Hoodman FlipUp

[the.digital.guy]

Has anyone tried the Hoodman FlipUp?
Let me know what you think.

Here's their website:
http://www.hoodmanusa.com/flip_up.asp

[COKE CAN]

I was thinking about getting one. If you decide to get one, let me know how it works out.

[Edgar in ATL]

I have one which I occasionally use.
It is bothersome that you have to close it in order to look through the viewfinder after checking a shot on the LCD.
Closing requires pinching in the sides and pushing down the top at the same time, which is a bit tricky for me with one hand.
It does make a good protector when closed on the camera for storage.
I could certainly live without it.

[021411]

I've messed with one on a 20D. Personally I'd rather not have one. You have to close it everytime to shoot. I agree with Edgar. It's bothersome.

[drisley]

For the 300D it might be fine since the lcd cover is easier to scratch.
But it's definately NOT needed for the 20D. The LCD cover is very hard to scratch.
And if you do, you can buy a replacement for only $10.
I bought a replacement LCD cover for my 20D as a backup just in case, but I have a funny feeling I wont need it.

[Jmagru]

I've been using one on my 20D for about six weeks, and I like it a lot. I removed the clear plastic sheet that goes over the LCD screen so that when the flip-up is open I see the screen with nothing over it. I find it easy to open and close with one hand. To close it, I simply pinch the sides between my thumb and second finger and push the lid down with my forefinger.

The setup has three advantages for me: (1) It protects my LCD -- the main reason I bought it. (2) It makes the LCD quite a bit easier to see in bright light. (3) It is helping me break the habit of previewing every shot after I take it -- a time-waster that never was necessary with my film cameras because I couldn't do it. Because I have to close it before I can shoot, I don't open it unless I really need to.

I got it on close-out at a camera store for $24.95, including tax, and was surprised to find out when I checked the web that the Hoodman company charges $43.54, including shipping. I'd think a while before spending that much for it. In the end, I probably would, however.

Jmagru

[the.digital.guy]

Thanks for all your help!
I think I'll try one at the local photo store that carries them to see if I like it.
Thanks again to all!!!

[Carzee]

Just looked at the gizmo on the link.






[ yuk! ]

[Digital Prophet]

I guess I am part of the minority on this. I have recently put a flip-up on my 300D and I am enjoying it. I can't really say that it has inconvienced me in any way. But it does make life easier in the review process on outdoor shoots. Plus I don't look like all the other idiots cupping thier hand over thier LCD. I look like an entirely different sort of idiot.

I had no idea that the 20D had a different material for the LCD cover or that it was serviceable. Interesting.

- Digital Prophet -

[drisley]

Digital Prophet,
From what I can remember, the LCD cover on the 300D was much easier to scratch.
I could be wrong though. I'm also not sure if the LCD cover on the 300D is as easy to replace either.
I do know the 20D LCD cover is very hard plastic, and is very resistant to scratches.

[Digital Prophet]

Oh I don't doubt that you are correct. I was just unaware of that. But you are right that the replacement of the 300D cover requires some effort. I haven't done it, but I have heard tales. What really interested me was that the 20D's cover was easy to replace.

Too bad you can't change the focus screen on either one. One day I will rob a bank and get a MarkII that I can change the screens on. But that is another post.

- Digital Prophet -

[drisley]

Yeah, the 20D cover isnt that hard at all.
I just bought a suction cup hangar from Home Depot, stuck it on the LCD, and pulled.
Voila, off it came. I cleaned a spot of dust and replaced it (it's held on by a black adhesive strip).
I bought the $10 replacement to have just as a backup.