Customer Reviews

Delkin Devices DU2.5-M Universal Pop-Up Shade for 2.5-Inch LCD Screens

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Delkin eFilm Universal Pop-Up Shade 2.5"

Not having seen ANY in-depth reviews on this product family, I am submitting one here.

Bottom line:

* I did not see that the pop-up shade helped at all in the very bright area where I live, but may work for you.

* the LCD protector included is well-designed and will not leave any adhesive on the LCD when you take it off (see below)--but it's not non-glare & reflection isn't reduced much by the shade.

* thickness and detailed installation instructions/tips are not provided. So if you can't see this shade in person before buying, I have included install/tip information here.

I used the version to attach the pop-up shade to the 2 1/2" LCD on my new Canon A700 camera.

Briefly, there is a LCD protector that fits over the LCD and a pop-up shade that snaps on and off to the side--then up.

* Contrary to my hopes, the pop-up shade did not reduce any light on the LCD on a very bright sunny day. Also, since the plastic on the LCD protector is not non-glare (presumably to insure more light transmission), no glare is reduced when there is a lot of sun, even with the shade up.

* The plastic LCD protector is very good because it provides protection for the side where it attaches to the LCD AND to reduce scratching on the side where you look at the LCD.

On the side where it attaches to the LCD, there is a 1/8" to 1/4" wide slightly raised adhesive area that attaches around my 2 1/2" LCD area. Thus the adhesive does not go on the viewable part of the LCD itself and the raised edge presumably keeps the plastic from touching the LCD very much. Since I had to reposition the protector once, I vouch that the adhesive does not leave a mark (but, as instructions state, if you have to reposition it may not stick again).

On the side where you look through it at the LCD, there is also a duplicate slightly-raised border (about 1/8" wide on top and bottom and about 1/4" wide on the sides) that should protect a good part of this outside of this recessed LCD protector from possible abrasion in a case, pocket, etc.

* I was most concerned about the thickness of the entire unit, since my camera is already so thick it barely fits in my pocket. The combined LCD protector and shade is about 5/16" thick (too thick for me plus left me worrying that a sudden move might break off the shade from the LCD protector). But the LCD protector itself is only about 3/32" thick. Since the shade can be snapped on and off, I can carry it separately.

Installation tips:

1) I found that turning on the LCD made it easier to position the protector to center it.

2) Although the attachment of the shade to the protector (that snaps on and off to the side--then up) works OK, you have to be GENTLE. If you're careful, snapping and unsnapping the shade should work fine.

3) It seemed easier to me to unsnap the shade and just attach the LCD protector by looking through it to center the sticky border around the LCD. At first I thought the shade attached only to one long side of the protector (so be sure the right side's up), but after attachment it appears to attach to either long side.

4) When I got ready to unpeel the cover for the adhesive on the sticky side of the protector where you attach it, I saw a white peel-off border and the note REMOVE PROTECTIVE FILM over the clear plastic. I assumed that if I peeled off the white border, it included the protective film. BAD ASSUMPTION. I suggest you remove the protective film over the plastic first (the only way I found was to carefully put your fingernail under it--carefully because the film is recessed below the white peel-off border). By removing film first you will not be trying to remove it while balancing fingers around a 1/8" to 1/4" wide sticky border.

I did not really research alternatives, but a good non-glare film (like used on a PDA--that peels off with no adhesive) that transmits light well looks like it is a better answer for me.

I bought this item to provide shade for the LCD screen of my Nikon Coolpix S10 digital camera. The S10 is a wonderfully compact camera that features a 10x zoom and exhibits fine picture quality. Its own key flaw is that there is no optical viewfinder and the LCD screen is nearly impossible to view in full sunlight.

To make my new camera usable outdoors during the daytime I needed to find a device that would enable me to see what's on the screen in bright light. This Delkin product seemed like the answer. It actually is quite easy to install, and it's nicely designed to pop out and then fold back down conveniently. The pop-up screen can be easily removed via the small insert tabs at the bottom and then quickly remounted. Sometimes the screen actually will fall off on its own after the camera has been stored in its case, but this is only a minor annoyance.

The major annoyance is that whereas there is a clear plastic cover for the LCD screen, this plastic is shiny and consequently reflective in itself. The pop-up device can provide a little bit of shade that can augment viewing, but it's really not enough. Despite the pop-up shade the LCD screen remains all but impossible to use in bright light.

After doing further research I discovered a better and yes, cheaper solution: the application of a single thin sheet of non-glare transparent film to the LCD. Several companies make such sheets, and once fitted to the screen this solution cuts glare much more effectively than does Delkin's fancier hardware. There are still circumstances in which the S10 screen is difficult to see well, but with the antiglare film I have more of a fighting chance to compose my photo than I did with the Delkin pop-up shade.

A very light weight pop up shade and protection screen for your camera LCD. The unique ability to remove the popup shade and still retain the LCD protection screen makes this Delkin a real winner. Most of the time you will probably want the shade, I have mine on a Canon SD700, and it really works well in sunlight, but sometimes indoors the shade part is too bulky. It is easliy removed (snaps off) but the protection screen remains in place. Very clever item indeed.

Like other reviewers, I've had the same experience with the little plastic tabs breaking off.

The product itself, does what it says, improving your ability to frame your pictures and see what you shot while outdoors by shielding your LCD screen. For those of us losing our near vision, this is great. For those of us without an optical view finder, this is very useful. But unfortunately, the tabs that allow you to remove the shade breaks easily, so the shade portion either slides around or won't stay on.

I've purchased two of the units, the first time, leaving the shade on the unit at all times, hoping that would keep the tab from breaking as others had already written about the weakness, but that didn't work, the pressure of my soft shell case caused the left bottom tab to come off.

On my second unit, I only slid the shade on when I was going to use it outdoors, figuring that would reduce pressure. However, just the act of sliding it on and off a few times caused the two bottom tabs to bend and break of.

If anyone connected with Delkin reads these reviews, please let your R&R department know there is a market for this device, but it needs to have this defect corrected.

Until then, I recommend everyone who takes the time to read reviews to pass on this product.

Tired of not being able to see what you're aiming at when taking digital photos in bright sunlight? If so, this light weight, stick on shade is for you. The shade is attached via a sticky tape strip; sticks right around your view screen and shades out the sun glare quite effectively. Folds down easily when you want to slip the camera back in it's case.

For indoor shots, when the shading isn't needed, it makes the camera just a bit bulkier, but it's easily worked around.

If you take a lot of outdoor shots in daylight, this is a 'must have' item for cameras using LCDl view finders. Comes in a variety of sizes.

Delkin Devices DU2.5-M Universal Pop-Up Shade for 2.5-Inch LCD Screens

I ordered the E-film Delkin DU2.5 Universal Pop-Up Shade for 2.5inch screen. The description said that they have optical class to protect the camera screen. Mine came with PLASTIC INSTEAD OF GLASS!!! Not very happy about this. The bad part is that I ordered them as gifts and they were all opened and can't be returned. Here is description (copy and pasted) from Amazons item page. No mention of plastic.

eFilm Pop-Up Shades Feature a no residue adhesive that will not damage the camera if removed and an optical clear glass to protect your camera's screen. The simple pop-up design allows for easy opening to block the glare. The two-part design enables easy removal of the shade while keeping the optical clear glass in place for protection. Color and design matches your camera model.

The pop-up shade is useful to keep light off the lcd screen but it's way too fragile for the price. The outer shade clips tend to chip off and springs on the hinges suddenly fall off. Good idea for a product, just not very durable. Look for the sales!

I purchased this shade at the recommendation of my local camera store for $19.99. A bit pricey in my opinion, but I was desperate to be able to use my camera outdoors. Like other reviewers, with the Pop-Up Shade installed, I still cannot see images on my LCD screen outdoors. I've even reset the LCD to several settings in hopes of finding a lighting combination that would work with the shade. The fact is, I have resorted to cupping the camera in my hands with my forehead resting against the open shade so that I can at least see an outline of the image on the screen. Very inconvenient if you're trying to catch the moment! I have also had the issue of the cover slipping off of the camera and having the pegs break off during storage in the camera case. Delkin was very good about covering that issue under warranty. If I could return the shade and get my money back - I'd do just that. At any rate, I'm in the market for a camera with a view finder. Anyone want a slightly used Olympus?

Pros:

-The concept of an LCD shade is a great idea.

-This product does help a bit when shooting in bright sunlight.

Cons:

-It's so flimsy that I doubt it will last longer than a few weeks. So at $15, it's ridiculously overpriced.

-The supposedly "clear" plastic LCD cover that came with mine isn't very clear, and it scratched easily when I tried to clean it.

Conclusion:

You might want to give it a try if you can get one for $5 or less. If not, I'd wait for one of the higher-quality versions that are sure to come on the market eventually.

- unit was my second purchase; since the first one broke/mishandled
- glued on permanently seems to be ok
- in the AZ sun this little unit helps me to take decent pictures - w/o it's 100% guesswork