C100: Z-Finder Pro for C100

Spartacus said:
One thing really annoying is not being able to magnify the EVF, when the LCD is open. But it has to be open, since Waveform won't be displayed in the EVF... So especially on bright sunny days, where you would need both a light blocking EVF and a waveform, your left with opening and closing the LCD back and forth.
So I´m really looking forward to the first reviews of the Zacuto C-loupe, my main concern would be ergonomics:
With a simple third party rubber eyepiece, the C100's EVF is perfect for tugging in your elbows and distributing the weight of the camera back on your body, while your head and the camera also can "bond" firmly.
The loupe creates distance to the body, the cameras center of gravity moves in front of your body and you have to slightly lift the C100, because of the lower position of the LCD and because the Zbands won't hold the LCD with loupe at an angle.
But hopefully I´m thinking wrong here and it still balances nicely.
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I've had it for a week and it has drawbacks. Primarily it shifts the weight forward and makes the camera less stealthy and harder to handle. The Grip, which is comfortable to me without the zfinder, becomes a bit awkward. The further the camera is out in front, the less natural it feels to slip your hand under the strap and hold it. It bothers my wrist to be 100% honest. I have actually requested an RMA from Zacuto but I have been so busy with projects I haven't shipped it yet....and us such I am having second thoughts. What to do? What to do?
 
Paul Frederick said:
This seems like an alternate solution:

http://www.hdwarrior.co.uk/2012/12/30/canon-c100-with-hoodman-loupe-and-4-hood-riser/

Another user says in the comments of the above link to use rubber bands instead of the velcro strap to attach it to the LCD screen and it will not droop out of place. Think I may go this route. Cheaper then Zfinder and you wont need those Z-bands.
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Paul, I went the Hoodman route a few months ago since the Zacuto product wasn't available. It works but I don't feel like the loupe/riser combo keeps even focus across the LCD screen and as mentioned, it does tend to move around a bit with the Velcro strap. I'm interested in the Zacuto product if it performs well.
 
Imho the nature of the C100 LCD will make it difficult for any loupe not to cause it to droop. I've been used to fixed screen DSLRs with a LCDVF viewfinder so I guess I can adjust to having the C100 LCD more or less in 2 positions. Some form of loupe is something I can't live without unfortunately...:undecided

Waiting for that review first!
 
My very brief experience with the Z-Finder is I don't need the the LCD to stay in the in-between position. The C100 viewfinder doesn't move at all. I don't see how any loop would without a locking arm that attached to the loop and body instead of the bands.

I don't think a perfect solution to a difficult design is possible.
 
I'm watching these Zacuto for C100 threads with interest. I bought a Hoodman HD450. It fits on awkwardly and is easily moved out of place if nudged. The LCD hinge stopped it going on snug so a quick mod with a sharp knife and I've cut the edge of the Hoodman. Now you are able to wrap the hoodman all around the LCD edge I've found its just a bit too short to go all the way around. Frustrating! If you do manage to bodge it into place, its light enough to angle the LCD without weighing it down.
 
What is the general opinion of this Z-Finder?
If I'm shooting outside, is this my best option - I'm all for a cheap option, been using an Ebay knock off on my 550D for years now that works just fine to magnify and cut out the light.
 
hello,

i got myself the c100 z-finder and have one issue with it.. when i turn the diopter wheel nothing changes... i have - 3,5 on both Eyes and i cannot tune it to my short-sightedness.. i looked insight and maybe there is some glass missing..because turning the red wheel you can see the frame inside moving towards and backwards to the front glass.. but inside this frame there is no glass..
so did i receive a defective unit?

if someone could check this for me this would be great...
thank you..
 
As a very cheap alternative does anyone have an opinion on or knowledge of something like the Petrol Deca Mini Hood? A few years ago I created a DIY version for my JVC HD-100 LCD that worked quite well though it was about twice as deep as the Deca.

http://www.petrolbags.com/product/0/PA1018/_/Deca_Mini_Hood

I don't shoot a lot of handheld footage so I don't need the "3rd point of contact" benefits that the Z-finder offers. I also know however, the Z-Finder would be better at blocking all light out.
 
I tried the z-finder for C100 at NAB2013 and I was a little bit underwhelmed, especially when we are talking a $400 piece of gear. that z-band thing is just not going to do it. I may have tried an early prototype so take my comment with a grain of salt...
 
Curnsie said:
As a very cheap alternative does anyone have an opinion on or knowledge of something like the Petrol Deca Mini Hood? A few years ago I created a DIY version for my JVC HD-100 LCD that worked quite well though it was about twice as deep as the Deca.

http://www.petrolbags.com/product/0/PA1018/_/Deca_Mini_Hood

I don't shoot a lot of handheld footage so I don't need the "3rd point of contact" benefits that the Z-finder offers. I also know however, the Z-Finder would be better at blocking all light out.
Click to expand...

I have the version for the HVX and tried it on the C100. Besides it being a little too small and the rubber bands not fitting due to the centered hinge it worked. Of course it will hold off some light, but for bright outsides I guess it should be way deeper - and that's why I also didn't use mine on the HVX that much...
 
Anyone else able to comment or review this? I really want something to use for my next wedding, but yes, the price is steep if it doesn't work well.
 
iggy097 said:
Anyone else able to comment or review this? I really want something to use for my next wedding, but yes, the price is steep if it doesn't work well.
Click to expand...

I just rented it to shoot a short this weekend. I was thinking about the buying the Z-finder without testing it, but I didn't have time to get it before the shoot. Lensrentals.com has it. For some stuff I do, I NEED a loupe. I have the hoodman "kludge" with the extender, etc. and it got me through some shoots, but the Z-finder is MUCH better. It stays on w/o shifting, the focus is even across the screen, and over all it was pretty great to have. The Z-bands work primarily to hold the viewfinder in certain positions, but as soon as you apply any pressure, the screen moves. I find that they are most useful to relieve some strain that may be on the VF hinges from the additional weight, and to keep it from slamming into the camera body if you leave it in a weird position. After renting it and testing it out, I will buy it.

-JL
 
If you've used the Z-Finder on a DSLR it's pretty much the same experience. I don't think the Z-Bands are designed to hold the finder in the mid position. Like Lemur states it's more to help take the strain away from the hinge. I was shooting a bit on a tripod without smashing my face into it and it worked well. I liked it. I'm thinking if I can make a wedge to keep it at an angle for when I need it to stay in that position that would be cool. Haven't figured that one out. I'm keeping mine I think it will come in handy a lot.
 
I decided to keep mine also. It isn't perfect but it really, really comes in handy on some outside shots. I guess I was thinking I'd be leaving it on 100% of the time but that is not how it is going to work. Once I came to terms with that I guess I kinda like it. Unlike a DSLR, the C100 can be handled fairly comfortably without a loupe....so I guess it's all good!
 
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