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GH3 LCD viewfinder options
  • RatLabProductionsRatLabProductions

    I have been on the lookout for LCD Loupe options for the GH3 and since its new there are slim pickings. Since I didn't want to foul up the Varavon loupe threads I thought I'd start this thread for Loupe suggestions for the GH3.

    Carryspeed is working on a new version of their VF-3 to work with the GH3. No idea of delivery but expecting months off. Right now it looks like their current one could work with a QR between loupe and camera base to raise it up

    Varavon is also rumoured to be coming out with a GH3 solution but I have no information on it if anyone has anything to add here that would be helpful.

  • 30 Replies sorted by
  • Sph1nxsterSph1nxster

    @marciok Does the QV 1 M allow the screen to swivel out when you take off the viewfinder?

  • JackBayerJackBayer

    I´ve too just received mine and I agree, it´s awesome.

    My problem is now that it wouldn´t work properly together with my Fujinon B4 which has its own mount on the m4/3 adapter as it is quite heavy. The mount gets in the way of the QV's baseplate...bummer, I got it to use it with the B4...

    The baseplate then again isn´t really wide enough to be properly centered on my manfrotto 577 QR adapter. Once you tighten it, it´s off center, so Bye bye, Mattebox! Of course you could buy the optional railmount from Kamerar, that´ll center right up, I´m sure.

  • MarcioKMarcioK

    Kamerar released an updated version of its viewfinder, the QV-1M, that fits the GH3 and another cameras (fitted ok in my E-M10, looks like will fit too in my GX7). It's the same QV-1 viewfinder, but with a new metallic baseplate that gives some aditional clearance.

    I've just received mine, with the rails kit. VERY clear and big image, focusing is a breeze. The magnetic quick release is very good, and very firm (you have to pull it straight and with some force to remove). But at least in my unit, the diopter adjustment has no visible effect - in both extremes the image stay clear (I don't use glasses - but looks like that you could use it with glasses).

  • JiveJive

    The VF-4 is removed in seconds. Twist the knob and slide it out. Quick and easy.

    The clearance issue with the GH3 is easily resolved with a $0.30 rubber washer from a home improvement store. It adds the necessary clearance to mount/unmount the VF-4 and also adds some grip to the bottom of the camera.

  • onceuponapixelonceuponapixel

    @theshittywizard

    was considering the vf-4 as well, but didn't like not being able to remove it quickly enough when shooting to use the GH3 articulating screen for any low or high shots. The Hoodman solution I mentioned is actually working out really well. I've also got the fhughen cage and stuck a piece of rubber on the 501 plate the same height as the bottom of the cage to give that same compression fit.

  • theshittywizardtheshittywizard

    @onceuponapixel

    I've seen the diy post you're talking about. I opted to pick up a Carry Speed VF-4. I've been using it for a little while now and just been dealing with the small gap near the bottom of the view finder. It's mostly a non issue, though I've seen some DIY solutions posted on how to get the VF-4 to fit a bit better with the GH3. I might try something when I have some time.

  • onceuponapixelonceuponapixel

    cheers wizard… Emm over at cheesycam did post a diy solution awhile ago when using the viewfinder with the fhughen cage, involving a longer bolt

  • theshittywizardtheshittywizard

    @onceuponapixel I got a response from photography and cinema about this very plate you're referring to just a few days ago.

    "We have a new QV-1 plate that is going to be release the next month or the following. We are just finalizing some details, but we cannot tell you if with that plate the QV-1 will fit GH3.

    Thank you."

  • onceuponapixelonceuponapixel

    Apparently Kamerar are bringing out a new baseplate for their QV1 viewfinder that will work with the GH3 which looks promising.

    In the meantime I'am using a Hoodman loupe with the x3 mag. With a Manfrotto 501 baseplate underneath the camera and the bottom of the GH3's EVF it provides a perfect compression fit with no light leaks. Solid when fitted in and easy to pop off.

  • JackBayerJackBayer

    bump

    Any new developments on that?

  • davidp158davidp158

    I just got the Carry Speed VF4, and while the overall design and optic quality is pretty good, the fit is a too tight on my GH3. The top of the VF4 hits the bottom of the GH3's view finder. To get a proper fit, I have to loosen the baseplate, position the VF4 and then tighten the baseplate. Once in place it works well, but its very difficult to remove. I'm thinking about adding some kind of shim to thicken the baseplate. Anyone have a solution for this?

  • grisnjamgrisnjam

    The above GH3 mini-rig video is mine, let me know if you have any questions. I think the VF-4 is a better solution then the slightly cheaper Varavon Loupe due to the eye shutter alone.

  • MikeLinnMikeLinn

  • whynotwhynot

    Good to hear Sph1nxster. @Peternap Yeah ok will definitely keep that in mind, but luckily most of my live paid work I'll be using it for is in theater so no sun.

  • peternappeternap

    @whynot To answer your question, I don't thing anything is "Wrong" with it. I have one for each of my GH2's and the only issue I have is that if you leave them where the sun can get in, it'll burn a hole in the LCD.

    I'm very cautious about using them now (Yeah, happened to one camera but I had a no questions aftermarket warranty).

  • Sph1nxsterSph1nxster

    I'm using the varavon loupe for gh3. Thing is really clear, like you can see the pixels on the screen. I'm focusing much easier now and getting more stable shots as well. Feels solid, fits not too bad. Cuts off about 3% of the screen off the right hand side.

    Easy to take fully off as well. I can get mine off in less than 10 seconds.

  • whynotwhynot

    What is wrong with the varavon loupe for gh3 available from the deals here? I have just purchased one a few days after having a gut full of my unreliable evf for live work. Am not convinced about optical loupes as I've used a zacuto optical on a 5DmkIII and thought my trusty GH2 evf was better. But I hope that the loupe for my new GH3 will function better than its problematic EVF. I will let you know when the Varavon comes in.

  • peternappeternap

    I almost hate to admit I have this thing but....I have a Hoodman in my junk box I used with my 7D. It fits pretty well on the GH3 with the 7D Hood Crane. Now my hot shoe will probably fall off.

  • maddog15maddog15

    @ last_SHIFT

    I agree. Problem is any VF I've found for my GH3 has to be modified, Do It Yourself, duct tape and cardboard to "make it work" properly. Uuuugh.

  • last_SHIFTlast_SHIFT

    For almost 400 bucks it doesn't!

  • maddog15maddog15

    This looks promising...

    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/970691-REG/zacuto_z_find_gh3_gh3_z_finder_pro.html

  • Sph1nxsterSph1nxster

    Carry Speed VF-4 Is this going to work with GH3?

    http://www.carryspeed.com/products/lcd-view-finder

  • fehafeha

    I have Swivi VF3, it is not made for GH3, below is my modification for use with rig, combining articulation ("magic") arm ...

    swivi_1.jpg
    1200 x 900 - 35K
    swivi_3.jpg
    1200 x 900 - 39K
    swivi_4.jpg
    1200 x 900 - 31K
    swivi_2.jpg
    1200 x 900 - 43K
  • vicharrisvicharris

    The chinese EVF screen is not close to being as good as the GH3 screen. Also the peaking is a little hard to read. Plus, I'm sure the Varavon will be less when it's all said and done. The last one was $175. You're around $300 on the EVF after batteries are purchased. Also the eye cup on the EVF kind of sucks. Varavon's is much more comfortable.

  • kurthkurth

    ...why wouldn't you just buy the chinese evf ? Probably even cheaper !

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