Outex Rear Glass Guide: Tripod Mount, Viewfinder Mount, and Floating Options
Apr 15, 2023
The Outex Pro Kit includes rear optical glass that gives you full, optically accurate access to your camera's viewfinder and LCD screen — enabling manual shooting modes, precise focus, and complete button access. There are three ways to configure the rear glass, each with different tradeoffs.
The kit defaults to the tripod-mounted option. If you prefer a different configuration, note your preference in the order comments field at checkout, or contact the Outex support team.
Quick Comparison
| Option | Universal Fit | Viewfinder Access | LCD Access | Button Access Behind Glass | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tripod-Mounted (Default) | ✓ All cameras with tripod mount | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Standard — included in all Pro Kits |
| Viewfinder-Mounted | ✗ Camera-specific | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (pivots out of the way) | Legacy — available on request / custom order |
| Floating | ✓ All cameras | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Standard — no additional parts needed |
The videos below show all three options across different camera models:
1. Tripod-Mounted Rear Glass (Default)
Advantages at a glance:
- Universal fit — works with any camera that has a tripod mount (DSLR, mirrorless, film, medium format, and more)
- Adjustable positioning gives access to both viewfinder and LCD screen
- Full access to all buttons, dials, and controls — including those behind the glass
- Compatible with standard and long bracket versions for larger cameras or battery grips
The tripod-mounted rear glass has been the Outex default for several years and is the recommended option for most users. It attaches to the camera's tripod mount via an adjustable bracket and screw, allowing you to position the glass precisely for your camera's LCD and viewfinder layout.
This design allows you to move the glass out of the way when needed to access controls behind it. Most modern cameras have viewfinder proximity sensors that automatically toggle between the viewfinder and LCD — the tripod-mounted glass is designed to be compatible with these sensors and will not interfere with most of them. If it does, you can manually override the toggle in your camera's settings menu.
A Long Bracket version is available for larger camera bodies or cameras using a battery grip. It can be purchased separately from the Parts page under Accessories & Miscellaneous.
2. Viewfinder-Mounted Rear Glass (Legacy — Available on Request)
The viewfinder-mounted option is an older design that is no longer manufactured as standard but remains available for custom order and to support existing customers who already own it.
It is compatible with most standard camera brands including Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Pentax, but is not compatible with many newer camera models. If you have a recent mirrorless camera, the tripod-mounted option is almost certainly the better choice.
This option uses an adaptor that slides or threads onto your camera's viewfinder eyecup and holds the rear glass in place. The patented design allows the glass to pivot and swing out of the way, giving you access to buttons, knobs, and functions behind it. Both the viewfinder and LCD screen remain accessible.
To order this option, add a note in the order comments field at checkout specifying your camera make and model, or contact the Outex support team for assistance. Custom orders are also available via the Parts page.
3. Floating Rear Glass
The floating option is available with either of the above rear glass types. Instead of attaching the rear glass to the camera via a bracket or eyecup adaptor, you simply leave it unattached — the glass is held loosely in place by the cover itself and, where applicable, the strap holder included in Pro Kit bundles.
This gives you the maximum freedom of movement for the rear glass, allowing you to reposition it freely with your fingers during a shoot. Some photographers prefer this for fast-moving or unpredictable shooting conditions where rigid positioning is a disadvantage.
All three options work well. The choice comes down to personal preference and your specific camera model.
Entry Kit (left), Pro Regular Kit (centre), and Pro Large Kit (right) — all Pro Kit sizes include rear glass as standard.
Need Help Choosing?
If you're unsure which rear glass option is right for your camera, the tripod-mounted option is the safe default for virtually all modern cameras. For older or specific camera models where the viewfinder-mounted option may be preferable, contact the Outex support team with your camera make and model and we'll advise accordingly.
Rear glass assemblies and replacement parts are available individually from the Parts page. Complete Pro Kits — which include rear glass as standard — are available in the Camera Kits section.