Vision Problems using Live View

Although I have wanted to be able to have video and still equipment I am having a very difficult time using the Live View for focusing. Does anyone use a different viewer that works?

I really miss the zoom and viewfinder of my old Canon L2.

I have progressive trifocals and need every single distance so can't just get glasses for close viewing of the Live View Screen.

Are you using an LCD loupe like the Hoodman or Cavision or Zacuto? I have the Hoodman and it has a diopter adjustment and I'm able to use it with or without my glasses quite well.

As Kin notes, an optical viewfinder adapter makes using the LiveView screen much easier to use from a number of perspectives.

My biggest visual handicap (I'm very nearsighted and wear progressive lenses) has turned into a minor advantage with these viewfinder screens: when my glasses are off my focus distance turns my naked eye into a 2X loupe. But I have to admit that if I don't use that trick or don't have a viewfinder, it is indeed very difficult to use the Live View for critical focus.

Thanks, guys!!! I just ordered a Hoodman and Cinema Kit!

Well, I have the Hoodman with Cinema Kit and I'm not sure I like it at all. I like to keep a strap on my camera which makes the Hoodman set-up a real pain. You have to take the toggles off the rubber strap to fit them around the camera so its not exactly easy on, easy off. Also, I'm not sure I am really focusing properly.

The set-up for the Zacuto makes much more sense but for $375 at B & H I would have to know it really works before ordering. Does anyone else use the ZACUTO?

Has anyone tried fitting a Hoodman onto the Zacuto frame?

My Zacuto purchase will occur after my tax refund is filed. Until then I'm getting by with the Hoodman (I built my own straps for it). I don't think the Hoodman Loupe and Zacuto share a common form factor - the Zacuto finder is designed to mate with the frame, the Hoodman just has a relatively thin rubber piece that is meant to be held against the viewscreen (really by hand, the straps are a hack).

The Zacuto finder is, by all accounts, worth the money if you are serious about shooting video -- it is a professional accessory and priced accordingly. It is rugged, has great optics, and actually magnifies the image (which the Hoodman does not). I'd have one today if I didn't have to do things like eat.

Thanks, Dave,

What kind of straps did you come up with for your Hoodman?

I have some narrow flat elastic that I put through the cinema kit rings that I can tie at the front of the camera body. That is what I really don't like about the Hoodman with the kit. It cannot be removed and replaced quickly. I have been thinking about just what would work, instead, for a couple of days.

The narrow elastic has worked but far from ideal. I've tried a few configurations of narrow velcro self sticking straps but they don't work as well as the elastic.

I'm rigged up with some elastic cord. My original design is detailed here: http://dmg-photography.com/blog/2009/06/hoodloupe
I've since modified it so the attach points are on the top and bottom. It is much simpler to attach and detach. (I can upload a photo if you are interested.)

That said, it probably would not meet your needs. I tend to keep the viewfinder on the camera about 90% of the time. I've even reconfigured my camera bag so that it stays on in the bag. When I don't want it, I just unhook the left side and it dangles there, waiting to be strapped back on. It really isn't suited for changing.