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  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Zacuto EVF mount

This rig appears to be a more secure solution than any Israeli Arm could be, but it doesn't appear to be as easy to use as the ET solution.

If you have to unlock it to make minor adjustments in tilt, it would be much slower to use than the ET mount.

I find myself constantly adjusting the angle of the EVF and believe the clutch system on the ET mount is far superior. Also I suspect the ET mount is far less likely to suddenly loose lock and send the EVF crashing against the body.

I do like Zacuto products very much and I'm sure this mount has the same build quality.

One thing is undisputed; it's a hell of a lot cheaper!

Good shooting and best regards,

Leo
 
Leo is correct that there is no proper clutch mechanism in the Zacuto mount unlike the ET mount. But the clamps are incredibly strong and easy to adjust, and it is quite simple to find a "just enough" point on the clamp so that the viewfinder can be rotated and then let go and it would then remain in place. I tried this myself the other day and while certainly not the ultimate solution like ET's or to some degree SIM's, this does work. There is little to no danger of the EVF slipping and crashing down into the camera.
 
I have the Zacuto EVF mount and it's working great. Very sturdy!
 
I'm not that interested in the Zacuto or any mount lacking a clutch - Sure you can limp along with it, and it's easy to improve upon the "Arm" that the EVF ships with, it's just not a professional option.

Under normal ( yeah whatever that is ) shooting conditions the EVF is the part of the camera you will handle and adjust the most, you'll move it hundreds of times a day. ET's mount, while not cheap, does everything you need and does not do things you don't want it to do. It's not some tinker-toy assembly of parts that kind of sort of does what you want. It's purpose built to hold the EVF in place and allow it to move on the desired axis in a fluid manner. They have tuned the fluidity to a useful range for the EVF. There is no piece that does not serve this function.

If you have any doubts, find someone who has one and try it.

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com
 
I'll be the first to state that the ET mount is top notch, perhaps even better than the Panavision mount on which it is based. But for those than cannot justify the cost the Zacuto mount is probably the next best thing.

There's also the SIM top handle with their viewfinder mount that has been well proven for years as a design for the Sony F900 and other cameras. But that is even more expensive as it means going with a whole new top system for the camera.

In the end the Zacuto rig costs $250 and works. That's reason enough for many people. If you need the ET mount then go for it.
 
I just received two of these. When you use the screw hole nearest the center of the EVF it remains balanced on the rod. You can apply a tiny amount of tightening and you can tilt til the cows come home without loosening or retightening. The EVF will stay put where you tilt it. Very nice. They should make a video so everyone can see for themselves.
 
Where is a mount that can loosen enough so you can use it with a leveler rod so can be used on a geared head or Fluid head with leveler rod attachment. I have not seen a solution yet for this.
 
Mitch I have an idea

Mitch I have an idea

Mitch Gross said:
I'll be the first to state that the ET mount is top notch, perhaps even better than the Panavision mount on which it is based. But for those than cannot justify the cost the Zacuto mount is probably the next best thing.

There's also the SIM top handle with their viewfinder mount that has been well proven for years as a design for the Sony F900 and other cameras. But that is even more expensive as it means going with a whole new top system for the camera.

In the end the Zacuto rig costs $250 and works. That's reason enough for many people. If you need the ET mount then go for it.
Click to expand...

Speaking of the ET mount.. AND the Zacuto.. I saw something that caught my eye... As you know the ET mount does function on a 19mm Rod that mounts through a hole on the front of the camera. Sadly this mount can only be put on the front or back, and moving it is a pain. Well, look at the Zandy... IF that were able to accept 19mm rods in BOTH holes, you could use this as an alternate mounting solution for ET's mount, BUT be able to slide the mout anywhere you have a 19mm rod. There may be some issues witih the ET's 19mm ROD hitting the handles and such, but there are ways around this.

So Mitch, does the Zandy support 19mm in BOTH holes, or just one?

Jay
 
Jay, currently the Zandy is a 15 to 19 product only, but you could use it as you describe if you were using 15mm top rods instead of 19mm. It's an interesting idea and perhaps there is a Zacuto solution. Let it percolate a bit.

Drew, you're perfectly welcome to come in, but I generally suggest that people call first just to make sure that we'll have a person or the gear handy to assist you properly.
 
I received the Zacuto EVF mount today. First impression: It's exactly what I need.

The customer service from Zacuto was very prompt and professional. They emailed me about 2 minutes after I pressed the Order button, to ask if I wanted 15 og 19mm. Within 30 minutes, the Fedex tracking number was in my Inbox. Very impressive.

With the threads about other suppliers' endless delays and lack of communication, I thought I'd mention this very positive experience from Zacuto.com. :)
 
Hey Mitch, I'm interested in picking this up (Mike Prevette came by my studio to test it on my camera when he came up with it) but I'm wondering how you think the positioning will work out when using the ET hand held rig. Also I would like to be able to use it for right and left eye viewing.
 
Bob.H said:
Mitch how do international buyers go ahead and purchase from the able website?
Click to expand...

The automated ordering system on the website currently does not allow international orders (we had a rash of scams trying to rip us off), but you can simply request a quote via email either through the website or just PM me (please include your email address). We'll then get back to you with direct ordering information.

The website doesn't do it, but we certainly accept international orders.
 
deadmike said:
Hey Mitch, I'm interested in picking this up (Mike Prevette came by my studio to test it on my camera when he came up with it) but I'm wondering how you think the positioning will work out when using the ET hand held rig. Also I would like to be able to use it for right and left eye viewing.
Click to expand...

There's plenty of room for left/right eye adjustment, but you might find the eyepiece a bit too high (maybe not, everyone's a bit different). If it is too high, then a second connector joint can be put where the unit connects to the viewfinder now, and then a rod can decend downward as far as you like. The assembly would be an L-shaped affair which would then adjust both vertically & horizontally, plus in depth based on where it was mounted on the top rod. I would say to get the standard unit and see how it works for you, then order additional parts if necessary (there wouldn't be any superfluous parts).
 
Nils J. Nesse said:
I received the Zacuto EVF mount today. First impression: It's exactly what I need.

The customer service from Zacuto was very prompt and professional. They emailed me about 2 minutes after I pressed the Order button, to ask if I wanted 15 og 19mm. Within 30 minutes, the Fedex tracking number was in my Inbox. Very impressive.

With the threads about other suppliers' endless delays and lack of communication, I thought I'd mention this very positive experience from Zacuto.com. :)
Click to expand...

Zacuto's customer service sets the bar by which other vendors can only HOPE to follow.
 
I have had no problem with the height in hand held mode. I just put it fairly far forward and tilt down a little bit.

Nick
 
I picked up my mount from Abel in Burbank last week and used it when I shot all that snowboarding footage and now I could never go back to using the Red arm. Now I want to get one of those arms for the LCD and the EVF. For the money you spend you get an awesome product.
 
I used this particular Zacuto EVF mount for hours of hand-held and absolutely loved it!

I think a winning combo is to order two Zicromount IIIs, one ZAmerican large arm, one 15mm-19mm zandy, a 3.5" female threaded rod and a rod cap. This can all be had for $555 and allows quite a variety of configurations.
 
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