The answer to this problem is to use a LCD viewfinder, or loupe as they are sometimes called, but with so many available and prices ranging from £20 to £299 its hard to know which one to buy.
I have used the Zacuto Z-finder PRO for a while now on my Canon 1D and it is an excellent piece of kit but its £279 price tag is a lot when starting out and trying to purchase lenses, rigs and various other pieces of kit. Also when used on a Canon 1D you don't get the use of the fantastic machined bracket as found on the 5D.
I previously purchased a cheap alternative (£20) which used an elastic strap to hold it in place. This was useable but only just, the viewfinder optics were poor and the stability that is offered from having a eyepiece is lost because the strength and structure of the viewfinder is limited. Add to this the elastic straps getting in the way of buttons and the poor optics means for me it isn't really a viable option.
I decided to research a little more and try and find a happy middle ground and after some internet trawling I found an interesting option with a more acceptable price tag - The seagull LCD Viewfinder
At £79.99 or thereabouts, it a serious contender. I ordered one and was very surprised with its optics, quality and fitment. It comes complete with a stick on mount for your LCD screen and a carry bag to keep it safe when not in use. It is modelled very closely to the Zacuto - in fact the images on the box it comes in are of a a 5D with a Zacuto viewfinder and it fits perfectly onto the Zacuto mount as well!
Having it all set up I tested it at the UCI World Championships and I can really find no fault with it. The lens of the viewfinder does fog up in hot conditions but thats the same as most but all in all for the price I think it is hard to beat!
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