R8/R9 large eyecup

[masjah]

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I've always used the large Leica eyecup option on my R8 and R9 (the shielding from extraneous light helps me quite a lot). The problem is that these eyecups aren't very durable, and the flexible surround splits and comes away from the plastic frame base which clips on to the camera, thereby rendering it useless. I've not managed any sort of successful repair or bodge. Of course these now seem to be totally unavailable. I'm reluctant to buy second-hand in case the second-hand item is itself on its way out. Any suggestions anyone? I suppose it's beyond hope that Leica bought in someone else's model on an OEM basis, which might fit.

 

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello John,

I don't know if this is helpful or not, but: Leicaflex bodies used Visoflex eyepiece accessories such as diopter corrections, etc. I don't know if this continued with the various Minolta based "R" cameras or the later R8's & R9's. It MIGHT be that they all take the same accessory fittings as far as the eyepieces go. You might check.

Best Regards,

Michael

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[masjah]

Michael, that is very interesting, and well worth following up. Thank you.

Edited November 12, 2019 by masjah

[pridbor]

(the shielding from extraneous light helps me quite a lot)

John, I have the same issue but looking at my R9 I can't figure out how to attach an eyepiece? Would  you have a picture of your setup?

I bought a new eyepiece for my "regular" R models and it fits fine, seems sturdy while flexible, made of "plastic rubber" and thus a bit hard on the contact with the eye, but does the job.

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[masjah]

Hello Pridbor. On the R8/9 you have to take the regular eyepiece off first. If you look at the regular eyepiece on your R9 (looking at the back of the camera, on the RHS you will see at the bottom the little lever for shutting the internal blind, and another little lever above this at the top. You have to push this upper lever inwards (it's a fairly firm spring pressure) and then, whilst holding it in, slide the standard eyepiece vertically upwards until it is free. I find it easier if I push the lever with the thumb of my right hand, and at the same time push the eyepiece upwards from the bottom with the thumb of my left hand. You replace it by sliding the eyepiece back downwards until it clicks into place. The large eyecup is essentially the standard eyepiece with an additional eyeshield attached, so fits in an identical way.

I suspect that the large eyecup for the earlier R models may not be compatible with the R8/9.

If this isn't helping, let me know, and I'll post some pics.