Zacuto Z-Finder on gh1

Yeah it should work fine, Zacuto sells a GH1 frame. The question is why would you want it? The GH1/2 already have high-resolution electronic viewfinders. I suppose you could use it for a normal adjustable off-center viewfinder, but I wouldn't want to put too much pressure on the screen hinge by shoving my eye against it.
 
Have things changed with Zacuto and their frame?
I had an email back and forth with them about 6 months ago and the solution seemed to be quite a compromise?
For either of the Pro models you have to use a baseplate and I don't think this fitted a body as small as the GH1.
 
The PRO models come with both the frame and the baseplate. I've found the best way to communicate with Zacuto is to Z-call them.
 
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I know you can get a baseplate.
This is what I heard from Zacuto, admittedly a while ago:
You cannot use either the PRO or JR mounting brackets as the camera (GH1) is too small.
Click to expand...

You stick the frame on with adhesive, which I didn't want to do.
I must say Zacuto were friendly and helpful. I just decided the negative (adhesive) outweighed the benefits.
 
Extension, tube or something...

Extension, tube or something...

Ben_B said:
Yeah it should work fine, Zacuto sells a GH1 frame. The question is why would you want it? The GH1/2 already have high-resolution electronic viewfinders. I suppose you could use it for a normal adjustable off-center viewfinder, but I wouldn't want to put too much pressure on the screen hinge by shoving my eye against it.
Click to expand...

I totally agree. But what we constantly feel when we shot with the GH1 is that one should like to see the EVF but with some kind of extension, like a tube or something. The kamera is often hold in distance, for example if you use a Hot-rod PL-mount-handles or what they should be called.


So far we have not had the time to develop something, and I have not seen anything on the net that uses the brilliant EVF.. Anyone else that has some ideas?
 
leif_ivan said:
I totally agree. But what we constantly feel when we shot with the GH1 is that one should like to see the EVF but with some kind of extension, like a tube or something. The kamera is often hold in distance, for example if you use a Hot-rod PL-mount-handles or what they should be called.


So far we have not had the time to develop something, and I have not seen anything on the net that uses the brilliant EVF.. Anyone else that has some ideas?
Click to expand...

http://store.redrockmicro.com/EVF

http://www.zacuto.com/zfinderevf
 
chrisso said:
I know you can get a baseplate.
This is what I heard from Zacuto, admittedly a while ago:


You stick the frame on with adhesive, which I didn't want to do.
I must say Zacuto were friendly and helpful. I just decided the negative (adhesive) outweighed the benefits.
Click to expand...

Didn't realize they were recommending not using the new versions on the GH1 using the mounting brackets. In that case, I can tell you about using it with adhesive. First, it can be removed without leaving residue; not easily, but it can. It's also easy to attach. Otherwise, there are some caveats.

Once you've got it on there you lose the ability to flip the screen and close it as a protector. Not a huge deal since the frame tends to provide some protection just by virtue of sticking out from the LCD. Especially if you need to use extender frames due to eyesight.

Ben mentioned possible strain on the hinge. That's not a problem when the LCD is flat to the body. However, keeping the LCD flat to the body can be a problem. Due to the weight of the Z-Finder, the LCD has a tendency to swing away from the body when the camera is tilted to the left. Not when just mildly tilted - you need to be kind of swinging the camera for it to happen. But it doesn't take much. And that can place a lot of strain on the hinge. The solution is to use their Z-Bands. I found that one of them on the right side of the Z-Finder does the trick. Even though they fit into the Z-Finder with a ball and socket type attachment and remain tight once attached, when off they're easy to lose. So I just super glued one end to the Z-Finder. Problem solved.

I know a lot of people dismiss the Z-Finder as being unnecessary due to the GH1's electronic viewfinder and built-in magnification. Personally, I prefer the Z-Finder due to the reason leif_ivan mentioned; it not only adds an extension, but the eyecup really helps in bright light situations. And I use it a lot coupled with the Tactical Shooter so the extension factor coupled with an extra point of contact works really well. Oh..and I should mention that I have an abnormally huge nose.

EDIT: Ben, those new Redrock and Zacuto solutions look great, don't they? We're also talking big bucks and only future availability. But they're certainly more versatile and useful than the Z-Finder alone. If the Zacuto were one's choice, you could buy a Z-Finder now and be using it, and then slap it on the screen once that becomes widely available.
 
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