I feel so slighted.....ha.

Cleaning EVF Lens
 

In hot and humid Singapore, I managed to get some perspiration on the EVF lens. I was able to clean it up reasonably well using lens tissue and cleaning fluid, however the lens is recessed inside the EVF housing and access is difficult. I would really like to get inside to give it a proper cleaning.

I can remove (and replace) the rubber eye cup no problem, but then there is a plastic housing that looks a bit trickier to deal with. Does anyone know if this is supposed to be easily dismantled (and how to do it)? If not, any other tips for cleaning the EVF lens?

Richard

Viewfinder problem with brand new XL2
 

I just purchased a new XL2 and received it via parcel post yesterday. It's a wonderful piece of kit, but there seems to be something stuck in the viewfinder. Please have a look at some pictures I took at http://canonxl2.shutterfly.com and let me know if you have any ideas on what the problem may be and what I can do to fix it. I need to use the camera this weekend, so sending it back isn't really an option.

Thanks in advance!

Steve,

Don't get mad for me saying this, I'm really trying to help.

You know that the viewfinder has a button on the bottom that lets you swing the eyepiece optics up and out of the way so that you can view the 2" LCD display in the viewfinder directly.

It looks like a piece of packing tape is still between the viewfinder optics and the viewfinder screen.

If you already confirmed this isn't the case, I apologize, and I can't make out from the pictures what it might be.

Push the release button on the bottom side of the EVF as Patrick describes, and flip it open. You should be able to pull that thing right out, whatever it is.

Unfortunately, it's more complicated. I have the same problem, but as I usually use the flip-up screen it's not a big problem.

At first, I assumed it was some kind of framing aid, but there's no button/switch to activate it! It looks like a metal cutout that swings down in the viewfinder (it's inside the unit, between the lenses).

If anyone could shed some light on how to get it to move
, I'd also be greatly appreciative.

Mine came like that to..

It's sealed between the last two lense's and can't be removed with out taking it apart..

I fixed mine by undoing the 3 srews at the top of the viewfinder and then carefully took out each part till I got to the final lense at the bottom ..It's a t shape bit of plastic with a small adhesive strip on one side and to this day have no clue to where its from..I just removed it and have had no problems since..

15 minutes job done...

Thanks for the updates. In just over a year's worth of XL2 reports, this is the first I've heard of such an issue.

Don't want to hijack the thread but I'm curious (not having my hands on an XL2 yet), I know the VF flips up, but can the flip up section be removed completely?

I also have a new XL2 with the same problem but not as bad as the above posts. The black metal shim has rotated and in the bottom of the viewfinder you can see that the shim is not horizontal.

Assuming so far that it is only being noticed in new camera's, it must be a manufacturing defect.

I will take mine back to Canon next week

Viewfinder Fault
 

Got my new XL2 today : )
However looking through the viewfinder there seems to be a fault.
It looks like a side piece of the viewfinder has become detached inside the actual viewfinder?
Is this a sealed unit or has anone opened a viewfinder up yet?

http://photobucket.com/albums/v463/a...Viewfinder.jpg

There is a metal shim or mask inside the viewfinder that comes lose and moves around, in my case the metal came down in the centre of the picture.

Canon service have ordered a new viewfinder, although they could have glued it back in place, with the high heat and humidity in Hong Kong I insisted that the viewfinder be replaced. The metal appeared after only one week from purchase.

Check earlier threads as I remember somebody had pull the viewfinder apart and repaired it

Good Luck

Checkout this thread

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=52021

Thats the exact problem, I might have another go at removing it.
Got scared the first time and quicky put it back together.

How to calibrate XL2 viewfinder
 

Hi...sorry if this may have been posted elsewhere. Just got my XL2 and was wondering how best to set up the viewfinder. Any tips most appreciated

Ian,

Check out this link...

http://www.greatdv.com/cameras/adjustvf.htm

Although it doesn't specifically use an XL2, you can use this as a start. Just remember, your LCD color viewfinder is never going to be accurate compared to what you capture on tape and what is displayed on a calibrated studio monitor.

Hope this helps.

Kevin

Thanks Kevin.....as a newbie, I am totally in awe of the info and advice on this forum

Seperate XL2 EVF!
 

Anyone know the price, or where I can get the standard colour EVF for the canon XL2?> I am getting the redrock micro with the image flip, and want a second VF which I can open up and flip the LDC around 180 degrees inside the housing.

Might be a neat solution.

Matt

It's available as a replacement part directly from Canon, should be around $500 USD or so.

Man, that's as much as I paid for the M2.

Anyone hear of the FU 2000 External VF for the XL2? Seems neat... (Not the CRT, but it's a little LCD on a cable).

I think it would be cool if someone (hopefully Canon's listening) designed an LCD that mounted in the place the current EVF is mounted/connected. It could attach using the same mount and they could make it like 4.5-5 inches - now that would be great.

The FU 2000 is like that, but I want to know if it attaches to the XL2 or jsut the XL H1

XL H1 only. It is not compatible with any of the earlier XL models.

GAH! It seems like such a great little screen!

Hmmm. Slowley running out of options....

I'm just curious, what happened to your original XL2 color EVF? Because your XL2 was supposed to ship with one in the first place. Wait a minute, this isn't for an XL1 or XL1S, is it? Because the XL2 color EVF is *not* backward-compatible with the XL1 or XL1S.

Hey Chris, go back to the first post. He wants a spare to modify(physically flip the LCD) for use with Redrock Adapter.

-gb-

D'oh -- poor comprehension on my part as usual. Thanks Greg,

Yeah, I am cool with the idea of flipping the LCD around, but I want two different VF's so that I have a MICRO35 one and a regular XL one.

I think it would be a good way around this lens-flipping issue, but they are fairly expensive....

Hmmm...

Chris, I tried canon (canada) today, and they said they do not deal directly with customers and I must go through a vendor... any suggestions (most vendors say I must go through Canon!)

Well, I am at my wits end. I have spent almost 4 hours today trying to find a colour EVF for the XL2. My question is, what happens if you lost it? Let's say, somehow, you manage to lose your EVF? I can't find a replacement from any store (even B&H) or direct from Canon (they don't sell to public).

I didn't lose it, but It's the same situation. I am willing to pay good money for a colour EVF (I can't even find a product #) but there are none to be found.

Confused.

Check out http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1118843366546 It mounts perfectly on the back of the XL2 with the XL2's mounting bracket, weighs about a pound, and is battery powered ~5 hrs. It might not be exactly what you're looking for, but it's worth checking into. It also has image flip and is native 16x9. So far it's worked great for me. About $170

Thanks wesley. I have a similar TV by Oslon (7inch, 16:9) but the 234 lines of res do not really lalow for focusing, hence I want an XL2 EVF. I am surprised I can't get one anywhere.

Matthew

not sure if this is true for video as well but with still cameras you can order parts from canon. The only issue is that generall you can order them only if you know the part numbers. There are PDF's on the next for all still cameras and lenses with the part numbers and people have no problem buying them.

Did you try to call canon support as well ?

Another option would be a local photo/video store that sells canon or one of the fine dealers that advertise here and sell canon.

I can't find the part number for the EVF and none of my local retailers carry it either... kinda strange. I think we have stumbled into the black-hole of the XL2.... the colour EVF... does it exist? Only time will tell!

have you tried just putting your viewfinder on the right hand side? it might save some trouble. i dont have any problem with shooting on the other side

Hey andrew, I tried that and the flipped-up VF part interferes with the zoom rocker. It also doesn't stay in place very well. Clearly it wasn't designed to do this. I also have a lot fo hand-held experience so switching sides is like throwing it all out the window. I just feel there should be a way to shoulder-mount normally and get the 35mm look. I am willing to spend the cash on an EVF but can't find one. Also, would love to find instructions from someone who has already opened one up... make my job a bit easier

Just call Canon and tell them what you want. They'll have the part number, price and everything. I've called and ordered extra cords for charges, battery covers (those little plastic covers that DON'T come with aftermarket batts), lens caps etc.

I tried that but they have told me they do not sell directly to the public. Maybe it's just a Canon Canada problem...

Just wondering if you have tried calling 1-800-OK-CANON. That's the number I called to buy replacement parts for my XL-2 and lenses. The only problem I had was the price, but I was able to get the parts.

-gb-

Hey, thankee Greg, I'll give them a shout. I spent all day on the phone with Canon today and they kept giving me the run-around... this is turning into quite the Saga!