Color LCD viewfinder

March 6th, 2002, 08:14 AM

Does anyone know how to release the XL1 viewfinder?

Rob Lohman · March 6th, 2002, 09:57 AM

It is in the manual. But you unscrew the viewfinder assembly
with the big "screw/wheel" thingy. Then unplug the cable and
slide the whole unit off (disconnect the micophone first)

Chris Hurd · March 6th, 2002, 11:42 AM

Push the EVF assembly off the end of the mounting rail with firm but gentle pressure. There's a detent to hold it in place; you just need to delicately push the EVF over that detent to take it off. Firmly but gently is the key.

March 6th, 2002, 11:57 AM

Thanks guys!

fargograf · March 11th, 2002, 08:22 AM

I've never used a color viewfinder. I'm curious as to whether people find it helpful or distracting. I've heard that it's not as crisp or contrasty as most B&W viewfinders?

Thanks.

Vic Owen · March 11th, 2002, 07:03 PM

With the color viewfinder, you're seeing a small LCD display, with the resultant pixel limitations. The B&W viewfinder is basically a small TV, with a larger screen than the color viewfinder. The B&W is clearer and better for critical focusing, albeit at a *much* higher price. For work on sticks, a color LCD display like the Varizoom is a good compromise.

Ken Tanaka · March 11th, 2002, 10:44 PM

I second Vic's remarks. I have both the color lcd and the b&w viewfinder. Here's my take, in brief, on each.

B&W:
- All the accuracy and adjustability that you'd expect on a pro cam's viewfinder. (It actually is a pro viewfinder made by Ikegami.)
- Displays the entire image.
- Sucks power like a hungry calf. Can reduce your battery capacity by 1/3.
- Confounds the XL1s' battery level indicator.

Color LCD:
- Lighter weight.
- Low impact on battery performance.
- Underscans the true image (rather dramatically).
- Not really as tough to focus with as some reports suggest.
- Good for handheld, auto-focus work.

Mike Butler · March 20th, 2002, 06:12 PM

If I had to choose just one, I think I'd stick with the color...for the abovementioned reasons so eloquently laid out, plus when I used to shoot with a B/W VF (on a S-VHS analog cam) I lived in constant fear that my white balance would be or get out of whack. It is comforting to peer through the Canon stock VF and see that all is still well (and even better, if you want to go quick and dirty, and play with the W/B by eyeballing it, you can get reasonably close with it.)

John Fitzpatrick · April 4th, 2002, 07:35 AM

I am a user of the Lightwave System Isolator (great item). The one thing that did make me uneasy was the strain put on the veiwfinder connector. Still no problems, but I can see the day will come. Has anyone every had a break there? Any sugestions and/or tips?

Fitz

Chris Hurd · April 4th, 2002, 08:13 AM

It does seem to stretch that cable to its limits, but I haven't yet heard from anyone who claims a malfunction as a result. I recall speaking to Leslie about a year before he died, how he told me how hard he worked on that design to get every last millimeter of extension possible without over-stressing that cable. He was well aware that he was stretching it just short of its limits. It would be nice to have a short extension available from Canon USA.

P.S. -- Yes, I *have* heard of one breaking, see Adam Wakely's post below. I had forgotten about that!

Bill Ravens · April 4th, 2002, 09:15 AM

Just think of the possibilities. With a long coil cord and a helmet mount.....well, that would look close to a Borg appendage, don't ya think?

Charles Papert · April 4th, 2002, 10:29 AM

Here's an obscure one--by any chance has anyone heard of an extension for the B&W viewfinder? I'm guessing the connector on the end of it is an Ikegami setup, which means it probably shows up on other of their viewfinder assemblies. Anyone?

Adam Wakely · April 5th, 2002, 02:35 AM

Please read my previous post...

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=783

Bryan Coleman · May 29th, 2002, 02:36 PM

I read on Watchdog many moons ago that Canon would replace their wimpy viewfinders that were prone to pixel burn, with a more substantial one. I've had pixel burn on mine for about a year but havn't been able to find down time long enough to send it to Canon for a replacement.

Now that I've the time, Canon is saying they don't know of any agreement to replace the viewfinder for no charge.

Any suggestions what to do??????????????
thanks,
Bryan

Chris Hurd · May 29th, 2002, 02:51 PM

Hi Bryan,

The EVF replacement program was limited to only those cameras manufactured April 1998 or earlier. The program was in effect for one year and expired in April 1999. This was supposed to give everyone who had an April 98 camera (or earlier) enough time to get the fix.

Since then, the XL1 and XL1S color viewfinders have been built differently to prevent the sunburn problem that would occur within only a few minutes of direct exposure to the sun. Although the endurance of the viewfinder is much better than the early cameras, direct sunlight should still be completely avoided as stated on the yellow warning label on each viewfinder.

If your XL1 was manufactured after April 1998, then you may be looking at paying for the cost of the repair or replacement. However if your camera is dated April 1998 or earlier and still has the old, larger-diameter eyecup opening, then you might try asking them if they'll replace it. Good luck,

March 6th, 2002, 08:14 AM	#16
Monkeplonk Posts: n/a	Viewfinder Does anyone know how to release the XL1 viewfinder?

March 6th, 2002, 09:57 AM	#17
Rob Lohman RED Code Chef Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Holland Posts: 12,514	It is in the manual. But you unscrew the viewfinder assembly with the big "screw/wheel" thingy. Then unplug the cable and slide the whole unit off (disconnect the micophone first) __________________ Rob Lohman, visuar@iname.com DV Info Wrangler & RED Code Chef Join the DV Challenge \| Lady X Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Buy from the best: DVinfo.net sponsors

March 6th, 2002, 11:42 AM	#18
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Push the EVF assembly off the end of the mounting rail with firm but gentle pressure. There's a detent to hold it in place; you just need to delicately push the EVF over that detent to take it off. Firmly but gently is the key. __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

March 11th, 2002, 08:22 AM	#20
fargograf Regular Crew Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 42	color viewfinder I've never used a color viewfinder. I'm curious as to whether people find it helpful or distracting. I've heard that it's not as crisp or contrasty as most B&W viewfinders? Thanks.

March 11th, 2002, 07:03 PM	#21
Vic Owen Major Player Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 540	With the color viewfinder, you're seeing a small LCD display, with the resultant pixel limitations. The B&W viewfinder is basically a small TV, with a larger screen than the color viewfinder. The B&W is clearer and better for critical focusing, albeit at a much higher price. For work on sticks, a color LCD display like the Varizoom is a good compromise. __________________ -- Vic Owen --

March 6th, 2002, 11:57 AM	#19
Monkeplonk Posts: n/a	Thanks guys!

March 11th, 2002, 10:44 PM	#22
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	I second Vic's remarks. I have both the color lcd and the b&w viewfinder. Here's my take, in brief, on each. B&W: - All the accuracy and adjustability that you'd expect on a pro cam's viewfinder. (It actually is a pro viewfinder made by Ikegami.) - Displays the entire image. - Sucks power like a hungry calf. Can reduce your battery capacity by 1/3. - Confounds the XL1s' battery level indicator. Color LCD: - Lighter weight. - Low impact on battery performance. - Underscans the true image (rather dramatically). - Not really as tough to focus with as some reports suggest. - Good for handheld, auto-focus work. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

March 20th, 2002, 06:12 PM	#23
Mike Butler Machinist Mate Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Southern Connecticut Posts: 644	If I had to choose just one, I think I'd stick with the color...for the abovementioned reasons so eloquently laid out, plus when I used to shoot with a B/W VF (on a S-VHS analog cam) I lived in constant fear that my white balance would be or get out of whack. It is comforting to peer through the Canon stock VF and see that all is still well (and even better, if you want to go quick and dirty, and play with the W/B by eyeballing it, you can get reasonably close with it.) __________________ I ain't straight outta Compton, I'm straight out the trailer. Cuss like a sailor, drink like a Mc. My only words of wisdom are just, "Radio Edit."

April 4th, 2002, 07:35 AM	#24
John Fitzpatrick New Boot Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Albany, NY Posts: 14	Viewfinder attachment cord I am a user of the Lightwave System Isolator (great item). The one thing that did make me uneasy was the strain put on the veiwfinder connector. Still no problems, but I can see the day will come. Has anyone every had a break there? Any sugestions and/or tips? Fitz

April 4th, 2002, 08:13 AM	#25
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	It does seem to stretch that cable to its limits, but I haven't yet heard from anyone who claims a malfunction as a result. I recall speaking to Leslie about a year before he died, how he told me how hard he worked on that design to get every last millimeter of extension possible without over-stressing that cable. He was well aware that he was stretching it just short of its limits. It would be nice to have a short extension available from Canon USA. P.S. -- Yes, I have heard of one breaking, see Adam Wakely's post below. I had forgotten about that! __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day! Last edited by Chris Hurd; April 5th, 2002 at 08:13 AM.

April 4th, 2002, 09:15 AM	#26
Bill Ravens Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: santa fe, nm Posts: 3,264 Images: 10	Just think of the possibilities. With a long coil cord and a helmet mount.....well, that would look close to a Borg appendage, don't ya think?

April 4th, 2002, 10:29 AM	#27
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	Here's an obscure one--by any chance has anyone heard of an extension for the B&W viewfinder? I'm guessing the connector on the end of it is an Ikegami setup, which means it probably shows up on other of their viewfinder assemblies. Anyone? __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

April 5th, 2002, 02:35 AM	#28
Adam Wakely Quantum Productions Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Port Coquitlam, BC, Canada Posts: 161	Mine broke!! Please read my previous post... http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?s=&threadid=783 __________________ Adam Wakely, Quantum Productions

May 29th, 2002, 02:36 PM	#29
Bryan Coleman Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: santa cruz CA Posts: 47	Canon no longer replacing thier viewfinders? I read on Watchdog many moons ago that Canon would replace their wimpy viewfinders that were prone to pixel burn, with a more substantial one. I've had pixel burn on mine for about a year but havn't been able to find down time long enough to send it to Canon for a replacement. Now that I've the time, Canon is saying they don't know of any agreement to replace the viewfinder for no charge. Any suggestions what to do?????????????? thanks, Bryan __________________ Bryan Coleman Santa Cruz CA

May 29th, 2002, 02:51 PM	#30
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,368 Images: 513	Hi Bryan, The EVF replacement program was limited to only those cameras manufactured April 1998 or earlier. The program was in effect for one year and expired in April 1999. This was supposed to give everyone who had an April 98 camera (or earlier) enough time to get the fix. Since then, the XL1 and XL1S color viewfinders have been built differently to prevent the sunburn problem that would occur within only a few minutes of direct exposure to the sun. Although the endurance of the viewfinder is much better than the early cameras, direct sunlight should still be completely avoided as stated on the yellow warning label on each viewfinder. If your XL1 was manufactured after April 1998, then you may be looking at paying for the cost of the repair or replacement. However if your camera is dated April 1998 or earlier and still has the old, larger-diameter eyecup opening, then you might try asking them if they'll replace it. Good luck, __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!