Zacuto DSLR Rig

Dan Chung · May 26th, 2009, 03:43 AM

Nigel,

Better get one of these then Google Translate

Just kidding!

Dan

Dan Brockett · May 26th, 2009, 01:25 PM

Nigel:

If you can wait until around June 22, let's meet up and go shooting and you can try out the Z-Finder for yourself.

Dan

Nigel Barker · May 27th, 2009, 01:30 AM

I dunno. I would be worried that I really liked the Z-finder & then be frustrated that I needed to wait another 6 weeks before I could buy a V2:-)

Seriously, it is a great idea to meet up. We will have the manual aperture firmware upgrade by then so you can really enjoy using my 'L' lenses & perhaps even 'enjoy' using my Hoodloupe.

Toenis Liivamaegi · May 27th, 2009, 04:20 AM

We are working on an alternative to the Z-Finder V2 ;)... in stock in 4 weeks. Stay tuned.

Wayne Avanson · May 27th, 2009, 09:18 AM

Just as an aside. I got my icuff this morning and it instantly makes using the hoodloup much easier.
OK so it still doesn't magnify and is still a little too dark, but so much easier.

Just thought I'd mentio

Avey

Jon Fairhurst · May 27th, 2009, 10:58 AM

The main problem I find with the Hoodloupe is that your eye needs to be exactly centered to get good results. Any offset, and the image smears terribly. I'd love to get an eye cup that helps me center from the get go. Fortunately, once you learn this about the Hoodloupe, it's not hard to recognize the offset problem and to adjust. Then again, it's yet one more thing to divert the operator's attention.

Vladimir Chaloupka · May 27th, 2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sean Seah

Thanks a lot for the update! Definately a good reference for me to put my $. I have also been deliberating over the redrock micro kit. Do u find the kit a little high up for shooting? I only require 5-8sec shots for rack focusing normally. I simulated a redrock rig and found that my arms will get tired pretty quickly compared to something like the Zacuto sharpshooter rig. I like the solution below but I am thinking of making do without the loupe sometimes.

http://www.redrockmicro.com/cartpics...20_0271_lg.jpg

I saw the rig photos from Glenn Elliot and I think he is right about having the handles at a position that is slightly higher than waist instead of chest level. I like to listen to your feedback on the comfort of using the redrock micro shoulder kit without the z finder. Thanks again!

Could you make a comment on this as well?

Hi Sean, I'm finding the Red Rock quite comfortable as I kind of tuck my elbows against my body and that helps support the weight. I did place an order for some extra rods that I could I could experiment with as longer handles (but I think it's good to have your hands higher so they are close to your focus controls, exposure lock and exposure compensation, etc...) The Zacuto looks really solid as well, I don't think you can go wrong with either setup.

Ray Bell · May 27th, 2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Fairhurst

The main problem I find with the Hoodloupe is that your eye needs to be exactly centered to get good results. Any offset, and the image smears terribly. I'd love to get an eye cup that helps me center from the get go. Fortunately, once you learn this about the Hoodloupe, it's not hard to recognize the offset problem and to adjust. Then again, it's yet one more thing to divert the operator's attention.

I mounted a eyecup from the Sony PD-170.. it works great..

the part number is 3-087-515-01

Nigel Barker · May 27th, 2009, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray Bell

I mounted a eyecup from the Sony PD-170.. it works great..

the part number is 3-087-515-01

I did a quick search & that would cost me just under $100 including shipping.

Dan Brockett · May 28th, 2009, 08:17 AM

While the Z-Finder isn't cheap, to me, being able to comfortably and accurately focus and see the LCD clearly in bright daylight makes it totally worth the cost. For those of you on the fence or not happy with the Hoodman, go for the Z-Finder (V2) when they become available, you will find that it makes having the 5D MKII a much better experience overall.

Dan

Wayne Avanson · May 28th, 2009, 08:39 AM

Nigel,
I find with the iCuff, I can move it around a little as I press my eye to it (it is a kind of stiffish material) and it makes it easier to get that central position on the Hoodloup. That AND it's comfortable and blocks out the light.

Dan,

i think I'd like to get a ZFinder sometime in the future and enjoy the 5D2 experience more. For now though, I'll have to stick with the Hoodloup and I'll wait to see more reviews from the good people here.

Avey

May 27th, 2009, 09:18 AM	#50
Wayne Avanson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lancashire UK Posts: 496	Just as an aside. I got my icuff this morning and it instantly makes using the hoodloup much easier. OK so it still doesn't magnify and is still a little too dark, but so much easier. Just thought I'd mentio Avey Last edited by Wayne Avanson; May 28th, 2009 at 08:35 AM.

May 27th, 2009, 10:58 AM	#51
Jon Fairhurst Inner Circle Join Date: May 2006 Location: Camas, WA, USA Posts: 5,513	The main problem I find with the Hoodloupe is that your eye needs to be exactly centered to get good results. Any offset, and the image smears terribly. I'd love to get an eye cup that helps me center from the get go. Fortunately, once you learn this about the Hoodloupe, it's not hard to recognize the offset problem and to adjust. Then again, it's yet one more thing to divert the operator's attention. __________________ Jon Fairhurst

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May 26th, 2009, 03:43 AM	#46
Dan Chung Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Beijing Posts: 665	Nigel, Better get one of these then Google Translate Just kidding! Dan

May 26th, 2009, 01:25 PM	#47
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	Nigel: If you can wait until around June 22, let's meet up and go shooting and you can try out the Z-Finder for yourself. Dan

May 27th, 2009, 01:30 AM	#48
Nigel Barker Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Norwich, Norfolk, UK Posts: 3,531	I dunno. I would be worried that I really liked the Z-finder & then be frustrated that I needed to wait another 6 weeks before I could buy a V2:-) Seriously, it is a great idea to meet up. We will have the manual aperture firmware upgrade by then so you can really enjoy using my 'L' lenses & perhaps even 'enjoy' using my Hoodloupe.

May 27th, 2009, 04:20 AM	#49
Toenis Liivamaegi Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tartu, Estonia Posts: 579	We are working on an alternative to the Z-Finder V2 ;)... in stock in 4 weeks. Stay tuned.

May 28th, 2009, 08:17 AM	#55
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	While the Z-Finder isn't cheap, to me, being able to comfortably and accurately focus and see the LCD clearly in bright daylight makes it totally worth the cost. For those of you on the fence or not happy with the Hoodman, go for the Z-Finder (V2) when they become available, you will find that it makes having the 5D MKII a much better experience overall. Dan

May 28th, 2009, 08:39 AM	#56
Wayne Avanson Major Player Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Lancashire UK Posts: 496	Nigel, I find with the iCuff, I can move it around a little as I press my eye to it (it is a kind of stiffish material) and it makes it easier to get that central position on the Hoodloup. That AND it's comfortable and blocks out the light. Dan, i think I'd like to get a ZFinder sometime in the future and enjoy the 5D2 experience more. For now though, I'll have to stick with the Hoodloup and I'll wait to see more reviews from the good people here. Avey