Photographers who are offput by the ergonomics of the dp Quattro camera series, but enamored by the image quality that they deliver, should consider adding the LCD Viewfinder LVF-01 ($230). It's an integrated hood and loupe that magnifies the camera's rear LCD so you can hold it to your eye to frame images. It adds some bulk to the camera, but makes it more comfortable to use at the same time. 

The LVF-01 consists of two components: a monting bracket and a magnification loupe. The bracket attaches to a dp0, dp1, dp2, or dp3 Quattro camera via the tripod socket. The screw that secures it can be easily turned with a penny or dime, and the bracket has its own tripod socket so that you can still mount the camera to a support system with the viewfinder attached.

The loupe, which is on the bulky side at 2.8 by 3.2 by 5.2 inches (HWD), slides onto the bracket and snaps into place with a satisfying click. It magnifies the rear display, making it appear about two and a half times larger to your eye than it is in reality, and there's a diopter adjustment to tune it to match your vision. The Quattro's LCD is quite sharp at 921k dots, and while you're sure to notice a little pixelation when viewing it under magnification, it's still quite pleasant to use. I found it beneficial when focusing manually with the dp3; it was very easy to achieve crisp focus when photographing macro subjects, especially when paired with the 4x or 8x magnification that the camera supports on its own. It's also a plus when shooting under bright, direct sunlight; the Quattro's LCD is bright, but glare can still be an issue at certain angles.

The added bulk is a welcome addition when shooting—although it certainly takes up more room in a camera bag. I found the Quattro's skinny design and backward-facing grip to be awkward to use on its own, but with the LVF-01 attached it's a much different experience. It's more comfortable to hold the camera with two hands, and bringing the camera to your eye to shoot feels natural. If you have multiple Quattro cameras you can buy additional brackets for $75 each and move the loupe from camera to camera.

The Sigma LCD Viewfinder LVF-01 is an almost essential add-on for cameras in Sigma's Quattro series. At $230 it's on the pricey side, but its magnified view is a boon for photographers who like to shoot at eye level, as well as those who utilize manual focus and who often work under harsh, direct sunlight. It adds some bulk to the Quattro, but its ergonomic improvements are palpable, and the best reason to add it to your camera.