Pentax DSLRs LCD Hood / Loupe.

[Yvon Bourque]

I found and bought an LCD Hood / Loupe at around $69.00. it’s one of the best gadget I found in a long time to help rid of unwanted glare and at the same time, allowing viewing adjustment to your particular eyesight. It's made by Hoodman USA.  Anybody else used it?  I wrote my impression of it on this blog: http://pentaxdslrs.blogsp...e-camera-lcd-screens.html

Are there better hoods or loupes that  the Hoodman's HoodLoupe?

[KhoKing]

Hi Yvon,

What is the magnification of the loupe? Can you still view the LCD in full?

[Yvon Bourque]

There is actually negative magnification, or simply put, a slight wide angle effect. What I was impressed with is that not only it covers the screen from sun light and reflection, it also has a diopter adjustment. I don't know why it took so long for someone to come up with this ingenious approach. I personnally love it.

[KhoKing]

Hi Yvon,

If the main purpose is to view under bright day to get some shade, then I actually prefer the foldable LCD hood, which can be attached permanently to your DSLR and fold down when not in use.

Here's an photo of a Nikon version LCD hood, there should be one for PENTAX as well.



Price is much cheaper as well at 1/3rd of the LCD loupe.

[KhoKing]

Another thought on the LCD loupe.

If you have to use one hand to hold the loupe, the other hand to hold the DSLR, then it would be difficult to browse/go to next photo on the DSLR...no?

[Yvon Bourque]

The loop does not let any light in and the view of the LCD is extraordinary. I found that holding the camera with my left hand and pushing the camera toward me a little forces the loupe to stay in place, stucked between the camera and my right eye. It is then easy to scroll from picture to picture or zooming in and out with my right hand. It's hard to explain how easy it is to use without trying it yourself. I had a hood like you describe above and I personnally did not like it. I use the Diopter adjustment on the K10D for my specific "less-than-perfect" vision. However, when viewing the screen, I can't see the results clearly without glasses, and that's where the Hoodloupe excels. It isolate the LCD from any stray light while having the capability to adjust to your own unique eyesight.

[KhoKing]

Hi Yvon,

Good point. Having the loupe not letting any light in is definitely better and give more vibrant viewing than just the LCD hood.

[Mike Pearson]

Yvon,

I have the Hoodman Loupe and it is awesome. I use it consistently outside and I have used it on my Epson P2000 even though it doesn't cover the full screen. Hoodman also do what looks to be a very good right-angle finder and I intend to have a good look at that.

Mike

[Yvon Bourque]

Yvon,

 Hoodman also do what looks to be a very good right-angle finder and I intend to have a good look at that.

Mike

Mike, I have the right angle finder. I haven't bought from Hoodman but it is the same unit manufactured in China. You can buy it on Ebay directly from China at around $39.00. That makes a big difference when shooting macro, like I noticed you do quite often with butterflies. Get one. These small intem make as much impact on your protography as a new lens...and much cheaper.

Regards,

Yvon

[Mike Pearson]

Yvon,

Many thanks for the info. - by the way I love my K100D book.

Mike