Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

I was wondering if anyone has used Eye Cushions on their Canon XA20 such as the Bluestar Eye Cushions. If so what size do you use?

Any help would be greatly appreciated :)

EDIT: If anyone has the Canon XF100 - Could you tell me if the veiwfinder is the same size as the XA20. If so I know that the Bluestar Small Round 2011 will fit.

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

I emailed Bluestar to find out if any of their eyecushions will fit. They say that the that the Extra-Small Round 2010 will most likely fit. They are sending me one to try.

According to their website the Small Round 2011 fits the Canon XF100.

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

I'm not a hundred percent certain but I am starting to believe that the eyecup on the Canon XA20 is the same as the one on the C100.

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

My sample Bluestar Extra-Small Round Eyechusion has arrived!

It is quite fiddly getting it onto the viewfinder but once in place it seems to be a perfect fit.

The biggest issue I am having is with the 828 batteries. With the eyecushion attached the viewfinder can be pushed in with a 820 inserted into the camera and not touch the eyecushion. However the same cannot be said with an 828 in the camera.

Other than that it really helps prevent light leak, improves comfort tenfold thus making the viewfinder very useable in the field. I’m going to give in a few tests in the field and if I’m still impressed I’ll be ordering a bunch :)

I’ll post images if anyone is interested.

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

Thanks for the update. I would l love to see a picture.

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

Yes please Paul.

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

Okey dokey this is the Bluestar Ultrasuede Microfiber Eyecushion in the Extra Small Round (2010) on my Canon XA20. Note you can get the eyecushions in Chamois, Ultrasuede Microfiber and Fleece in a range of colours.

Sorry about the depth of field I didn’t have enough light to stop down further. But as you can see from the image the entire viewfinder can be seen through the eyecushion.

http://mrpaulinglis.com/img/BSXA20-001.jpg

This is the viewfinder angled with the 820 battery in place. It doesn’t touch the handle :)

http://mrpaulinglis.com/img/BSXA20-002.jpg

Again with the 820 battery. The viewfinder is full extended here.

http://mrpaulinglis.com/img/BSXA20-003.jpg

The viewfinder is closed with an 820 battery in the camera. It’s a perfect fit.

http://mrpaulinglis.com/img/BSXA20-004.jpg

Now this is the viewfinder closed with an 828 battery. As you can see it hits the battery. However once you pull the viewfinder out it takes less than a second to straighten the cushion out.

http://mrpaulinglis.com/img/BSXA20-005.jpg

Obviously the eyecushion is held on the length of the viewfinder (the sides – not top and bottom). It is well secured once in place. The Ultrasuede Microfiber has a rubber type texture to it which makes it a little fiddly to get on but once on it’ll stay on. I’m certain the Chamois and Fleece will slide on easier from past experience with my SonyEX-3.

This is the same eyecushion recommended for the Canon C100 ;)

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

Thanks Paul, that is very helpfull.

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

thanks for the pictures, nice work! the regular small gives a larger "eye hole" and pretty much the same external diameter
extra small : 2.80" outside diameter; 1.26" eye hole diameter
small round : 2.75" outside diameter; 1.625" eye hole diameter
oval small : 3.75x3" outside size; 1.875" eye hole diameter

the problem is the battery. Yes it will adjust when pulled but come on ... it looks bad when there is the 828 battery. The eye piece of the XA20 is actually very well made, a huge step compared to the XA10 that reminded me..oh well...I can't say it in here, but it reminded me of other stuff. :)

Re: Canon XA20 Eye Cushions
 

I don't use the viewfinder on my XA20. Instead I use a Hoodman viewer on the fold out screen. I also use a brace that is offered by B&H

Go onto the B&H website and enter: DODL0307 into the search box. It sells for just over $20.00 plus shipping.

This gives you three points of stability... your left hand on the brace.. right hand holding the camera ... the point of contact with your eye and face with the Hoodman.

This past fall I shot for 12 days in North Western Europe and the XA20 really performed in an outstanding manner. 20 x shots with the brace and the stabilization turned on in the camera really produced some outstanding close up shots. With the Hoodman, the brace and the excellent color reproduction of the XA20 we captured some outstanding images in spite of the poor weather. It rained most every day and we were shooting against a gray sky most of the time.

Take care

Ronnie