Where do you find these? I saw them mentioned on the XL1 watchdog site, and looked on Transvideo's site, and couldn't find anything. I like the hoodman, but sometimes it hurts more than it helps, and I'd like to try one of these chamois slip-ons.

I looked on Jeff's site. . .can't find 'em. Found what he was talking about though, the icuff. I'm actually talking about the ones Chris has pictured on the watchdog site, right under the picture of the hoodman--anyone know what I mean?

I got one locally. My second one.

BECAUSE THEY KEEP ON COMING OFF.

Here's a link (http://shop.store.yahoo.com/cinemasupplies/eychamsmal.html).

It's worth pointing out that they are essentially a disposable item, they will get dirty and nasty especially if you are sweating. On set, we usually switch them once a day or once every two days. I'm not that sweaty a guy so I can go a little longer than most. For personal use like on your own camera, you can probably use them for several shoots. As you can see on that site, they are between $6 and $8 a pop. It becomes a financial issue of whether they are worth it. I will tell you that they are MUCH more comfortable than the standard rubber eyecup on the color viewfinder. I'd recommend getting a couple to start and see if you can justify the expense.

This is one of the areas where my job has its perks--I've managed to siphon off handfuls of chamois from the expendables drawer at work over the year so I'm covered for a long time! We use the circular version for Panavision, but I simply cut down the XL1 teardrop rubber eyecup to match the chamois and I'm good to go.

ZGC offers them at $5 each. Mine has not slipped off, it's a tight snug fit on the viewfinder eye cup, definatley feels better on the skin, especially in these hot humid months.

What about the iCuff, Josh? I use one, and it's just awesome, much better than the Hoodman model. Keeps it's shape perfectly and feels great against the skin.

I must admit I have the Hoodman as well and don't like it! I may have a misshaped one, but it never seems to fit right and snug. So sometimes lets light get in from the side. A right pain in my backside at the best of times!!

Yeah. . .maybe I'll look at the icuff, says it's made for those with glasses. . .like me! The chamois on the watchdog fits OVER the teardrop part of the rubber eyepiece. This isn't the same thing you have then, charles?

Righty o. If you check out that link, the ones that I can pocket are the Panavision version, which is round. Rather than jump through hoops trying to sneak in orders for the XL1 teardrop version, I realized it was going to be easier just to modify the eyepiece to accept the round style, of which I probably have 30 or 40 in my closet. I had a spare rubber eyepiece section from my old XL1, had to replace it when it sold the camera because the original had melted a bit and didn't look all that good. Cutting it down actually improved things!

Otherwise, it's the same device, different shape. I've never had any issues with not having the teardrop shape. But again, this is all because I could get the round ones for free.

I like the teardrop--it keeps the sun out of your eyes usually, depending on which side you have it--also a big problem that the hoodman didn't address.

Know what I just tried? I took the furry part off the hoodman, and left other part secured. It seems to work pretty well--here in the house anyway. We'll see about in the field.

The chamois I got from ZGC does go over the rubber teardrop. I can take a photo of it on my camera if you like.

"I may have a misshaped one, but it never seems to fit right and snug."
You're right Christopher, you do have a misshaped one, but don't fret, theyre all like that...very disappointing, especially when Hoodman's cost can't be over a dollar or two. I quit using mine but I have new hope with the others mentioned here.
Randy

<<<-- Originally posted by Andrew Petrie : The chamois I got from ZGC does go over the rubber teardrop. I can take a photo of it on my camera if you like. -->>>

I think I'm not being clear; wouldn't be the first time!

I've seen and used the teardrop chamois, it's perfect. The thing is, I personally have free access to quantities of the round chamois, so it was more cost effective for me to make those work by modifying my eyecup rather than have to buy the teardrop version for $5 each. I wouldn't expect others to go down the same road, unless they have that same access.

I still don't see the bid difference between hoodman with the furry part removed and the i-cuff. I'd be less annoying about if the damn thing weren't $50.

XL1 with $5 chamois:
http://www.northarc.com/~synetic/images/xl1s_1.jpg
http://www.northarc.com/~synetic/images/xl1s_2.jpg

Chamois up close, it looks white due to the flash:
http://www.northarc.com/~synetic/images/xl1s_eyecup_1.jpg
http://www.northarc.com/~synetic/images/xl1s_eyecup_2.jpg

Josh, you must be kidding. I got both the i-cuff and the Hoodman, and for me it's no doubt that the i-cuff is the best choice. It keeps it's shape perfectly and gives great comfort, so I don't use my Hoodman at all any more. Even with the furry part removed from the Hoodman the i-cuff is superior.

I am surely not kidding, good sir. It seems all right to me. I shall give it a field test tomorrow, and we'll see.