Olympus VF-2 Electronic ViewFinder (Black)
by Olympus
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: OlympusModel: 260057
Color: black
Product features:
- LCDS technology
- Offers easy viewing
- 7 Step brightness adjustment
- 1.15x magnification; 60 FPS
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Olympus VF-2 Electronic ViewFinder (Black)
Customer Review: Recommended Option for E-PL1
Summary: 5 Stars
As the title suggests I use this viewfinder on an E-PL1, so my review must be limited to that experience. I cannot comment on how the device fits on an EP2, etc.
Although there is no lock down mechanism (as noted in earlier reviews) the fit on my E-PL1 is quite snug. I imagine it can be unintentionally dislodged, but I don't believe that would happen easily. (I can see where it could be pushed out of position while being carried in a backpack or bag, but not when the camera is slung over one's shoulder). If this is a concern the owner should, perhaps, consider a photography "rider" on one's home insurance or a separate policy to cover photo gear. Generally such policies are not too expensive, given the cost of photography gear to begin with.
The brightness of the viewfinder was an unexpected pleasure - my "main" camera is a Nikon D300 which has a very nice viewfinder indeed, but the Olympus is brighter even than that (under good lighting conditions). I did turn the lights out, leaving only a computer screen on in the room, and noted that while my eyesight adjusted to the gloom the viewfinder showed the areas in shadow as very dark. I'm not certain this viewfinder would be of great use in, say, a club or other low light facility. The optics of the Nikon have it over the electronics of the Olympus under those conditions. Of course the E-PL1's strong suit is not low light photography to begin with, so this is not a down check for the viewfinder. [Edit: I forgot to mention that the brightness and color temperature of the viewfinder is user adjustable - see Menu D, EVF Adjust].
There is a small button on the viewfinder that allows one to easily toggle between the viewfinder and the viewscreen. When powered off and then back on the camera "remembers" if the viewfinder had been selected if the viewfinder is still mounted.
There is a diopter built in to adjust the focus of the viewfinder to work with one's eyesight. I wear glasses and have no difficulty in seeing the entire view within the viewfinder. (Edit: A nice feature is the rubber ring on the viewfinder that allows a soft contact for eyeglass wearers. No annoying "click" when the viewfinder contacts the eyeglass lens).
The viewfinder does rotate up to 90 degrees, but I'm uncertain as to the value of that; it's probably that I don't take the type of photographs that would require such a vantage point (have the camera sitting on the ground while using the viewfinder to frame the picture of a grasshopper, perhaps???). Others mileage may vary in finding the value of this design feature.
The unit adds virtually nothing to the weight of the camera, but does add an inch or so to the height and perhaps 3/8 of an inch to the depth. Personally I do not mind the looks of the viewfinder while it's mounted on the E-PL1, but others taste may differ. From the front view it doesn't appear to be too bulbous, but from the side it definitely dirties up the silhouette of the camera. The black color blends in nicely with the black of the E-PL1 body.
There's a small fabric bag that comes with the viewfinder; it can be attached to the Olympus camera strap via Velcro tabs and holds the viewfinder when not in use, or the hotshoe cover and viewfinder cover when the viewfinder is mounted on the camera.
The instruction book is minimal, with a couple of drawings on how the unit fits onto the camera. There is no warranty card to be mailed back, but a warranty is included in the accompanying paperwork along with a list of authorized dealers. Warranty is for one year from date of purchase.
The viewfinder is pricey, but the only game in town if one does not want to hold one's camera at arms length to see the viewscreen while making photos. Adding the viewfinder to the price of the camera body and tossing in the cost of a couple of kit lenses runs the combined cost into the area of a DSLR with kit lens. This setup is not a low cost alternative to a DSLR.
Highly recommended for those who dislike using a viewscreen and have no problem with the price.
Description of Olympus VF-2 Electronic ViewFinder (Black)
VF-2 Electronic Viewfinder.Digital Camera Accessories
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