Panasonic DMW-LVF1 External Live Viewfinder for Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera

by Panasonic

Product Details

• Item Weight: 3.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B002IKLJUU
• Item model number: LVF1 View Finder
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (73 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 27, 2009

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The DMC-GF1 has large, high-resolution LCD but Panasonic made Live View Finder (DMW-LVF1) for finder-enthusiasts. The DMW-LVF1 displays the same information as the LCD when you equip the DMC-GF1 with it. It is effectively used in situations where the LCD is difficult to see, such as under bright sunlight. And it is also handy for low-angle shots because it can be tilted vertically from 0 to 90 degrees.

Note: the DMW-LVF1 must be attached to the hot shoe of the DMC-GF1, so it cannot be used in combination with an external flash.

Technical Specifications

• Type: Live View Finder (field sequential, 202,000-dot equivalent)
• Field of view: Approx. 100%
• Magnification: Approx. 1.04x / 0.52x (35mm camera equivalent) with 50mm lens at infinity; -1.0m-1
• Eye point: Approx. 17.5mm from eyepiece lens
• Diopter adjustment: -4.0 - +4.0 m-1
• Dimensions: Approx. (W x H x D) 28.4 x 42.9 x 41.5mm
• Mass (weight): Approx. 24g
• Standard accessory: Storage bag

Product Description

The Photo Basics 5-in-1 Collapsible Reflector Kit is versatile in the field and in the studio, providing shadow-lightening detail in your subject, using available, or studio lighting. It contains a translucent white disc, which is perfect for softening direct sunlight, or lights without diffusion. Use the removable, reversible zippered slipcover to reflect light into shadow areas of your subject. The cover consists of the following colors: silver, gold, white and black. This 42" reflector is perfect for 3/4 length portraits, and medium still-life setups. It folds down to 1/3 its open size, and comes with a carry case. We suggest the purchase of a pivoting arm and stand, to hold the disc where needed -- especially if you are working without an assistant.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

84 of 87 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful, but don't expect miracles, November 17, 2009

By 

Oleg Karin (St. Louis, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic DMW-LVF1 External Live Viewfinder for Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera (Electronics)

This viewfinder is not the same like an optical DSLR viewfinder, so do not be disappointed by what you see through it - you've been warned!

But it is an absolute must for a bright sunlight conditions and (you will be happy you have it just for that!) - for a low or ground level pictures (like flowers, little animals or anything else down below): this viewfinder can swivel 90 degrees up and let you take some pictures which could be physically impossible to take without it or with DSLR.

I am glad I bought it.

79 of 83 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Underrated, June 5, 2010

By 

Peter Johngren (Hartwick, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic DMW-LVF1 External Live Viewfinder for Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera (Electronics)

The LVF-1 view finder for the Panasonic Lumix GF-1 is getting a bum rap, in my opinion. Rather than thinking of the smallest DSLR view finder and imagining one even smaller, think of the most exquisite rangefinder camera you have ever held or owned, and think of a view finder many times more useful and more ingenious. In my case, I owned a Hassleblad Xpan rangefinder panoramic camera, and the view finder on that was smaller than the LVF-1, rather inaccurate, and provided no useful information whatsoever, other than the image and with the usual parallax problems and focal length limitations..

The LVF-1, on the other hand, is absolutely accurate, gives you 100% of the image (even my Nikon D-80 doesn't do that), provides all the information found on the LCD screen including a live histogram, is bright and clear, has a diopter adjustment, and is larger than the viewfinder on most rangefinders. Sure it is a tad grainy, but this is a precision instrument, not a video game viewer.

Now, consider all this, in an absolutely classy little package proportioned to fit precisely the GF-1, and capable of pivoting 90 degrees so you can comfortably take shots with the camera on the ground, and you have one of the cutest little accessories any gadget freak would be proud to show off to bored friends and family alike. It even allows the onboard flash of the GF-1 to pop up and fire with no obstruction at all. And, it gives the Lumix GF-1 and even classier look, which I didn't think was possible.

Now that the price is below $150, you should take another look at the LVF-1. If they are in fact planning an "upgrade", then judging from all the whining, it will probably be as large as the camera itself and I wouldn't want it - another reason to get the LVF-1 while supplies last. I ordered mine from Amazon and it was here in two days.

110 of 118 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Would wait for a refresh, January 8, 2010

By 

Kotko - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Panasonic DMW-LVF1 External Live Viewfinder for Panasonic GF1 Micro Four Thirds Interchangeable Lens Camera (Electronics)

I bought the live viewfinder together with the GF1 14-45mm and pancake lens. I'm amazed by the camera and lenses however the LVF is disappointing to say the least.

Unfortunately the resolution is too low to make it usable and impossible to focus with. Only use would be to help you frame a shot in broad daylight but again not accurately. Definitely not worth such a high premium.

Finally, strangely enough, the aspect ratio of the LVF is different to that of the screen, so you get different black bars than you would get on the screen.

I find myself practically never attaching the viewfinder on the camera and would recommend anyone to stay away until a higher resolution version comes out or this falls under $100.