S3 w/EVF...

[helged]

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To the best of my knowledge, Leica doesn't offer an external, click-on type of EVF for the S-line. But things can be put together, simulating an external EVF, although not at the 'elegance' of the external M EVFs. So if anyone finds this interesting, here is one set-up that works, tested on a beta-version of the S3:

Shown is the Zacuto Gratical Eye EVF attached to the RRS L-mount vertical plate, with a HDMI-to-SDI converter to get the signal from the S-body's HDMI-C output channel to the Gratical's SDI input channel. The intention is to use this setup for quasi-steady subjects, (low-level) macro, long lenses from shelter, and some other projects that I have in mind. The Gratical is intended for video and it is likely not relevant for most S-users, and possibly not for me either. Time will tell . But then again - focus at the intended focus point is at the core of (most) photography... And yes, I do understand that the S is not made as an all-singing-all-dancing system. But given it's brilliant image quality (once the focus is spot on) and cost, I intend to use the S3 as much and as widely as possible. If I decide to get one, that is...

Details, for those curious/interested:

Fixation: RSS L-plate -> RSS-type of clamp w/ordinary 1/4-20 screw hole  -> Smallrig bar (11 cm long, I think) -> Smallrig EVF-mount for Gratical

Connection: ATOMOS Pro Coiled HDMI-C to HDMI cable (between body and converter) + BlackMagic HDMI to SDI Micro Converter, the latter powered by an ordinary (mini-USB) powerbank.

EVF: Zacuto Gratical Eye EVF, powered by a Gripper battery (from Zacuto), connected with a Zacuto Power and Video Cable.

Batteries and converter are put into a standard neoprene lens pouch, fixed to the RSS-clamp.

There are other EVFs around (also from Zucato), and/or one could use external monitors. I ended up with the Gratical Eye since it is rather small (although the battery is on the large side and rather heavy; but it can power the EVF for 14 hrs, which can be needed when in shelter) - and since I run over one at significantly reduced cost...

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