We have received many emails asking if the Flipbac works on the Panasonic Lumix LX3 (Leica D-Lux 4). Since this camera has received rave reviews, we decided to buy one and see for ourselves how the two work together. This is what we found: Ideally, the Flipbac is designed to fit the more common 3:2 ratio
3 inch LCD screens, however, it does fit nicely on the 16:9 ratio setting. We noticed a benefit, too. Since the mirror is slightly taller than the
LCD almost 100% of the reflected image is
seen because of it.
¾ view of Flipbac on LX3
Flipbac on LX3 - side view
Flipbac on LX3 - side view open
Cutting
the Flipbac side arms to fit LX3 LCD:
One thing we noted is that the plastic arms of the 3 inch Flipbac are
too long for the LX3’s LCD. This is easily fixed by cutting the plastic arms
to make them shorter. With a sharp razor, cut 5mm-6mm off both
plastic arms of the Flipbac. For a better looking finish, cut on a 45 degree
angle.
Flipbac arm cut on 45 degree angle.
IMPORTANT: Okay, this is obvious, but we will say it anyway...cut the Flipbac arms before mounting it on the
camera’s LCD. Cutting the Flipbac arms
when the Flipbac is already mounted on the camera may result in scratching of the
LCD.
Sticking the Flipbac to the LCD:
First stick the lower right corner of the Flipbac to the
LCD. Make sure the Flipbac arm on the right is aligned to the right side of the LCD.
If you have not put the viewfinder on straight, don’t worry, the Flipbac can be removed.
If you need to remove the Flipbac:
Hold the
camera in one hand. Open the Flipbac. With your other hand grab the mirror and metal frame and slowly pull away from
the camera. The 3M tape will release cleanly. If pulled away slowly it will not
damage the Flipbac or the camera.
LX3
4:3 ratio setting: We noticed no loss of LCD screen image.
LX3
3:2 ratio setting: The side arms cover less than 1 mm on either side of LCD screen image.
LX3 16:9 ratio setting:LX3 users have been most concerned whether or not the Flipbac will work with the LX3 in the 16:9 setting. Actually, the Flipbac side arms cover less than 1 mm of LCD image on either side. Of course, you only lose this 1mm when viewing. The full image is still photographed.
So, in conclusion, it is still up to you. But personally, we didn't have a problem missing 1 mm either side since it did not make that much of an impact on our cropping. We still captured the whole image in the final photograph anyway. If you are curious what others have to say, please follow this discussion started by one of our customers on Flickr.com
