Simple way to attach Hoodloupe to Canon T2i

[Lenilenapi]

I found a cheap and flexible way to attach my hoodloupe to the Canon T2i.

I already use giottos sliding quick releases on a number of different platforms like my tripod, a monopod for handheld and another head I use on a slider. With the same quick release for all three I can quickly move the camera between them.

I noticed that with the Giottos sliding plate on my Canon, the hoodloupe sits snugly right on it up against the LCD. So I tapped a 1/4-20 hole in the hoodman in the appropriate spot and added a second 1/4-20 screw to the plate. Bingo! It’s a perfect mounting system and easy to remove.

To be sure I don’t have light leaks I added just one loop from the Hoodman cinestrap and ran it around the flash housing. Then so I could quickly remove the hoodloupe I found some 1/4-20 screws that you can grab with your fingers so you don’t require a screwdriver all the time.

I don’t know if the tapped hole in the hoodman will last though. Its just plastic so I’m careful not to tighten it too much. But so far so good.

With a 5D or a 7D the hoodloupe wouldn’t sit on the plate. So you would need to make a little plastic or metal shim that you could screw into the hoodman with small screws, then tap the 1/4-20 hole into that. Still would be pretty simple and flexible.

I used the Giottos but on the T2i that sliding plate covers the battery compartment so you might be better with a Manfrotto 577/501PL type sliding release plate as its narrower. Though with a shorter plate (Manfrotto or Giottos) you would need to extend the channel in the plate to make it long enough to reach the hoodloupe.

It’s hard to find hand tighten-able screws though. If anyone is interested drop me an email as I did find them through the Giottos distributor.

You can't use it with the pistol grip though so that's one area where the Hoodman crane is still the best way to go. Also use the crane if you don't want to be taking the loupe on and off all the time.

By the way I don't have a zacuto to compare with but for my money the houdeloupe 3.0 with the new Mag eyepiece is more than adaquate for judging focus with the Canons. No vignetting and bright sharp image with diopter adjustment - its great. On a side note if you add the little hoodriser attachment it works great on an EX-1 as well. In fact on the EX1 I prefer it to an EX3 viewfinder because the color peaking function doesn't work well on the EX3 while its very effectivee on an EX1.

Lenny Levy

 

[Jordan_S]

For the 7d, an alternative is to buy an lcd shade, remove the side shades, and secure the loupe to the top shade with rubber bands. Add one rubber band across the front of the shade frame to hold the bottom tight. Double up a sweat band on the business end of the loupe for comfort. Total cost: $13.

 

[evanbutson]

Heres my approach for the LCDVF, a quick release for a bicycle lamp mounted to my CPM Filmtools cage allows the magnets for thr LCDVF to be used for precise registration but the heavy lifting is done by the bracket, and it clips off in a second if I dont want to use it.

 

[Lenilenapi]

Jordan, Can you attach some pics of that set-up?

 

[Arielv13]

Agreed. Jordan, pix would be a great help. I have a hoodman 3.0 already. The $20 bands for the hoodman is REALLY unimpressive. I like your idea though.

Arielv13

 

[Jordan_S]

Here are some pictures. Obviously, black rubber band will look better. But the important thing is that it's tight and strong. The rubber band across the bottom of the frame is crucial. When you remove the transparent screen protector, you'll see that it was held by strong double-sided tape strips. I considered using these to help permanently adhere the loupe and the shade but didn't want to get involved with glue. So, it's not the prettiest but it does work well. I keep a thin screen protector on the lcd screen to protect against scratches.

 

[Lenilenapi]

It ain't pretty but if it works..... Does anyone make an lcd shade for the T2i. I couldn't find one when I looked a while ago.

 

[Jordan_S]

When I had first checked for a 7d shade, sellers were only offering ones for the 5d. I wrote to a seller and told him how I believed there would be a market for such a thing among 7d owners. He responded to say they were working on it. I'd imagine it's the same story for the t2i; keep checking eBay.

Now that it has proven itself as a solution, I think I may ditch the rubber bands and simply attach it with wide black cotton tape. I've read of 5d owners gluing theirs but I just can't imagine that lasting too long.

 

[Arielv13]

Thanks for the pic. I think I'm going to give this a go.

 

[Jordan_S]

Update: I decided to ditch the rubber bands. First, I removed the remaining (top) portion of the lcd screen. Then I applied super glue to the bottom rim of the Hoodman. Thirty seconds later, they were strongly joined. So far so good after one use. It looks much more professional now, like it was made this way.

 

[Jordan_S]

 

[treynolds]

I use a hoodman loup with the run and gun kit from iDC.
http://www.idcphotography.com/kart/index.php?p=catalog&parent=35&pg=1

I picked this up from the owner of iDC at NAB this year for $400 with the loup and follow focus. I cant say enough good things about this rig. It is my go to kit for every shoot i do with my t2i. At the time i purchased it nobody but hoodman was making a loup that fit on the t2i and this kit was still cheaper than any follow focus i could find. Since then other companies have produced other cheap solutions but i have been nothing but ecstatic with my rig.

The only thing i would like to add is a larger eye cup but i have been having trouble finding one i could be sure would fit. Any ideas?

Now if you use a grip on your camera this will not work with it but that hasnt been a problem for me.

 

[freyguyproductions]

For the 7d, an alternative is to buy an lcd shade, remove the side shades, and secure the loupe to the top shade with rubber bands. Add one rubber band across the front of the shade frame to hold the bottom tight. Double up a sweat band on the business end of the loupe for comfort. Total cost: $13.

I used a similar method except I glued the Loupe to the shade, and used a univeral 3" shade so it will work on any 3" LCD. It only cost me $10.
Here's the video tutorial, as well as links to parts used, and a detailed step by step guide to the build.

The Hoodman Loupe now pops on and off just like a Zacuto Z- Finder, and the loupe still fits in the case after the modification.