Review of new Zacuto Z-Finder V2

Phil Bloom · August 28th, 2009, 01:03 PM

sorry for not joining in the conversation. my notifications from dvinfo for replies is sporadic at best!

Yes the Z-Finder is not cheap and therefore not for everyone.

Mike Williams · August 29th, 2009, 10:38 AM

I have been in need of something like this. $400 will be hard to cough up since I want to buy a pocket dolly and a few other goodies.

For 90% of my shooting this will be a huge help. Doesn't matter what you are shooting, when the LCD isn't at an ideal angle you will have a hard time doing anything other than hoping you have the shot...............unless you have the luxury of a monitor.

I think I am a buyer since this is such a crucial tool for this cam. I have found my self changing my style to accommodate more straight on shots anyway :)

Ray Bell · August 29th, 2009, 02:10 PM

For those looking to get the Z-finder, Zacuto has a new video out showing the product...
It has changed a little, they now have another way to hold the finder to the camera...
they are calling them Z-bands... a nice touch, well thought out. This is a very good
video that demonstrates all of the attributes of the Z-finder for those thinking of getting
one.

Here is the site for the video...

DSLR Viewfinder, DSLR EyePiece, DSLR Focusing | Zacuto

Steve Cahill · August 29th, 2009, 04:41 PM

I did not get any Z-bands with ver 2.

Dan Brockett · August 29th, 2009, 06:20 PM

Knowing Zacuto, you will have to probably buy those extra as they are an option.

Dan

Ray Bell · August 29th, 2009, 08:47 PM

Steve, I think they are still in prototype mode for the Z-bands...

I'm sure they will be releasing them soon though.

Steve Weiss · August 31st, 2009, 08:16 AM

Just to clarify, the Z-bands are not a way to hold the Z-finder to the camera. The are just for protection in case someone bumps the Z-Finder to prevent it from falling to the ground, much like the Lanyard does. They will be available in the next few days and our an option, we haven't determined a price but it's going to be cheap. The Lanyard and Lanyard hook were included as a bonus for the pre-order customers, plus it's going to be included all through September.

Now I will address why the Z-Finder is the price it is. First, the Schnieder optics are very expensive. This optic design is two lenses that are married and is almost 3/4" thick. The build of Z-Finder is extremely robust without being too heavy. The developmental cost, prototyping and molding are very expensive and not spread over that many units mainly because we are not a volume business. Our products are made in the USA and not mass produced. We check every unit many times so it ships working and in perfect condition. This is just the type of company we choose to be and we know it's not for everyone. Plus we have the only lifetime warranty on an Optical device that I've ever seen. The lens tube is aluminum and when you rotate the red focusing knob it is extremly precise, like a high quality lens. Talk to people who have received it and ask them about the quality and how it works.

One last thing, we will make seperate mounting frames for any new & future cameras. The Z-finder is designed to work with various screen sizes and we will make different mounting frames for new cameras. The mounting frames are cheap under $10. This week we are going to release the mounting frame for the GH1.

I hope I've explained why the price is what it is, if you have further questions feel free to email me at steve@zacuto.com

Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA

Tom Daigon · August 31st, 2009, 08:43 AM

Steve, I just spoke to Jim on the phone and he said I didn't see the option for the Z bands
(when I placed my order last night) because it was determined that the new adhesion design
made them unnecessary. So I am getting 2 different stories from 2 different sources and therefore are a bit confused...

Stephen Mick · August 31st, 2009, 09:43 AM

I've looked at Zacuto products for quite some time, but only last week bought my first piece of Z-kit: the Tactical DSLR Shooter. All I can say is that the images and videos don't do this product justice, and anyone who thinks Zacuto gear is overpriced needs to hold and use one. The detail, the fit and the finish are all top of class in video support hardware.

Best of all, Steve, Mandy, Jens and the rest of the Zacuto crew are members of our community, always responsive to suggestions and ideas, and always ready to help owners get the most out of their gear.

Personally, I can't wait to use the new Z-Finder on my GH1.

Bruce G. Cleveland · September 3rd, 2009, 03:39 PM

I just got my ZFinder yesterday, let the glue cure for a day and played with it today. What a great piece of equipment. My first Zacuto purchase and I want more products. Expensive yes, but you get what you pay for and I am willing to pay more for something that is going to last.

Jerry

Dave Contreras · September 3rd, 2009, 03:43 PM

I just got mine yesterday and it looks very nice. The optics are clean and sharp and it feels comfortable on my face. I'm looking forward to playing with it a bit more tonight.

I hope it works well with the 7D as I plan on purchasing that cam as well.

Tom Daigon · September 3rd, 2009, 04:00 PM

I just got mine out of the "glue mode" and I am also very impressed with its solid design
and the increased functionality it brings to the 5D. The adhesive mount is solid as a rock.
It is a fine compliment to my UBC from iDC Photography. Very professional and utilitarian.

Dan Brockett · September 3rd, 2009, 04:54 PM

Steve:

Is it possible to affix a chamois to the Z-Finder V2 eyepiece? Just curious. Rubber is great but when you are in hot, humid environments, I prefer the chamois.

Dan

Steve Cahill · September 4th, 2009, 04:58 AM

Just be careful when using a lanyard.. It gives the false impression that the camera is around your neck, next think you know the 5D is air born. I would suggest a lanyard that goes through a wrist strap that is attached to the camera

Yes a replacement for that rubber would be welcome with a fabric covering, another accessory for the Zfinder.

I am using the quick release from Really Right Stuff to mount the camera to the Zacuto baseplate. @ Really Right Stuff ... Quick-Release Clamps with this system no need to use the riser. You will need the camera plate as well @ Really Right Stuff - B5D2: Plate for 5D MkII without BG-E6

Ray Bell · September 4th, 2009, 05:44 AM

Steve... whats the spacer you have mounted between the camera and the Z frame used
for???

August 28th, 2009, 01:03 PM	#16
Phil Bloom Trustee Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London UK Posts: 1,939	sorry for not joining in the conversation. my notifications from dvinfo for replies is sporadic at best! Yes the Z-Finder is not cheap and therefore not for everyone. __________________ Philip Bloom Cinematographer, Director, Filmmaker www.philipbloom.net

August 29th, 2009, 10:38 AM	#17
Mike Williams Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USVI Posts: 232	Run and Gun I have been in need of something like this. $400 will be hard to cough up since I want to buy a pocket dolly and a few other goodies. For 90% of my shooting this will be a huge help. Doesn't matter what you are shooting, when the LCD isn't at an ideal angle you will have a hard time doing anything other than hoping you have the shot...............unless you have the luxury of a monitor. I think I am a buyer since this is such a crucial tool for this cam. I have found my self changing my style to accommodate more straight on shots anyway :)

August 29th, 2009, 04:41 PM	#19
Steve Cahill Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 321	I did not get any Z-bands with ver 2. __________________ Regards Steve

August 31st, 2009, 08:16 AM	#22
Steve Weiss New Boot Join Date: May 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 17	Z-Bands Just to clarify, the Z-bands are not a way to hold the Z-finder to the camera. The are just for protection in case someone bumps the Z-Finder to prevent it from falling to the ground, much like the Lanyard does. They will be available in the next few days and our an option, we haven't determined a price but it's going to be cheap. The Lanyard and Lanyard hook were included as a bonus for the pre-order customers, plus it's going to be included all through September. Now I will address why the Z-Finder is the price it is. First, the Schnieder optics are very expensive. This optic design is two lenses that are married and is almost 3/4" thick. The build of Z-Finder is extremely robust without being too heavy. The developmental cost, prototyping and molding are very expensive and not spread over that many units mainly because we are not a volume business. Our products are made in the USA and not mass produced. We check every unit many times so it ships working and in perfect condition. This is just the type of company we choose to be and we know it's not for everyone. Plus we have the only lifetime warranty on an Optical device that I've ever seen. The lens tube is aluminum and when you rotate the red focusing knob it is extremly precise, like a high quality lens. Talk to people who have received it and ask them about the quality and how it works. One last thing, we will make seperate mounting frames for any new & future cameras. The Z-finder is designed to work with various screen sizes and we will make different mounting frames for new cameras. The mounting frames are cheap under $10. This week we are going to release the mounting frame for the GH1. I hope I've explained why the price is what it is, if you have further questions feel free to email me at steve@zacuto.com Steve Weiss, Zacuto USA

August 31st, 2009, 09:43 AM	#24
Stephen Mick Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 167	Zacuto Quality I've looked at Zacuto products for quite some time, but only last week bought my first piece of Z-kit: the Tactical DSLR Shooter. All I can say is that the images and videos don't do this product justice, and anyone who thinks Zacuto gear is overpriced needs to hold and use one. The detail, the fit and the finish are all top of class in video support hardware. Best of all, Steve, Mandy, Jens and the rest of the Zacuto crew are members of our community, always responsive to suggestions and ideas, and always ready to help owners get the most out of their gear. Personally, I can't wait to use the new Z-Finder on my GH1.

August 29th, 2009, 02:10 PM	#18
Ray Bell Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,414	For those looking to get the Z-finder, Zacuto has a new video out showing the product... It has changed a little, they now have another way to hold the finder to the camera... they are calling them Z-bands... a nice touch, well thought out. This is a very good video that demonstrates all of the attributes of the Z-finder for those thinking of getting one. Here is the site for the video... DSLR Viewfinder, DSLR EyePiece, DSLR Focusing \| Zacuto

August 29th, 2009, 06:20 PM	#20
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	Knowing Zacuto, you will have to probably buy those extra as they are an option. Dan

August 29th, 2009, 08:47 PM	#21
Ray Bell Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,414	Steve, I think they are still in prototype mode for the Z-bands... I'm sure they will be releasing them soon though.

August 31st, 2009, 08:43 AM	#23
Tom Daigon Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 170	Steve, I just spoke to Jim on the phone and he said I didn't see the option for the Z bands (when I placed my order last night) because it was determined that the new adhesion design made them unnecessary. So I am getting 2 different stories from 2 different sources and therefore are a bit confused...

September 3rd, 2009, 03:39 PM	#25
Bruce G. Cleveland Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Oshkosh, WI Posts: 190	I just got my ZFinder yesterday, let the glue cure for a day and played with it today. What a great piece of equipment. My first Zacuto purchase and I want more products. Expensive yes, but you get what you pay for and I am willing to pay more for something that is going to last. Jerry

September 3rd, 2009, 03:43 PM	#26
Dave Contreras Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 33	I just got mine yesterday and it looks very nice. The optics are clean and sharp and it feels comfortable on my face. I'm looking forward to playing with it a bit more tonight. I hope it works well with the 7D as I plan on purchasing that cam as well.

September 3rd, 2009, 04:00 PM	#27
Tom Daigon Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 170	Very Impressed "I can See!" I just got mine out of the "glue mode" and I am also very impressed with its solid design and the increased functionality it brings to the 5D. The adhesive mount is solid as a rock. It is a fine compliment to my UBC from iDC Photography. Very professional and utilitarian.

September 3rd, 2009, 04:54 PM	#28
Dan Brockett Inner Circle Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Los Angeles, California Posts: 2,109	Steve: Is it possible to affix a chamois to the Z-Finder V2 eyepiece? Just curious. Rubber is great but when you are in hot, humid environments, I prefer the chamois. Dan

September 4th, 2009, 04:58 AM	#29
Steve Cahill Major Player Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 321	Just be careful when using a lanyard.. It gives the false impression that the camera is around your neck, next think you know the 5D is air born. I would suggest a lanyard that goes through a wrist strap that is attached to the camera Yes a replacement for that rubber would be welcome with a fabric covering, another accessory for the Zfinder. I am using the quick release from Really Right Stuff to mount the camera to the Zacuto baseplate. @ Really Right Stuff ... Quick-Release Clamps with this system no need to use the riser. You will need the camera plate as well @ Really Right Stuff - B5D2: Plate for 5D MkII without BG-E6 Attached Thumbnails __________________ Regards Steve

September 4th, 2009, 05:44 AM	#30
Ray Bell Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,414	Steve... whats the spacer you have mounted between the camera and the Z frame used for???