I am surprised that there is not much discussion on this accessory. I just bought it to test out, and I'll write a review once I try it out. It seems like it will be awesome...or crap. I'll let you know!

Any users of this unit care to chime in?

Varavon Loupe EX-Supporter for Panasonic GH1/GH2 VALU-LPEXSGH2

Angelo

Yep, I've got one and like it. Great for bright light and the top flips out so you can still use the touch screen on the LCD. I love the look of it and use it all the time. The articulation of the loupe up and down makes it really handy and it works much better than the plain magnetic one.
However, it's a bit awkward to attach and takes up a lot of room in a camera bag if you want to leave it on the camera.
Be careful when you push the LCD in and out as there is a bit of black foam liner on the leading edge of the loupe. When I pushed it in a few times the foam liner came away.

Thanks for the review Chris,

I just received the unit in the mail today, and overall...I am very impressed. It seems to be well built, and the mechanics of the loupe hinges work well. It definitely feels like a lot of thought went in to the design. The magnets seems to hold the loupe closed securely, so I don't think it will swing open on it's own. And it's nice that the hinges lock in the open position, so when you are using the hood without the loupe, it stays open on it's own.

I am happy with the metal mounting bracket. It attaches to the camera securely and has 2 little metal extensions which hug the camera body tight enough to prevent unwanted swing of the bracket. I feel safe leaving the unit mounted to the camera, since the metal bracket should prevent unwanted movement of the LCD.

I had no idea how useful the magnifying loupe would be! It really helps you see focus a lot better - and the diopter is nice since I wear glasses. So I can set focus that is most compatible with my glasses.

While it does make the camera a lot bigger (it's about as big as the camera), if you have the right case it's not an issue.

I recommend it!
Angelo

One more thing...

After testing the Varavon Loupe EX-Supporter a bit more, I can see another huge advantage. Handheld shots become significantly more stable when using it in loupe mode for two reasons:

- The size of the loupe gives you a nice grip on the left side of the body
- Pressing your eye to the loupe adds a 3rd point of stability.

(see photo to see what the system looks like while shooting)

And since the loupe is attached to the camera body with a metal bracket, it becomes a very rigid system that is easy to hold and very smooth for handheld shooting.

Although...in the process of uploading this photo, I see that the HDMI & USB ports are completely blocked. So if you plan on leaving the loupe attached to the camera full-time - it will be easier to pull off your footage with a card reader instead of the on-camera USB. And HDMI is basically unusable while the loupe is attached due to the location of the port.

Thanks,
Angelo

Coincidentally, I just stumbled across this:
Varavon Loupe EX-Solo GH2 Support Bracket Review - YouTube

Yes the HDMI out is blocked by the loupe. Since I don't monitor at the same time I attach a loupe thats fine for me.
Great for long lens shooting as well.

I like it...
I use a battery grip on my GH2...Im wondering if the Loupe will attach with the battery grip in place.
Guess the battery grip would have to go "under" the Loupe and may slip around.
Anyone using battery grip with the loupe please post.

thank,
Jeff

This ia great loupe. I currently use a much cheaper one and doesn't perfectly fit the GH1. It is a bit too large and I have to gaff the stupid thing to keep it in place. A bit of a pain but it is worth the trouble for what it gains me. I might consider ditching it however and buying this one since it is designed for the GH cameras. It is 3x more expensive but I think it will be worth it.

The one thing I like about the one I have however is that I can also use it will the LCD against the body but flipped out. These makes the camera look great and allows me to fit it in my bag without having to detach it all the time.

Just received one this week and I used it on my GH2 on an interview assignment. This is a great accessory for the camera and everyone should look into getting one. The HDMI is not blocked if you have a right angle connector and I can see how the loupe can be used to fasten the HDMI cable from moving.

Just received one this week and I used it on my GH2 on an interview assignment. This is a great accessory for the camera and everyone should look into getting one. The HDMI is not blocked if you have a right angle connector and I can see how the loupe can be used to fasten the HDMI cable from moving.

Interesting point about the HDMI. I assumed there was no way to make it fit. I have to buy an HDMI cable, so I'll look in to the right angle models.

Regarding using the batter grip with the Loupe....

After watching the video.....I guess I could use the battery grip screw, to attach the loupe bracket to the GH2.
Gotta have my battery grip...grown to love it.

Just ordered one. I guess I better get used to using my left eye.

Just ordered one. I guess I better get used to using my left eye.

hahah

I didn't even think about that. That may take some getting used to. hummm.

Jeff

It's certainly going to be interesting Jeff.
I have a Hoodman on the 7D and an EVF on the XA10 and a prism on one of my Still cameras. I have an identity crisis.

Identity crisis for sure. haha

I bought the GH2 to "run and gun"...with all the stuff Ive got on it now it's "walk and gun" :>) I will soon need someone to help me lift it up to the tripod.

Have fun,
Jeff

Don, I use the right eye from my days in ENG and no problems with the loupe at all - in fact it feels very comfortable. I always get the comment "whats that on the camera". I tell them, show them the viewfinder and it's always "wow". It also balances the camera very well.

Well, I sort of take it back. The right angle HDMI connector fits with some fidgeting before you get the loupe on but it limits the loupe's freedom of movement as the photo will attest. I know that a camera mounted HDMI monitor and the loupe at the same time makes little practical sense but it's what I have to test it with. The HDMI plug limits the swivel to about 20 degrees.which sort of defeats the best aspect of the loupe.

Well, I sort of take it back. The right angle HDMI connector fits with some fidgeting before you get the loupe on but it limits the loupe's freedom of movement as the photo will attest. I know that a camera mounted HDMI monitor and the loupe at the same time makes little practical sense but it's what I have to test it with. The HDMI plug limits the swivel to about 20 degrees.which sort of defeats the best aspect of the loupe.


Correct, I was going to comment on the feasibility of using HDMI with the loupe after your previous post. I often look down in to the loupe, which requires it to be tilted up - which is not possible with an HDMI cable. Too bad, I could see using an external monitor at the same time as a loupe a great thing - especially with a director or crew monitoring alongside a cameraman. But, like you said, it is possible as long as you are OK with the limited range.

I recently shot an impromptu test video using the loupe. You can get an idea of how stable (or unstable?) my shots are when using a loupe during handheld shooting. The loupe becomes a 3rd point of stability - and in my opinion helps stabilize handheld shooting without a rig. Tribeca NYC - Panasonic GH2 & Lumix Leica DG Summilux 25mm f1.4 - Test Shots on Vimeo

Considering the situations I would use the loupe and the situations I would use the HDMI port, there is little reason to need both at the same time. And your footage does show how the loupe gives a very needed point of stability to the camera. Next test: the loupe and my shoulder rig.

I'm kind of excited about that too. So far the GH2 has been a tripod only affair because I can't steady it.

It works well on a Spiderbrace shoulder support. 85% as the Spiderbrace isn't adjustable but I could accomplish great walking shots while looking trough the loupe. I might shoot something tomorrow and post it.

Edit: It's raining so the outdoor test will have to wait.

I recommend this product to anyone thinking about using a GH2. It is well worth it.

OK, OK....Im convinced.
I just ordered one for my GH2
haha

Jeff (broke in Indiana) : ? )

Welllllll, I got mine and it was the fixed version. I called Amazon and raised ****. They were out of them so they subbed this one. It's on it's way back and I ordered another from a vendor that didn't offer it as prime so it will be Monday.

It's been a bad week so far. I bought an upgrade from Adobe for CS5 to 5.5 which included a free upgrade to 6. The update wouldn't load and I just found out the OEM 5 I have isn't an OEM....never buy from Ebay, never, never, never again.

Don...
I feel your pain............Ive been there more than once and hate the hassle.

Ive had good and bad luck buying from Amazon. I normally buy any new stuff from B&H and have never been dissatisfied with their service.

with your luck go here----> https://www.facebook.com/lyndadotcom/app_143103275748075?ref=ldcemail


Hope it all works out for you.

Jeff

I finally got it and have a few initial observations.

1. It's BIG.

2. The optics are clean, clear and distortion free which is a God Send after wrestling with a Hoodman.

3. It's sturdy and seems to be well made.

4. On some site, someone asked if anyone over 50 had one and was the diopter adjustable enough. I'm well over 50 and yes, the diopter seems to have plenty of adjustment.

5. Everything lined up correctly and functions like it should. If I have any initial criticism it's that the knob that locks the angle should have a light spring washer,

My thoughts to this point is that this is one of the best deals I've made in a long time.

I wish they made one for the XA10 and G10

I got mine today.....and I feel its worth the money. Especially in daylight shooting. Like, Don the hoodman was useless to me. I need the magnifier plus the shade and this offers both.

I was worried it would not fit correctly with using GH2 battery grip. The battery grip is made to "form fit" the GH2..and I cant do without it. Fortunately, the battery grip will mount "under" the loupe bracket with only 16th or 32nd inch opening......The mounting screw that mounts the battery grip to the camera is long enough to pass through the loupe bracket....so both the grip and loupe mount well and look good too.

You can take the loupe off with one thumb screw for storage...leaving the loupe mount on the camera...cool.

Good investment............but Im buying NOTHING MORE THIS YEAR!!!!...did everyone hear that ?
Unless someone has a 700000000mm 1.4 auto focus...for $19.95
...don't tell me, there's one on Ebay ??

haha
Jeff

I wish I could say that Jeff. I am moving equipment around some though, and hopefully won't spend much.

I decided yesterday to sell the 7D and at least put the money aside. I'm going to pass on Black Magic for now. There are a lot of bugs for them to work out.

There's a very good market for the 7D bodies around here so I'm going to pull the trigger and get rid of a few of the lower end cameras I got for special projects as well.

I'm going to sell all of the misc equipment I don't use (sound Mixers, Etc)

Then I'll sit back and see what shows up to improve the business.

On another site, a fellow who has one says to be careful not to let the sun shine in it for any length of time. He said it melted the bezel on his camera.

Don...
Now wouldn't that be nice. ha
Thanks for the tip.

On another site, a fellow who has one says to be careful not to let the sun shine in it for any length of time. He said it melted the bezel on his camera.

I think what you are referring to is the fact that the diopter will in fact act like a magnifying glass and burn your LCD screen.

I had it happen with a Zacuto eyepiece on my Canon 60D. This occurred even during non direct sun light, Hence the black cap Zacuto provides when your eyeball is not on the eyepiece.

I would suggest going to the Zacuto website and purchase their red eyepiece chamois. It makes for a nice comfortable fit for your eye instead of the rubber cup. Best $5.00 bucks you can spent.

I hate to sound low tech Matthew, but I use baby socks for GoPro Covers (White for HD1, Blue for HD2's) I just stuck one of them over the eyepiece.

LoL. Low tech shows you have the ability to use your brain instead of your wallet to solve a simple problem.That is the hallmark of a true artist!