Z Finder

EWS

EWS

Active member
Not looking to stir up the debate between the HoodLoupe or other similar products, but looking to see if anyone here has actually tried the Z finder with the GH1. Looking to pick up the new version if there are no issues with the fit and mounting. I know it seems expensive, but I think for a lot of work it may become one of those pieces of gear that you were glad you bit the bullet on and bought.
Zacuto lists the Interior Dimensions of Z-finder at 62.20mm x 47.30mm, but since I don't actually have the camera yet, can anyone with a GH1 verify that this would fit correctly? Steve Weiss replied on Phillip Blooms Blog that
"Now about all of these screens that flip and tumble like the GH1. Since the Z-Finder adheres to the screen it will move with it as the screen moves, so that problem is solved."
Click to expand...
Not sure I really understand how this mounts to the lcd screen.
Anyway I dropped an email to Zacuto, but I have done so in the past and never gotten a reply.
Thoughts
 
just got the latest z-finder with the gh1 attachment... i'm sorry to say the attachment protrudes below the bottom of the camera body, so you can't attach any tripod adapter whatsoever. even a small manfrotto still tripod quick release didn't work...

so until i see a set of risers or some sort of solution to solve this, this is almost a novelty. it will be fine for shooting handheld outdoor. but that seems to be about it...

hmm.... on the bright side, the thing looks spectacular when in use! wow. i would like to figure something out. anyone have any ideas?
 
senomar said:
just got the latest z-finder with the gh1 attachment... i'm sorry to say the attachment protrudes below the bottom of the camera body, so you can't attach any tripod adapter whatsoever. even a small manfrotto still tripod quick release didn't work...i would like to figure something out. anyone have any ideas?
Click to expand...

Hmm...I'm using a Manfrotto 394 with the Z-Finder and it fits fine butted up against the protruding Z-Finder mounting plate. Can't open the battery door using the 394, but no huge deal.

Found that with the weight of the Z-Finder the LCD has a tendency to swing open pretty easily. Other than being annoying, figured that could put a strain on the hinge over time so got some Z Bands and put one on the unhinged side to hold it in place. Now thinking about putting a little super glue on one of the Z Band balls because they fall off pretty easily when taking the Z-Finder off.

It's a nice unit.
 
i'll defintely be getting one of those... so much for using all my other heads. thanks for the tip!

i got the z-bands too... they seem to do a good job. i don't think i'd use the unit without them. it seems like the lcd would just crack off the first time i wasn't paying attention and it swings out
 
Because I lost my right eye, I would like to know if the eyecup can be adapted (rotated) for left eye view.
 
I know I'm dredging up an old post, but I wanted to get some additional feedback from those who use the z finder. Specifically, how well does it add to your shot stability? I'm looking at all my options to help stabilize filming while walking and I hear the z finder does this pretty well.

For those who've used it for a while... does it add significantly to your stabilization ( for 20mm and 50mm) and has the frame held up well attached to the GH1?
 
One of the advantages of the GH1 over a traditional video-DSLR, is that it comes with a built-in electronic viewfinder that works while shooting video. ;)
 
swyzlstyx said:
One of the advantages of the GH1 over a traditional video-DSLR, is that it comes with a built-in electronic viewfinder that works while shooting video. ;)
Click to expand...

How's that built-in eyecup thingy workin out for ya? :)

As far as adding to the stabilization - yes, it definitely does help. That said, I think the Z-Finder is kind of a luxury on the GH1. I find it most useful for shooting outdoors in very bright conditions. Can you get along without it using the electronic viewfinder? Definitely. Would I buy it again? Maybe not, but can't say I regret having one. Having the eyecup and additional magnification comes in handy. Plus it never hurts to have an additional point of stabilization and it works very nicely combined with the Zacuto rigs.

Definitely wouldn't use it without the Z Bands for the reasons stated in my earlier post and others. Can't really comment on how well the frame holds up because it hasn't gotten what I'd consider heavy use. However, I haven't had any problems with it.
 
Thanks tflak. I emailed Zacuto and they offered me a discount for the GH1 but I'm still on the fence... not sure how much I'd use it since I like to shoot when the light is good... early morning or late afternoon or evening. I rarely shoot mid day in bright conditions. I've just heard a lot of talk about how it helps stabilize walking shots so I was curious. Thanks for the additional feedback.
 
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