Flashpoint Swivi HD DSLR LCD Universal Foldable Viewfinder Version II with 3.0X Magnification

2017-12-07T09:05:41

This is a spectacular deal, the optical quality seems just fine for achieving critical focus. The adjustment range is quite good, which I needed to clear my existing cage, quick release, and rail adapter. I haven't used the included quick release plate, but it's nice to know it's available for when the camera is out of it's cage/rail system. I wish it had a way to keep the included QR plate from twisting, but using two screws could be an alternative. Some posters have mentioned a weak magnet, I don't notice any magnetic pull at all. Instead there is a tension screw holding the plate adapter to the plate, which seems to be pretty solid. Perhaps this is a design change over a previous magnet design? The build quality is adequate, with the exception of the silver ring adjusting the diopter. This seems very loose but that hasn't been too much of a problem. It seems to stay where it is placed so far. I guess a piece of tape over it would hold it if it becomes a problem, or maybe adding a washer to compress and tension it more. If this ring felt tighter I would give it 5 stars. The flip-up attachment is quite good. I am adding to the attachment scheme on mine with a piece of aluminum that attaches to the bottom of the finder holder and also bolts onto the back of my rail adapter. For my 3.2" monitor there isn't much play in the horizontal position, so accuracy of the bolt holes will be critical, but I may turn it into a slot if I miss so it can slide horizontally a bit.

Tim S.

2016-07-02T11:01:03

The fit on the back of the GH4 Panasonic camera is good and tight, once you have the main mounting screw tightened down. The optics are clean and sharp, with little or no noticeable fall-off of light at the edges of the view screen. The eyepiece is comfortable to your eye...and does not move around once your have your face flush with the viewfinder. I have shot very good video, followed action closely, with this viewfinder, and it has performed very well to my expectations. You can spend more if you like.....but why, since this unit seems to do the job nicely.

STORY D.

2016-05-15T11:36:43

Haven't used it much yet. Doesn't fit close to camera. Will evaluate after further use.

James J.

2015-04-05T21:00:00

Exactly what i needed to film in bright daylight! This thing is well built and easy to use, fits both my Nikon DSLRs as well as my Sony A7 perfectly.

MARK P.

2014-12-30T19:00:00

Works great just as described. I would have given it five stars if it would have worked with my battery grip. Now my grip will be seeing less use.

Noob

2014-08-11T21:00:00

Works great for magnifying the display of our 5D, but when mounted, the camera is then about 3/8" off of its horizontal axis. Your rail system must have some sort of lateral adjustment feature or this viewfinder won't work. We cobbled a new camera mount for the rail system to use this viewfinder and are pleased with the result.

terrence n.

2014-04-08T21:00:00

I just began video recording the messages at church, in a darkened environment. Getting the focus as precise as possible, was a challenge. With this, I can see much better, with the 3X enhancement, as well as the cupping around my glasses. my task has been greatly improved with this viewfinder. I compared other brands, and this was also the most economical. I'm very glad I made this purchase.

BRIAN W.

2014-03-18T21:00:00

Got this because I needed a sturdy high quaulity viewfinder when I shoot my films in bright sunlight. It's perfect. Only one problem, you can't connect it to a 7D that has a battery Grip on it and I use a grip all the time. I know it can with smaller DSLRs like the t3i. Other than that, great product and I would def suggest anyone who needs a good LCD viewfinder to get this one.

Tristan W.

2014-01-21T19:00:00

I am shooting a lot of DSLR video now. More than I ever thought I would. Using a Nikon 7100, I found the installation simple and easy. The results are just incredible! View screen is bright and totally covered, all graphic information present and clear. It is easily removable, and fits my Manfrotto tripod head perfectly with no modification. Very easy to focus my camera for sharp, clear results. Totally pleased by a great product!

SAMUEL P.

2013-12-09T19:00:00

I use this on a Nikon D90 with a battery grip. It fits over the battery grip and allows me to use my Sunpak quick tripod attachment. I use it all the time on this camera. By using this my mirror is always up and I don't have to worry about mirror vibration. Good in bright sunlight. Easy to put together with some minor rearranging of parts. Negative - the diopter ring needs to be a little firmer. It moves with normal handling and must be reset often to fit for my eye adjustment. It would be useful if the eyepiece could be rotated to use with portrait orientation. I found I can use it by just letting the eyepiece edge rest on my forehead and I can still see very well with that. The viewfinder does add some weight.

HalJ

2013-09-02T21:00:00

It's easy to attach and if your like me and need reading glasses you can adjust the magnification so you don't need them to see a crisp clear image.

Jeff

2013-07-01T21:00:00

This viewfinder is awesome and works really really well! It gets your eyeball real close to your screens pixels. It helps me use manual focus while recording video, and it also helps me stabilize my camera while recording video, although an over-the-shoulder stabilizer would work the best. This viewfinder also comes with a few useful features. The first is that it opens. This is helpful to get it positioned perfectly to your LCD screen or if you just don't want to get up close to your LCD screen at the moment. The eyepiece also closes. This is useful to reduce the risk of the sun's light being focused on your LCD screen, creating dead pixels. It's also adjustable in 3 dimensions, so it should fit just about any DSLR you might have!

Derek R.

2013-06-10T21:00:00

Very useful when shooting videos with a DSLR: no more trouble when focusing in Live View mode, perfect framing in bright light conditions, and cherry on the cake: give a better stability because the eyepiece is in contact with your head. Fit most cameras, even my D4.

FRANCOIS B.

2013-05-28T21:00:00

I use it to take videos of events at a state park. It makes sharp focusing much easier on bright sunny days, without glare and apparent darkening of the image on my DSLR video display. However, I cannot use it on a camera with a quick disconnect tripod bracket because the required viewer mounting bracket blocks the use of the quick disconnect, a minor annoyance.

N/A

2013-04-22T21:00:00

This is a great less expensive alternative to Z and other better viewfinders. It mounts like them on the camera bottom screw with own plate which is easy to adjust mounting. I would not consider a stick on or rubber band mount personally. Only problem here is it is a bit big for 5D mkii and covers over the buttons partially, especially power, so I use a pen to reach in and turn camera on and off. A bit of an annoyance but worth the saving for the non perfectionist. Also design less obtrusive than honking red of the Z and the flip up screen and built in eye cover are also nicer features.

TommyGun

2013-02-09T19:00:00

Robust, excellent color fidelity and also can be used perfectly using glasses. Good price. Proud to have bought

tves2001

2012-12-27T19:00:00

This works if you dont have a budget for an external monitor. They also work with cameras that have a battery grip. I just wish that the side metal that moves the viewfinder up and down was a little bit taller to accomodate thicker bigger battery grips. The hinges on the viewfinder are tight and not loose and will have a good grip as you fold it up and down. Comes with a adjustable lens inside the viewfinder. Magnification is clear and crisp. No complaints there. Comes with metal base that connects to the bottom of your camera. Very solid, is it worth the price? Perhaps not. Did I buy it? No, it came free with the bundle packaged dslr I bought. I've seen other cheaper products coming out of china but this one is by far the better one. Will not fall off and does not require you to tape/glue parts to your lcd screen. Hope this helps someone wanting to get this product. I would recommend this but if you have extra money to burn or pay a little more and go with external monitors.

BARTH A.