Zacuto Z-Finder V2 Observation
 

Hello Everyone!!!

I am interested to find out if anyone else has the same experience as I do with Zacuto Z-Finder V2. I have noticed that when I used Z-Finder V2 for a period of 20 seconds or more, the glass is perspiring and it becomes difficult to focus. Then I would take my eye off the Z-Finder for a moment and the condensation will disappear pretty fast, however it does affect the shot.

Has anyone had this happen and if you did what is the solution?

Thank you.

I shot with my Mark II all day on last Saturday and had the same problem. I don't think there really is a fix. Zacuto does make de-fogger wipes, but not sure how helpful they are. some people have reported the problem even after wiping.

Jerry

You could try using an Eyepiece Chamois.

Eyepiece Chamois Cushions by Bluestar - Chamois Leather, Fleece, Microfibre

Some film cameras have an eyepiece heater fitted which really solves the problem.

I have the defogger wipes and they work great for me. Chamois is the obvious professional solution and it'll probably make your eye a lot more comfortable.

Chamois
 

Any idea of which size Chamois would fit the Z-Finder V2?

Chamois are great for comfort but I'm not sure they will solve the fogging issue.

There is a great low-tech version of the heated eyepiece which involves running a tube from the your mouth to the inside of the eyepiece (yup, you'd have to cut a hole) and breathing into it during the shot. Sounds weird but it works.

The defogger wipes worked for me even in this New Orleans humidity.

Charles is once again confusing a piece of video gear with a bong.

Kids, a good lesson of what happens after a few years working in LA.

:)

Don,

You have me rolling on the floor this morning. Too funny.

D

fogging
 

Yes, the wipes are amazing. I've stuck the lens in the freezer for 5 minute and then taken it outside in the summer and no fogging. The reason it fogs is the lens is almost 3/4" thick and its glass not acrylic and your body heat is hotter than the glass. I had the option to put a defogging coating on the lens but you can't have a defogging and an anti-reflecting coating on at the same time. So I opted for the anti-reflecting because I figured you can use the wipes for fogging. Wipes are cheap and work great.
Steve

Thank you all so much for your comments and suggestions.

Yes, they only made a small difference on my Aaton V/F - the misting was just delayed a bit, presumingly preventing some of the sweat (sorry glow). There was an anti misting optic/glass brought out for film cameras, it could've used a process similar to this:

Optical Coating Technologies - Anti-Fog & Non-Mist Coatings

It might be worth following up, they may do one off's or small batches.

Steve is absolutely correct, these wipes are working well.
I hope Steve does not mind if I would say that it would have been nice to have these wipes included in the sale of Z-Finder V2.

Thank you.