Alan Gordon Enterprises The Pocket Mini 11x Telescoping Director's Viewfinder

Ideal for framing a shot without having to move the tripod.

WARNING: ADORAMA Shipped this item in a PLASTIC BAG! Came broken when it was needed. Review is below, but get it from someone smarter! Okay, so here's the deal: We just used this on a shoot using the Sony F55. This was a SAG pro shoot with a good experienced crew. Previously, just a few months ago, we shot a feature and only relied on app viewfinders on phones an iPads. But the reality is that this little finder is smaller, faster and easy to use. On top of that it can be used in bright outdoor locations where an LCD screen is essentially useless. Shooting it outdoor locations is where this finder was an awesome tool. This is a case where "old tech" simply bests the new stuff. Apps are great as well and a finder that can actually use your cinema glass, such as Arri Primes or the amazing Hawks we shot with, might be the best way to go. But that's still cumbersome and crazy expensive. Yes, at longer focal length settings, the visible frame area appears small, but it's perfectly usable. I had no problem with it, nor did my DP or AC. But keep in mind that most films are shot in the 20-50mm range. We used a 120mm twice, but the viewfinder was still just fine. An intermediate solution is to use a mirrorless camera, such as a Nikon Zfc. Throw a small zoom on it and you now have a solid "viewfinder" that can also take pics of the frames and setups, but this is also no fun to carry around all day. This finder can be around your neck and you'll forget it's there until you need it. This unit is solid and well made. The little screw on metal cap feels upscale, but is annoying. A simple push on plastic version would be more sensible. Overall this is a good viewfinder for filmmakers and I'm ordering the larger model soon.

I bought this for my son and he is so pleased with the quality. He received an immediate response when he requested a PDF of the instruction booklet.

Having had the Cavision finder on a previous shoot, I thought it wouldn't be ridiculous to "brand-upgrade" to the Alan Gordon. Mechanically, it's identical, from my observations. Cosmetically/functionally, I like the knurling on the aspect ratio ring better than the Cavision. However, on the particular model I received, there are two major differences between this and the model I'm familiar with: The sensors/film sizes labeled on this dvf are anamorphic, S35, S16, 1/2", and 2/3" - it lacks the 1/3" size that is in the manual. Which is a problem if you shoot 1/3" with interchangeable lenses. However, this isn't really an issue for me. Just something for other users to consider. [For those looking for a viewfinder for their 35mm-stills sized sensors, this isn't for you. If you try getting measurements out of this, you'll go under (S35 and below) or over (anamorphic). Look for a model that says it has "full frame," instead.] The other item is in regards to the aspect ratios. Now, the aspect ratios it has labeled are 1.33, 16:9, 1.85, and 2.35. However, the device has all the ratios described in the brochure as hard stops, including the two slightly-different 1.33 ratios, a 1.66 ratio, and the 2.55 ratio - they are just not labeled. Could be a little annoying, but, if you're on a shoot, you're probably going to live on one aspect ratio - and, unless you're the type to shoot in obscure aspect ratios (or extremely narrow ones), you probably won't even need these unlabeled ones. Quirks aside, it's still a solid little item, and I recommend it to any directors and cinematographers who haven't yet developed the reflexive knowledge of what lenses to use, and even those that do, in case you need an analog reminder of your framing. I mildly prefer it over an app, simply because it's one less battery to worry about. Long and short: Would recommend to any and all filmmakers, if you don't shoot with a 35mm-stills sensor. APS-C or S35 is all you can do with this finder. Update: Not long after posting this, I dropped the viewfinder, which threw the aspect ratio mattes off their tracks. Spent a lot of time trying to repair it, but wound up losing a metal ball and spring, which made the hard stops I described above. I scratched into the metal to mark these spots previously, so I can still eyeball those aspect ratios. Bit of a hassle though. Could be better constructed, but easy enough to repair, provided you don't lose the ball and spring in a carpeted room.

I love it! I've been using on set and off and It's really bringing up my game! Choosing shots has never been easier!

it's main benefit it that it is small. the longest lens setting, however, it so small that it's nearly impossible to see what's in the frame. the inside of the "barrel" as it extends is also covered in a shiny coat of paint, creating so much light bounce INSIDE the viewfinder that it made it impossible to actually see what you're looking at. it's also physically jarring to move from one lens to another, requiring you to lower it before adjusting to different focal lengths. not a smooth transition. swiftly returned.

Cute, but really limited in quality. Hard to see through well.

Works fine. The Faux Leather bag it came with was falling apart.