Diopter question...

[Augost]

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hi,

 

I would like to know which diopter I should use, if i can, If I want to magnify the 50mm framelines on my 0.72 M6. I do not use glasses, just think it would be nice to have them "biggeer"

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[payasam]

You need an eyepiece magnifier, not a diopter. Diopters are used to correct for imperfect vision.

[Augost]

You need an eyepiece magnifier, not a diopter. Diopters are used to correct for imperfect vision.

 

ok, thank you. Do you know where in europe I could get one? and what magnification I would need?

[payasam]

I think they come in 1.25X and 1.4X. Leica make them. Quite expensive. HK Supplies used to sell their version for $50 each some years ago but have disappeared. You could look at E-Clypse EyeCup MAG. Also japan exposures | films and more (formerly Megaperls Japan Webshop) for a 1.35X model.

[dachs]

the thorny questions of eyesight with rangefinders;

 

the view finder is theoretically minus half a diopter anyway.

the maximum corrective screw in lens is + 3 diopters (so, two and a half correction for my eyes which really need + 6 but it does help)

if you normally wear glasses check the prescription. Astigmatism and so on are not practical to correct (optician could fit a prescription lens into the tiny screw in diopter holder but you'd likely have edge masking and rangefinder problems).

 

assuming no correction needed, the 0,72 v/f is improved for a 50mm thru to 135mm focal length lens by the addition of the magnifier 1,25. Any lens over 75mm will be further aided by using the 1,4 magnifier. Strongly recommend getting the 45 degree angled versions which can rotate when holding the cam portrait/landscape.

 

But then, you must unscrew these very fine threaded beauties when using any lens 35mm and below. In my case, I have to swap the diopter correction off the mag and back to the v/f too.

 

They are expensive, even the diopter corrections, easily finger marked during juggling and I have lost many correction lenses (they unscrew all too easily whilst you're not looking, due to the mentioned juggling I don't like them too tightly screwed on). The magnifiers have a neat leather mini-mini case, which clips to the lanyard and they include a strap so if dropped they hang on said case. Saves a lot of money but the fiddly straps make swift change overs harder.

 

Best solution so far;

0,85 MP body carries 1,25 magnifier with diopter correction, all lenses 50mm plus.

 

M7 0,72 just has diopter, is used for 35mm down to 18 (which itself needs hot shoe v/f as does 21, 24 and really even the 28mmm, though you can guess the latter frame even though hardly visible.)

 

Very occasionally I have used the uncorrected v/f with a 50mm and kept my glasses on. It barely works (pupillary distance is exceeded due to the glasses) but it is quick and I can generally manage the focus rectangle.

 

All above written from point of view of one with poor eyes. My friend - who's eyes are good - still uses the 1,25 magnifier when using the 90mm particularly the macro goggle version, and we both swear by 1,4 mag for the 135mm, as this is really at the limit of critical focus.

[payasam]

The Japan Exposures product (see link in my previous post) provides dioptric correction too, in a limited range. I do not know how large this makes the unit.