Zacuto Z-Finder V2 :: (http://www.digitalfx.tv/blog/2009/9/15/zacuto-z-finder-v2)

Hey, Greg--a question about the loupe...does it stay attached OK? Like, if you put the camera in a bag with the loupe attached, do you knock it off easily or does it stay put OK? On the Zacuto site in their video they show the little rubber bands to hold it on in case it gets bumped. I'm wondering how sensitive that really is.

Hey, Greg--a question about the loupe...does it stay attached OK? Like, if you put the camera in a bag with the loupe attached, do you knock it off easily or does it stay put OK? On the Zacuto site in their video they show the little rubber bands to hold it on in case it gets bumped. I'm wondering how sensitive that really is.

Not Bill, but my experience is the Z finder has a good solid connection. Depending on your bag, it might be wise just to pop it off. Either that or get the z bands for added support.

I pretty much agree with Greg's review. It is a great inprovement on my previous Hoodloupe/i-Cuff viewer combination but it actually takes a day to get use to the 3x magnification. That, as Greg points out, is because it now shows up the 5D2's LCD as being pretty poor resolution.
Still you can focus accurately with the Z-finder which is the justification for paying the price in the end.
Interestingly this is the first I'd heard of a 'higher' camera mounting block now being included. I have a 'pre-ordered' Z-finder which came with only the original block and being a glasses wearer I have my focus adjust screwed right out.
I didn't get on with the Zacuto lanyard however and have a simpler, more easily unpluggable one..hated the advertising all over the lanyard as well. But then even the Canon logos on my camera are blacked out!

Mine did include both the smaller and larger frame...but no mention at all in the instructions as to why there were 2 or which one to use. I may switch to the shorter one in a week or two and see if it works with my glasses as the taller one is almost in the way.

The connection is very firm and have not had an issue with it coming off, although I wouldn't recommend casing it attached. I remove mine in my case as it takes seconds to put on. The rubber bands look like a pos imo...I would skip them.

FYI- my case wouldnt allow it to remain attached anyways as I dont have room (I am using a ThinkTank Urban Disguise 50)...so honestly I have never tried leaving it on in the case.

Greg, how bad is your vision? I'm nearsighted with a -1.5 prescription. I'm interested in picking up the Z-Finder, but am hesitant because of the larger frame possibly being an annoyance to me when using the viewfinder for shooting stills. I'm trying to anticipate if the stock frame will work with my vision.

Greg, how bad is your vision? I'm nearsighted with a -1.5 prescription. I'm interested in picking up the Z-Finder, but am hesitant because of the larger frame possibly being an annoyance to me when using the viewfinder for shooting stills. I'm trying to anticipate if the stock frame will work with my vision.

I think I am +2 plus I have an astigmatism...it sucks getting old. My vision was 20/20 until I hit 40...then steadily down hill.

I hear ya--Perfect vision, never wore glasses until I turned 40. Far sighted, which means my lenses cost as much as some camera lenses.

I have problem eyesight.... Contact lenses, left eye reading, right eye, distance, + booster half frame reading glasses, when all else fails. I'm really pleased with my Zacuto Finder, the magnification allows for easy tracking focus... Really good value.

As a point of interest, I removed the lanyard strap and Z bands. Replaced by a compact and practical DIY safety device. A loop of cord threaded through the lanyard eye bracket, about 3 in long. Two rubber bands, side by side (for extra strength & security) were daisy chained to the cord. The rubber band is stretched around the top of camera body , east west, to provide a safety link, in the unlikely event of accidently bumping the Z Finder from it's mounting frame...Works well for me.

Ron,

I've been looking for a solution like that, can you post a picture please?

Dan

Ron,

I've been looking for a solution like that, can you post a picture please?

Dan

Dan,

This should do the job!

Ron.

I once knew a man, his name was Jed...

My pre ordered ver did not come with the extra camera mounting block too. I too fine that the resolution of the LCD is not that good. I'm gonna try it on the 7D today and have a look.

Come and listen to a story about a man named Jed
A poor mountaineer, barely kept his family fed...

Zacutto viewfinder, $ 450,

Twine and rubber band, priceless.....

Now that is my kind of mod....

After spending $400.00 for an LCD viewfinder magnifier, that is probably what most of us can afford to mount it with! ;-)

I did a shoot at a research lab with my 5D MKII and Z-Finder last week, I used the freebie Zacuto lanyard and found that the lanyard method worked very well for my needs, nice to just snap it on and off as I needed it, but different strokes...

Dan

I've never had an issue with mine coming off...I use the lanyard when I want to take mine off and shoot normally.

FYI, for those with Z-Finders, Zacuto is soliciting quotes/reviews for a new reviews section of their web site. From their tweet:

Z-Finder Fans: Email ASAP any quotes/reviews w/full name + your website/blog link sue@zacuto.com ~We have a new review section!