C100: Z-Finder Pro for C100

dont you guys think the LCDVF BM version will not only be a lot cheaper but also a LOT lighter?
I've decided back then to go for the LCDVF with my Sony a99 cause it wasnt too heavy for the tiltable TFT. That gave me a lot of freedom.
I think with my C100 I'd also use with the LCDVF... no Z-bands and you should still be able to tilt the screen.
 
dvxkoji said:
dont you guys think the LCDVF BM version will not only be a lot cheaper but also a LOT lighter?
I've decided back then to go for the LCDVF with my Sony a99 cause it wasnt too heavy for the tiltable TFT. That gave me a lot of freedom.
I think with my C100 I'd also use with the LCDVF... no Z-bands and you should still be able to tilt the screen.
Click to expand...
I own the LCDVF and have also used the Z-finder. LCDVF is my preference due to speed of attachment/removal and size/weight. The screen does still fall down with it though.
I have attached a thin cord from the finder to the tape measure screw, works much the same as the Z-bands except I can vary the angle by adjusting the string length.
 
I just got my C100 z-finder pro. I like it but can totally see how having a LCDVF that can be attached and removed quickly can be a better advantage. I just didn't want to stick anything on the LCD but I am still questioning my choice. The z-finder is not that easy to remove and install. But great optic!

The optic is so good that I can see white pixels ("hot" or "stuck" pixels?) on my LCD. Something that is very hard to see without the z-finder but looks like little dust perks ( they are not though) inside the LCD. I made a couple of google researches and read about stuck pixels... Anybody else experiencing this?
It is so small that it is not a problem really, but I am curious to see if people with a z-finder experience that too...

My z-finder also have a different skirt that seems to allow larger batteries. I will try to post pictures soon.
 
mtnski said:
I own the LCDVF and have also used the Z-finder. LCDVF is my preference due to speed of attachment/removal and size/weight. The screen does still fall down with it though.
I have attached a thin cord from the finder to the tape measure screw, works much the same as the Z-bands except I can vary the angle by adjusting the string length.
Click to expand...

Does the LCDVF cover the screen properly? The magnification is 2.2x vs the 1.8x of the Z-finder. Can you adjust the diopter at all or is it fixed? Does the flip screen close properly with the sticky frame attached? I'd love to try this option as it seems much cheaper and more convenient to take off/put on. Would love to hear your thoughts on it compared to the Z-finder in terms of sharpness and performance of the optic. Thanks!
 
Just got my C100 Z-Finder on Friday. What a difference it will make to filming! Here's some initial thoughts from me...

Currently the rubber bands seem to be doing a great job with holding it at an angle, in place. Whether this will change over time as they become stretched, I'm not sure... but at the moment, touch wood, they are doing the job exactly as they are supposed too.

Krick, you mentioned it was not easy to remove. It slides on and off very easily, in my opinion. A matter of seconds to remove and reinstall. I'm very happy with it.

I love being able to use the built in screen as opposed to having to get a 3rd party VF. Love the wave form monitor so for me this seems almost ideal. It looks a bit dumb when you use it but I'm not too concerned about that as long as I can get the shots I want.
 
After 6 months use, for me, the Z band thingies suggest a "raid the parts bins" design approach.

They worked on the original DSLR Z Finders, but look like lazy thinking on the C100 version to me - "that'll do" rather than, "that's fab."

They will hold the loupe at any angle while the camera sits statically on a set of legs. But put your eye up to it while you're shooting and you'll find it flopping all over the place. It only really works with the LCD flat down.

I think it needs a support system from underneath, rather than horizontally above. You can stick a solid unadjustable wedge under the LCD, but I'm wondering if a wedge-shaped something exists out there that is easily adjustable.

Maybe just a set of 2 or 3 wedges to cover the usual angles? Anyone got a (more elegant) idea? A mini gas strut?

Cheers,

Ben.
 
FWIW, I picked up a Sony RX10 simply because I couldn't resist a 24-200mm 2.8 Zeiss lens for field use.
I used it for just that purpose on a TV shoot last week - a forest, snowy two horse sleigh scene.
The only thing that didn't work out wonderfully with the coverage from the RX10 was the EVF in the bright sun and deep snow.

When I got back to the studios I remembered I had an extra plate that came with the LCDVF we just got for a BMPCC in the kit.
I say this because like the C100, the RX10 has a tilting screen and while the LCDVF covers the screen perfectly the weight pulled it forward from the body.
A quick shim between the VF and tripod plate worked fine, but later I cut a 1/2" x 1/2" tab of velcro and stuck it in the upper corner of the screen back and voila.
 
akivisuals said:
Does the LCDVF cover the screen properly? The magnification is 2.2x vs the 1.8x of the Z-finder. Can you adjust the diopter at all or is it fixed? Does the flip screen close properly with the sticky frame attached? I'd love to try this option as it seems much cheaper and more convenient to take off/put on. Would love to hear your thoughts on it compared to the Z-finder in terms of sharpness and performance of the optic. Thanks!
Click to expand...
The LCDVF covers the whole screen but you need to place the metal frame very carefully as it only just covers it.
There is no adjustment to the diopter but there are threads so you can add additional lenses for correction.
The screen does not quite close properly. This was my main hesitation in buying the LCDVF but its actually not a problem.
I've not compared the Z-finder and LCDVF in a close enough time frame to compare them optically but both were nice in their own right.
 
I bought a bunch of replacement Z bands. Both of my originals broke under working conditions quickly. I feel this is not up to Zacuto normal specs. The hood does not cover the screen properly, so I have to remember to move it around to make sure I'm getting my full frame cropping. While I am disappointed, it's vastly better than Canon's screen , which is unusable in bright sunlight. Having worked with the XF305 LCD I'm really amazed at the poor quality monitor that Canon put on this very expensive AVCHD camera. But I do love so much else about the camera. Canon, just do it right, please.
 
Anyone have a solution to prevent the frame from scuffing up the LCD screen? I've only put mine on 3-4 times and it's already scuffed the plastic edge of the screen.

Cheers.
 
You can use an Israeli arm to secure it. Erik Naso posted a video about it. Looks very solid.
 
Got mine today, and it appears as though they've upgraded the bands. Were the previous ones elastic? Because the ones I got were all rubber: a lot stronger, to the point where I can comfortably press my eye down and they actually slowly pull the loupe up, though I assume this will stop as they become stretched with time.
 
Would Zacuto's Z-Finder made for Black Magic Pocket Camera work on the C100? If so this would be another alternative for a lightweight, easily removable viewfinder, although the frame the attaches to LCD screen would prevent it from closing. Has anybody tried to see if it works?
 
So, I wound up trying all the alternatives. First, I bought the Hoodman from a DVXuser member and it didn't perform to the standards of the Z-finder I was using with my 5D3. Next, I picked up an LCDVF for the BMPCC at NAB. While that one worked pretty well as far as the sharpness and ease of use, I found that it would get accidentally knocked off the camera ALL the time. I mean, dozens of times a day. I shoot a lot of run and gun events so I'm constantly moving and the LCDVF just wasn't a good choice for this style of shooting. Finally, I bit the bullet and picked up a Z-finder and you know what? I should've just gotten it in the first place. It's sharp, built well, and won't fall off at the slightest tap. Sure, the rubber band thing is a bit ghetto, but hey, it works. Take it from me, the guy who had to try all the alternatives... Just get the Z-finder from the beginning and save yourself some headaches.
 
Have you tried using the internal vf of the c100 with an aftermarket eyecup? I picked up a 14.00 zacuto eyecup from bandh and it has performed marvelous. Puts the camera right in the comfort zone in terms of hand holding and does a great job at blocking out light
 
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I don't like it, as the viewfinder LCD is still garbage. Colours are so off that exposure becomes very difficult. Focus is doable, but it's not comfortable.
 
Thanks for the input so far, I use the C-Cup for the view finder which works great. Hoping someone with access to Z-Finder for the BMPC and a C100 can verify it works. Have reached out Zacuto and waiting to hear back on Monday.
 
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