Zacuto Z-Finder Optical Viewfinder for Sony FS7 Camcorder

2021-12-18T19:00:00

We shoot wildlife so are always outside. Bright light can render an external monitor almost useless. So we picked up two of these for our C70s. Total game changer. Lightweight and no need for external power, like an EVF requires. The magnification is an added bonus. Z-finder fits perfectly on the Zacuto C70 cage. One minor issue - The ability to flip the Z-finder up in order to use the LCD touch screen (primarily for touch focus) is nice, but the hinge on the bottom of one of our units failed. Seems like the Z-finder is a bit heavy to be flipping it up a lot. So now I just use the C70 joystick to focus. Not a huge deal but a stronger hinge on the bottom of the unit would make the flip up feature much more usable. Overall we are very satisfied with the build quality, value and design of the product.

David G.

Originally posted at

2021-12-02T19:00:00

I have other cameras with EVFs, including the Gratical Eye on a Canon C300 m2. It's a good viewfinder, but for my new c70 I wanted something that was compact, cable free and did not require powering. While this unit is extremely well thought out, I will go ahead and outline goods, and not so goods, after a week of frequent use. The Good: 1. Compact design that works well with the good flip screen on the C70. Optically not bad. 2. It actually makes the flip screen on the C70 stronger because of the clever swing bracket. 3. No need for power or cables. 4. Comes with extensions to help with focus distance my not so young eyes. 5. Rugged and not heavy. The Not So Goods 1. While the field of view is complete, it appears very LARGE in the viewfinder. You are going to find yourself moving your eye around a lot more to examine the frame than you would with an EVF. A bit too immersive for my taste, but I am getting used to it. 2. I wish that the two clips that secure the finder to the flip scrip clipped on a bit tighter. Sometimes I bump them loose. Maybe there is a shim fix for this. The bottom line is that this was the right choice for me because I wanted a reliable, power free way of accurately viewing the frame outside, and I love the way I can jam the camera on the ground and look DOWN into the finder quickly to frame creative shots. It's really fun to use.

Blake H.

Originally posted at

2021-11-01T11:51:33

The z finder is a godsend on so many cameras. The bummer here is that the design of the c-70 makes it such that it has to be used off to the side and, ergonomically, with hand-held shooting it's awkward. Still, it's a must have in bright light conditions where the screen is hard to see. Well made and crafted as with most all Zacuto products.

MELISSA K.

2021-09-23T20:00:00

It is very useful for daylight and also for checking detail. But the ability to articulate the EVF to different positions is lost. It is possible to tilt the Z-finder on its 12mm rod axis, however. Seems overpriced compared to similar view finders I've had for smaller cameras.

Marc G.

Originally posted at

2021-08-17T20:00:00

Totally useless assembly instructions & the image seemed way too big & close - but once I put both the extender frames in - the image was much better suited to me.

Moray

Originally posted at

2021-08-10T20:00:00

I am impressed by the build quality of this view finder. The instructions for mounting did not help much, but once I messed with it I got it mounted. Ordering the handle mount also. Great product.

Dan M.

Originally posted at

2021-07-02T20:00:00

I have the Z-Finder for my C100 (with the elastic bands) so I knew what to expect from the eye piece. I am very impressed with the design and sturdiness of this C70 Z-finder bracket. It takes a little more effort to attach, but will ultimately offer a better shooting experience.

David R.

Originally posted at

2021-06-17T20:00:00

Love it! Thanks zacuto

David F.

Originally posted at

2021-06-15T20:00:00

Really sincerly , the product seems great ? I?m just worrying about the little spring on the attach system ? the screw is short and while installing it , the spring jumped off 3 times ? but once installed ? It?s great and solid and the LCD is greatly maintained ? I?m happy with my purchase and the on line shop shipped it fast . Great communication by the way ?

Laurent C.

Originally posted at

2021-04-30T20:00:00

A little heavier than the Sony VIEWfinder (fx-9) but less bulky and more robust!

Patrick L.

Originally posted at

2021-04-21T20:00:00

So far, the Z-Finder for the Sony FX6 has been a good purchase. It?s well made and allows for accurate viewing in bright sunlight. The diopter adjustment is a little vague, and the weight is substantial, but not a big concern. I find the image a bit too big, and a little disorienting if you look around the frame too much. It would be nice if the optics could provide a smaller image.

Scott B.

Originally posted at

2021-04-21T20:00:00

Really needs an assembly guide. Figured it out after a while. Makes the FX6 viewfinder workable in an outdoor situation. Biggest problem is the diopter adjustment really makes little difference with or without spacers installed. It's sharp for me, but I suspect others may find it inadequate.

Alan D.

Originally posted at

2021-04-21T20:00:00

It works as expected and has a solid build. I do have a concern but more on the Sony end than the Zacuto end. The Z Finder is much heavier than the Sony loupe that ships w the camera. I stripped out a couple of the screws holding the stock viewfinder to the rods on my Fs7. I have to believe that over time the weight of the Z Finder is going to cause those screws to fail on the Fx9 as well. Ugh.

Robert T.

Originally posted at

2021-04-20T20:00:00

I have to say that I was skeptical when I first saw this product. But after using it, I like it very much. This mount keeps the C70 light, and secure the hinge of the screen. it is very well designed. It takes a little learning to detach and remove the mount safetly. When brand new, the mount is a little but it gets better with use. The screen is crystal clear through the loupe. Very useful when you don't want to deal with an evf, cable and extra batteries...

Ced

Originally posted at

2021-02-08T19:00:00

I am not sure how I have been using my C70 without the Z-Finder, especially for an old guy like myself with poor eye sight. The 2.5x magnification is fantastic and makes viewing the screen very easy, even without my glasses and in bright day light. In addition, I can focus everything very easily with the built-in diopter. The best part is: no video cable, no power cable and no batteries. I never have to worry about a cable breaking or running out of power. The less things in your rig the better, a lot less things to go wrong during a shoot. The Z-Finder is securely attached to the C70 camera strap hook. No issues here. My only negative is I had a hard time inserting the anti-fog lens, but the problems might have been just with me, not the Z-Finder. All-In-All, a highly recommended tool for your kit. In fact, this just might be the best add-on period for the C70.

rsella-22

Originally posted at

2017-07-19T20:00:00

The FS7 stock EVF eye attachment is a bit awkward and leaves you feeling like you aren't getting the best image. I think it's a combination of the magnification and the bulky size. The Z-Finder feels solid and has a more powerful magnification. The stock viewfinder gives you the impression that you *could be missing focus by a bit, but the Z-finder removes the doubt. On a side note, the included directions left me slightly confused. I attached the Z-finder upside-down and have yet to be able to remove it from the mounting frame. This isn't a real issue because you can simply rotate the rubber eyecup around which puts the Z-finder back in the correct position, but I've been unable to get the eyepiece off of the mounting attachment. It's really on there.

sdistelz

Originally posted at