mounting a monitor, but not on top

[Bill Engeler]

I've been using my 7D with both the Zacuto finder, and also a 7 inch monitor(not at the same time). I find the monitor better for holding focus, for with the Zacuto you are limited by the resolution of the camera's lcd. I also wear glasses, and if you don't press your face fully into the Zacuto, you miss the edges of the frame.

The only problem with the monitor is the placement. If the camera is at eye-level, and the monitor is on the hotshoe, it's a neck-strainer to view the screen. Does anybody have a good way to mount the monitor lower? Like directly behind the camera body, or even under-slung?

[David W. Taylor]

Behind the camera isn't too workable as it makes this cameras 'difficult balance' even worst on a tripod, particularly when also using a longish zoom lens like a Canon 70-200.
The best place is at the side of the camera, which helps keep the centre-of-gravity right. Also if you see a pro cameramen following any action with a tripod mounted camera he'll stand pretty well beside the camera with it mounted lower than head height (looking down at his viewfinder) and pan the camera 'around' his body. That way he's not moving his body around the camera but the camera around himself...saves you falling over the tripod legs as well!
I have Manfrotto dual camera mounting bar that I screw to my rails and that carries the SmallHD monitor I use. Alas you need to improvise a mount that works for the rig you've got.
David T

[Phillip Palacios]

If you have rails you can use a rail block and Noga Cine arm to position the monitor wherever you like.

[Johnnie Behiri]

A great solution if you have rails will be the "vocas monitor support" VOCAS SYSTEMS BV Item number: 0350-0410

Thanks.

Johnnie