The Sony A7s is gaining significant momentum among shooters looking for that unique full-frame wide dynamic range image and unrivalled sensitivity.
However, despite all the horsepower and features under the hood, just like with most tools, the A7s isn’t perfect. And it is just a matter of time before third party manufacturers and/or DIY inclined filmmakers come up with creative and versatile solutions to some of its quirks. The Micro HDMI out being one of them, but surprisingly, Sony are including an HDMI protector bundled with the camera at no additional cost. That’s definitely a first from a camera major manufacturer.
The OLED electronic viewfinder on the Sony A7s may be indeed excellent, but despite its crispness, x 0.71 magnification, and a 100% coverage, its default eyecup isn’t that great. The designers probably tried to keep the low and slick profile of the camera, hence maybe their reasoning for the somewhat underwhelming eyecup, if you can call it that at all.
But worry no more, because German-based video shooter Michael Schmidt has a DIY solution that will make the experience of using the on-board electronic viewfinder of the A7s a much more enjoyable experience even for those of us who wear glasses.
SONY A7s Eyecup – how to fit the Hoodman HoodEYE from FILM…SOUND…COLOR on Vimeo.
Info on the video above:
shot with Sony FS100; edited in FCPX
Audio / VO recorded via: Zoom H5 (USB Audiointerface mode)
and the Beyerdynamic M58 N(C) Dynamic Reporter MicMUSIC: Profound
soundcloud.com/profoundbeats/dj-premier-style-beat-part-5
In order to make the DIY HoodEye cup for the Sony A7s, you would need to buy the following bits:
- The Hoodman HoodEYE eyecup for Glasses for Nikon Round Eyepieces – $20
- The standard Eyepiece adapter included in the SEAGULL Multifunction Eyecup Set – $4
All you have to do is use the frame/adapter form the Seagull Multifunction set (item #2 from above) and slide the Hoodman HoodEYE onto it. Be aware, that you need to trip a small portion of the Seagull adapter frame which obstructs the viewfinder.
Other frames/adapters may exist which may allow the Hoodman HoodEYE to be mounted onto the A7s without the need for modifications, but according to Michael Schmidt, so far the he has not come across any.
This DIY solution is very handy and seems like a no-brainer at $24 (excl. shipping). Surely if this was made by a third party manufacturer specifically for the A7s it may be slicker and more elegant, but at the same time it would probably cost 3 x that much at least. So, kudos to Michael Schmidt for coming up with this quite useful and inexpensive DIY eyecup for the Sony A7s.
[via Cinema5D]
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