine.net/products/fs700-swivelator

Made of solid Mycarta plastic, a rare expensive material formed of canvas fabric. We thought it was required to create friction with plastic camera base.
turns out any plastic would have sufficed! Get your first batch Mycarta version while supply lasts. Next batch will be Delrin!
 
Here's the tutorial I made to shorten the loupe. I now use the hairy side of the velcro to stick the loupes together . I then seal the light leaks by wrapping a silicone wrist band (or any cool looking strap) at the connection. Keep the spare tube. You'll need it when you sell your camera.
https://vimeo.com/38820982
 
I didn't have to take the frame out. I had a long phillips that fit well and just went slow and the screws came out fine and not messed up. I secured mine with velcro on top and bottom and on each side but after using it a bit, I'm ready to make it permanent. I think I'll go get a black glue stick for wifes high temp glue gun and glue it in place with that. I only used the long loupe once but now that its shortened, I use it all the time now.
 
I'm not finding any source for the round type lenses (I assume it is made of plastic, easy to cut).

As is, my diopter is at the limit of its range to adjust for my eyesight, and it could stand an added lens to make things just right.
 
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