Opteka 11x Zoom Professional Micro Director's Viewfinder with HD Multicoated Glass, All Metal Body and Click Stops

This little viewfinder is a great buy. It has all the settings you need for different types of formats. In terms of aspect ratios it comes with the options of TV (4:3), 35, 16, 1.66, 16:9, 1.85, 2.35, 2.55. I really like the focal length comparisons corresponding to the format you're shooting on. In other words you can see what the focal length looks like depending on the sensor (1/3 [DV Camcorders], 1/2 [EX3], 2/3 [Panasonic and Sony Pro lines], S16mm, 35mm, and Anamorphic). It is really small and fits in your pocket. It reminds me of looking through a 16mm viewfinder or a small DSLR viewfinder.

This is so disappointing and frustrating, as the numbers aren’t accurate at all. What you get on Anamorphic is actually closer to 35mm, and what you get for 35mm is definitely not 35mm, I tried putting the viewfinder next to a 35mm camera and did a comparison with the actual lenses, the numbers are really far from what they should be. Don’t waste your money. Unfortunately I didn’t use it right after I bought it since I wasn’t working on any project at that time, and when I went location scouting it was months after, so I can’t return it.

I have wished for an affordable Director's Viewfinder for some time. I am a still photographer who mainly shoots on a tripod with prime (non-zoom) lenses, so being able to walk around a subject and consider different angles saves time having to re-adjust my tripod position. This viewer seems well made and generally suits my needs (I wish it went wider). My only complaint is the cloth bag it came in was shedding all of its coating making a big mess before I got it to the trash can.Related to other reviews that complain that the viewer is not accurate for a 35mm camera-- remember this viewfinder is calibrated for filmmakers, and 35mm movie film uses a smaller frame (16mm x 22mm) compared to a full-frame camera (24mm x 35mm). So, the widest 18mm lens view on the 35mm scale is about equal to a 30mm lens on a full-frame still camera.

The Opteka Micro Professional Director's Viewfinder is a good tool for filmmakers who would like to compose shots beforehand. The viewfinder is easy to use with no instructions. There is a 5-year warranty (supposedly), box comes with a small cleaning cloth, soft case, and lanyard. The zoom range is 18-200mm (full frame) however the viewfinder field of view becomes unusable after 50mm. I only use the 18-50mm increments, beyond that it's very difficult to see. You can adjust the aspect ratio from TV to 16:9, all the way to the cinematic 2.35.1 or 2.55.1. Overall, I use the Opteka Micro Director's Viewfinder for quick composition planning, while looking trendy doing so.

It looks great but me and my friend are still having a hard time figuring out EXACTLY how it works. Some of the features are easy to figure out, others are less. And there is no manual, so you're kind of on your own.But, the quality of that viewfinder is GREAT. It is all metal and very sturdy, and it comes with a little pouch, which makes it very handy to carry around (it was kind of designed for that lol.)

IT'S what I needed to be like my hero Steven Spielberg.

I tried to use the Opteka Micro viewfinder as a preview tool for accurate framing with a 35mm full-frame camera (for stills) and to assist me with the choice of lens to be used. Unfortunately, the lens focal length indicated on the Opteka Micro did never correspond to the framing of that specific lens on my camera (Leica M240). The average mistake was at least one focal length "short". I tried all different view ratios on the Opteka Micro (not just the 35mm) but never reached the correct corresponding framing. Therefore, for me and my needs, the Opteka Micro is not usable

the viewfinder arrived on time but does not work. there is a rattling inside that sounds like glass is loose. poor quality control