Carry Speed VF-3 View Finder on GH2 Camera

• • 23 Comments

View Finder GH2 Video

The new Carry Speed VF-3 LCD View Finder does not sit low enough to be used on a camera like the GH2, so the solution would be to raise the camera. Here Scott writes in and shares his DIY mod using two Sima quick release adapters to get the viewfinder to somewhat fit on the GH2 camera [Thanks Scott]. It's a very close fit, but keep in mind it was never originally designed to work with the GH2 camera.

LCD Video View Finder Swivi Carry Speed GH2Swivi Sima GH2 view finder

This DIY solution to raise the camera is basically the same technique I used to mount the Carry Speed VF-3 to my Sony RX100 (seen here) and also used the same method to mount to a Sony NEX-7. For those that aren't familiar with the Carry Speed VF-3, here's a great product review from HDSLRNOW.com.

SWIVI LCD VIEWFINDER from HDSLR NOW on Vimeo.

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23 thoughts on “Carry Speed VF-3 View Finder on GH2 Camera”

  1. Emm

     Post author

    @iain - The GH3 will require the battery grip and then it will work fine. I tested this. Unfortunately the battery grip for GH3 is not available yet.

  5. Paul

    Hi.
    I'm very interested in the lens hood that is shown in the picture. Can you give some directions to buy some for my lenses.

    This hood seems to be an option to any cheap mattebox.
    Regards!

    Pablo
    (from South America)

  7.

    Hi

    Received my VF-3 today. Liking the way it fits on the 5D3 but I'm having some trouble with the plate on the bottom. The threaded holes are too small for standard tripod threads. Is a quick release plate the only way to mount this?

  10. nero355

    Can't wait to test my own with the LX3 and my 7D : After a short delay my sample arrived today at my home address so I will be testing it tonight 😀

    @Emm : Could you send me your e-mail address so I can e-mail you some pics of the setup ? I bet a lot of people would like to see the VF-3 mounted on the 7D with and without a grip. Hopefully the GGS info (I think they produce this for Carry Speed) is correct @ eBay and the Swivi will mount on my LX3 too without any issues 🙂

  11. Emm

     Post author

    @Len - Glad you like the design, it's pretty great for the price right now. Just to be fair about their service, Carry Speed just needed a photo of the part to send you a replacement (to make sure they shipped the correct one). Although Len was still not able to produce a photo of the bracket, I asked them to ship one regardless.

  12. Len

    With a little prodding by Emm, Carry Speed finally replaced the defective part on my VF-3. One of the screw holes that connects the quick release tab to the adjustable bracket that surrounds the viewfinder was bored incorrectly. It didn't line up with the slot in the bottom of the bracket. I'm disappointed that Carry Speed wouldn't replace the part until Emm got involved. Thanks Emm.

    Now that the viewfinder works properly, I can report that it's a good design and works well. I'm using it with a D7000 and a Bower battery grip. The VF-3 is very adjustable and, at it's highest vertical setting, just about covers the camera's LCD screen with the battery grip attached. There's a slight space at the top, but I can live with that. Using the the horizontal adjustment, the VF-3 covers the LCD screen and still lets me access all of the camera's back buttons. Now that the bracket and quick connect tab fit properly, I can adjust the VF-3 by tilting it slightly to sit flush with the LCD screen.

    I bought the VF-3 to replace a Perfect viewfinder whose mounting frame was supposed to attach to the camera via a sticky tape. I followed the instructions for attaching the mounting frame, but it came off the second time that I used that viewfinder. The VF-3 is a much better design, a good value and I recommend it.

  13. Nick_K

    In a pinch, can you mount the VF-3 upside down (on the GH2)? If possible, it might end up better centered on the display too.

  14. Emm

     Post author

    @Labalbi - I don't have access to a GH3, so I couldn't say. If they keep a 3" lcd screen on the camera along with the new GH3 battery grip, ideally it should work without any modifications.

  15. Labalbi

    So You think I can stack a couple of manfrotto 200 pl-14 and be happy ? This viewfinder will fit the upcoming gh3 as well with this workaround ?

  16. Emm

     Post author

    @Victor Dizon - For almost 9x times less than the Cyclops, the optics are 'good enough'. LOL. There has been several comments and reviews published online already. It seems to be a good great product for the price. Keep in mind on all Carry Speed items there's 7 Day returns, and 1 year product warranties.

  17.

    @Emm - I know what you mean.. the only quick release product I know for the cyclops is the Simplis, which in itself is $400 ... so that's looking at just under $900 just for a viewfinder itself...

    So optics on the swivi is really good eh?

  18. Emm

     Post author

    @labalbi - You can use just about anything stacked under the camera to give it height. The VF-3 has long adjustments to line up once the camera is lifted. In this case he's stacked two quick release plates under the camera body.

  20. labalbi

    Can I check how he made it , elsewhere ? With a video ? I have a GH1 and I ll surely order the new GH3 and I need a viewfinder and cant find one !!!!

  21. Emm

     Post author

    @Victor Dizon - The Cyclops is a nice product, but you have to hold the entire camera a distance away, and there is not really a quick release system for it when not in use.

  22.

    Emm, would you recommend this over the Cyclops? I mean, not considering the price... since Cyclops is priced so high... saw one close on eBay for $122 .. but since you released the review a week ago, it got me thinking.

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