Homemade DSLR LCD Viewfinder - DIY Loupe T2i - QUICK FX

[NuLLx42]

get an old old portable VCR camcorder and use the rubber on it for the eye piece.

[TVIason]

what kind of lens is that on the t21, is it a good lens and how many cost that lens

[jnyce695]

i will pay u 20 dollars to make one of those

[NIKONGUY1960]

It's hard to watch your vids simply because you're such a goofball and the whole get up for this one is totally lost on me. However, I cannot argue with those results.

I would love it if you'd lose the schtick but, we can always get what we want.

Keep rockin.'

Great job.

[monstertunes]

Ahh, you asked what you could use for a better eye piece. How about rubber Armacell from Home Depot?

[monstertunes]

Finished watching. Awesome idea.

[monstertunes]

David, when you tried spray painting the container, did you use flat or gloss? Also, did you rough of the surface ahead of time?

Thanks!

[TheMakersMaker]

awesomeness !!!!

[MasterCharlz]

thats brilliant. will definately be using this one

[Gortess]

finished mine. worked out a lot better than i though it would. jamison vitamin container allowed me to keep the cap to protect the viewfinder lens. Used lens on 1$ toy binoculars. fits perfectly, so i didn't need hot glue. since i bought binoculars, i have another lens to make an extra.

[monstersSayROAAR]

my camera isn't a dslr, its a fujifilm finepix s3400 so i can't really stretch the rubber band under so fix anyone? please?

[Gortess]

jamieson vitamin containters work very well

[steellivin]

Also, instead of rubber bands, I used draws strings with the clippy thing the kind of thing to close up a pouch(hard to explain), it keeps the loupe much more snug.... got them at the Dollar Tree in the camera section,LOL...seriously. I will post a video once I get it painted.. : )

[steellivin]

Lizard Man, great job. Fun DIY. I made mine for my GH2. I put a piece of RC airplane fuel line tubing, slit down the middle, on the end as padding to protect the LCD. Works great! Thanks!

[Knoptop]

@steellivin nice! share a photo on the FB page or make a video, we'd love to see it.

[timothymanzella]

This video went viral on Nepal

[EpicPCnerd]

miniature plunger for the eye piece lol

[CreativeMotionFilm]

OH SNAP! Just thought of a nice container to use! A Fiji Water bottle!

[fivestarlesson]

Im not one to make these video rigs and such but I just finished this project and I cannot thank you more! I now don't have to worry about paying for a piece of "high-grade" plastic. Thank you so so so much man this is super amazing!

[saralsth]

Soak the container in hot water for a while and the sticker comes off easy. :)

[dstruxness]

do you think this would work without the magnify glass?

[Knoptop]

@dstruxness It might, if you set it up so your eye can focus that close

[askskater]

so you have a t2i

[Knoptop]

@askskater yepp

[monchee10]

do you have any tips for prepping the plastic container for painting? Do you just sand it or do you do a primer also?

[Knoptop]

@monchee10 I sanded mine with steel wool and sprayed multiple light coats (instead of one thick coat) but I'm still trying to figure out the best options. I ended up wrapping some black tape around the outside near the lcd, where I handle it the most.

[appleuser33]

Why not just glue it on now 2:44 ? :D

[EvilLoveSpaghetti11]

@appleuser33 so its easier to spray paint?

[madearisp]

the best i've seen so far

[SMUKproductions]

does this scratch up the screen or body at all?

[Knoptop]

@SMUKproductions i haven't had any problems with scratches (it's soft plastic). But if you're really worried, you can just add some tape to the edge.

[ihatefall]

I find that the best way to remove a sticker is to fill the container with water (so that it doesn't float). Then get a bucket and put enough HOT water to cover the container. Put it, let it sit for like 10-15 mins, usually the sticker and the glue with come right off! If the glue is being a little tough, repeat the process or use a very little bit of Goo Gone.

[BestUsernameIGot]

Awesome, love your videos, man!

[Crunkboy415]

Even a simpler fix. Use a hoodie, as in extend your hood over the camera lcd viewer. Or even a black towel draped over your head and camera.

[Chaucer129]

You're funny, weird, and helpful! Thanks.

[SalMarinhoFilmes]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[ssolkemserB]

Dealextreme sells LCD Viewfinder copies, not as cheap as this, but way cheaper than the originals. Works absolutely great

[m0n4c3]

low battery...

[immortalwolf11]

Tip! To get a sticker off of a container or object, soak it in SOAPY WARM WATER. It will get the sticker off, along with the glue.

[krunoom]

awsome



[babyg474]

fantastic :D

[missterry2009]

3 person dislikes still figuring out how to make a wheel!

[MrPlaystationboy]

use lighter fluid for the sticker works easy peasy

[JoshuaWGLloyd]

This is Nice! BUT.......... Real viewfinders have Glare protection because if you get any lens flare you go blind /damage eyes.

[miamistreetscrew]

I have all the Material except for the magnifying glass. I have gone to Walgreens, CVS, arts and crafts store. My next stop is wallmart. Out of all the lens has been the most difficult to find. Any suggestions ?

[shazzbazz740]

instead of the rubber bands get a screen protector that snaps onto the eyepiece used in picture mode and then glue the viewfinder on it so its removable

[lokkentoons]

Did this DIY, same bottle at Dollar Store, fits perfectly on a Canon 60D, buttons still accessible. Used goggle eyepiece for better comfort, takes time to cut the goggle plastic out and hot-glue on container. Black plastic spray paint scratches off on any sharp contact. Bottle has a STRONG baby powder smell to it, even after a vinegar wash and spray paint coating. It's cheap, it does the job, and I'm satisfied with this DIY.

[JustJoshinMagic]

You should do a video on inexpensive microphones for DSLR's

[MrMissAlien]

jajajajjaa, very nice!!

[davekoi]

Love it! Just made one myself with a juice bottle and a small silicone muffin cup for the eye piece. Works great. The only little drawback is it distorts the screen a bit. Does this happen with yours? And if so, do you find it a serious drawback or not? Thanks!

[y0utub35uck]

is it comfortable to use this type of viewfinder for PHOTOshoting in Live View mode?

[keithktam]

you are cool!! luv that reptilian look!!

[bloodhive]

hi,

why dont you use bellows to create dslr shade hood

sell it for 50 us dollars and give me some credits? lol

[Drrezzin]

Yeah...I can see how well it works! The guy is soft while the background is sharp!

Nice going! lol

[Knoptop]

@Drrezzin yeah, most of these tutorials were shot on a fixed focus Kodak zi8 camera. I ended up addressing the issue in a newer episode.

[ixTorquez]

Make sure you get a decent magnification powered lens for your eyesight, mine requires it to be a few inches from the screen and it gets annoying to look into so close.

[destructionarmy1337]

to peel off stickers easily:

put the bottle in a warm bath, not so hot so the plastic melts, but pretty warm. soak it a while and the sticker should peel off easily.

cheers

[minhmeoquay]

please next time dont dress custom when doing video, i feel uncomfortable

[TheProductortv1]

Greetings from Medellín - Colombia, video was cool, thank you so much!

[spliff32000]

awesome foo

[KrykoStorm]

I never got this whole DSLR DIY scene and why it's so big. People shell out all this money for a camera but not for anything else.

[Knoptop]

@KrykoStorm I get where you're comin' from. I used to think the same thing, but I realized that some of these 'extra' components aren't used often enough to justify spending hundreds of dollares on, when that money could go towards quality lenses and things that are used all the time.

[joeyippel]

toothpaste that has baking soda such as arm and hammer work great too!

[hpept]

just use wd40 to remove the sticker

[chillyend]

dude love you videos

[RegularRaptor]

you remind me of jack black

[thoughtgrenades]

@Knoptop Well done, excellent idea!

[en197455]

briliant

[thegameisover22]

i noticed at 2:20 you had two machine guns in the left of the screen

i was wondering if u made those or bought them.

BTW great videos!

[KeyKrusher]

Great idea. Just finished making mine and seems to work well. Have not tried in the outdoor sunshine yet. I struggled to find a kids magnifying glass and ended up taking the lens from a £1 pair of plastic binoculars from the pound shop - which works really well as it provides a bit of a hood around the eye piece so I did not need to do the thing with the foam from the head phones. U used an old multivimine pot for mine.

[icecubemovies]

Not trying to mark words or be judgmental, but this was actually kinda funny! Notice how he says that a viewfinder is a bit too much for his budget at 0:30. Now, have a look at 6:13, there he actually purchased one for 150 dollars!

To end on a sort of serious note, it was an awesome video and a creative design! Good work! I might make one myself.

[demetrius01]

Realy realy simple and handle tutorial. Shooting with 7D in sunlight is a pain in the bars. That you realy be of great help. THANKS! Better than ZF.

[ThisPersonSaid]

WOAH THAT MINI MOVIE WAS FREAKING HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHAHA 'STUPID ALIEN SPACE WAR!

[epicawesomesauceguy]

Take the padding off, increase your screen brightness and turn it upside downd and it will project out of the part you look into.

[icecubemovies]

Wow, I laughed so much when the raptor hands appeared! Great DIY project, just having some trouble to find a container...

[PemsProduction]

I laughed hard @ 6:02 . hahahaha...

[Genesimmonsrocks]

Dude... I honestly want to kiss you right now...

This is the best DIY product for DSLR users ever!!!

Thank you so much man! Just for your beautiful intellect, im subscribing the freak out of you.

[RyanFarley000]

Loved the lizard hands and mask.

[OggOrbisMedia]

This thing is great, I was amazed at how well that actually works. I'm logging tutorials for a DSLR rig build, and this is definitely the first thing I'm going to build.

[chance1234567890]

doods ur vids are awesome forreal

[zhatdude]

Hello! I looked around for that type of powder bottle including: WalMart, Target, and Dollar Tree and can't find it. All I can find is the ones that are the slim design. Where do you think I can find the one you have?

[Knoptop]

@zhatdude I noticed there are some 'redesigned bottles' in the main stores. The Dollar tree still carries that 'generic' brand that's in the video, look for that brand. Or look in the vitamin section, there may be some containers there with the basic shape you're looking for.

[RWLivings]

@zhatdude I found a coles or woolworths/safeway brand bottle is the right shape. this viewfinder works beautifully.

[Schweineohr]

PS: just put the bottle in (hot) water and wait 20minutes...then you can remove the sticker ;)

I just bought my louped today and already cutted my bottle - just need the painting now.

thanks for that video!

[Schweineohr]

just a great idea!

I´m just looking for a loupe right now thats small/big enough...

[danfmccarthy]

Great! I feel embarrassed that as a pretty good tinkerer I hadn't thought of this myself. All I had done was to hunt down removable pop open sunshades of the right size for my cameras. Doesn't solve the glare problem from all angles. Given the bright Southern California sunshine, your solution rocks. I'd already ordered replacement foam ear pads for old headphones. (Can be ordered for almost nothing but postage, so I ordered six pair. )

[DanSDawson]

Great job! When I was building my LCD viewfinder (months before I saw yours) I popped off the stock eye cup on the 5DM2, then used a bit of ShapeLok plastic and slid it in around it from the top and sides, leaving the bottom open. Then I slid it off once it hardened and sanded the edges to make it look nice and smooth. Next attach your viewfinder (as you made it) to the ShapeLok eyepiece frame you just made. It just slides on and locks in place. No bands needed!

[GF]

this great.

[marcouellet]

Nice trick!

For future clips, I suggest you use it so you can focus on your face and not the background!!!

[eeplebert]

the rubber lip on the pro viewfinder looks like a swimmer's goggle or maybe something from a pair of safety glasses!?!?

[ShawnCorytube]

That is awesome man! I am lovin' your channel! My Canon is in the mail I am excited! Can't wait!

[creationfive]

ONE OF THE BEST 'HOW TO' VIDEOS I'VE EVER WATCHED. EXCELLENT JOB...NICE LIZARD MAN OR DE COCODRILO HOMBRE!!! :0

[mrjimmyos]

Liked, subbbed, favourited :D

[CrypticWarfare]

This is such a sweet idea! Maybe spraypaint those red rubber bands, black to make them less noticeable.

[prscustom2210]

I will add the picture on the facebook page as soon as I have it completed. I did use a heavier duty glass lens that I had from a magnifying glass. It's actually completed I just am trying to come up with something that will act as a cushion between the viewfinder and the LCD screen. It will create a light proof seal between the camera and the viewfinder. Right now I'm just using a foam pad but it isn't the best looking material for the viewfinder. I like this viewfinder project for two reason

[nicolmedia]

great idea!

[prscustom2210]

Awesome! I stopped by the dollar tree today and picked up most of the stuff needed to build this. After a few minutes I already have a usable viewfinder, I just have to paint it and it's done. Thanks for the video!

[Knoptop]

@prscustom2210 Sweet! Add a photo of it on our facebook page! Yeah, one thing I noticed, I got everything I needed at the dollar store, but switch out my lens for one from the drug store. $.50 cents more, but SO much better. rock on!

[mahgninnuc1]

Do you have an RSS feed to which I can subscribe?

[RedSpectrumPictures]

this was really helpful, i might have to try this for when i get my t2i. even though i like bfx, they hardly make anything of use to the film maker, only props, thats why i like your show, this is useful for everyone. thanks for this, keep up the good work!

[Films4You]

You need to trim those nails, LOL

[specopsalphapaintbal]

I noticed you are using the T2i, how do you like that? I am trying to decide on a new camera and it is between the Nikon D90 and 3100 vs. the T2i, what would you recommend?

[Knoptop]

@specopsalphapaintbal So far this T2i (my first dslr camera) has been great. HUGE learning curve though, coming from a video camera background. As of now, there are A LOT of tutorial websites and resources specifically covering the T2i for video. And the magic lantern firmware literally made my camera work the way I want it to (more like a video camera) The 3100 is a NICE camera and cheaper. So it's really down to what's worth more to you. learning resources or less expensive camera

[specopsalphapaintbal]

@Knoptop Good information, thank you so much! You're the only person that responded!

[patchrules2000]

Hey nice viewfinder, i might just have to make one myself :)

Also i was just wondering what u said at 4:45 in the video. you said you had something installed on ur camera but cant make out what u said. just curious :)

[Knoptop]

@patchrules2000 "Magic Lantern" it's a firmware update that gives your T2i Camera much more 'video' controls! Worth lookin into!

[patchrules2000]

@Knoptop Hey thanks for the reply, yeah i work it out about half an hour after i posted my comment :) . gonna have to give it a go on my 550d and see how much of a difference it makes.

[philhoyt]

Investing in a Z-Finder was the best purchase I made after a good lens. Don't be cheap with your image.

[Knoptop]

@philhoyt For sure, this viewfinder is no z-finder, but you'd be surprised just how good this really does work when you use a good magnifying lens! And the money saved can be invested into another lens or other component! Thanks for the feedback!

[philhoyt]

@Knoptop I was by no means was knocking this DIY. I am a big DIYer!

[sican]

Life Saver! Really man, thanks a lot! I was searching for something like this for some time now! Now I don't need that Zacuto Viewfinder!

Time to find some hot glue...

[JGDeRuvo]

Nice job. I'm going to make this today!

[Knoptop]

@JGDeRuvo Post a response if you do! I'd love to see it!

[CoopYears]

@knoptop omg u replied!! i luv ur show, and the lcd turned out epicly!! :D

[natulis3]

yup another instant hit

[CoopYears]

could u give us a tour of ur prop wall!?!??! it looks soooo coooollll

[Knoptop]

@CoopYears It's still a little too early, maybe after I finish up a few more builds. But if you watch this video close, you may see a few sneak peeks into stuff I'm working on!

[CoopYears]

this is epicccccccc

[SuperTomServo]

nice

[RedOnyxProductions]

Wow this is amazing. A very nice viewfinder that is really simple to do! Great tutorial! By the way, congrats on getting featured on Back Yard Effects!

[reincarnage256]

dude you have a great content

thumb up

[johnnybrazil01]

Very cool stuff.

My idea for next video is how you put the "quick fix" water mark on your videos =)

Thanks

[TheCreativeJournal]

Great idea, I just found your channel and I'm enjoying your videos while learning some cool stuff. Keep up the great work! ~ Wil