Diopter question

[deekay]

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If the M11 OVF has built-in correction of -0.5, then do eyeglass wearers have to add a +0.5 diopter - assuming that their glasses give them 20/20 vision?

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[Jeff S]

No, not typically.  I do, however, only because my eyes are old. Always best to try for yourself. And be sure to correct for any astigmatism.  The M viewfinder (not just M11) is constructed to place the focus patch at a virtual distance of 2m, hence -.5 diopter.  Those with great vision should not need correction.

A good local optician will stock free trial diopters if you’re not near a Leica Store or if you don’t want to purchase for testing. 

Jeff

Edited April 26, 2022 by Jeff S

[michaelcole]

I am nearsighted  and wear glasses.  I have used the +0.5 diopter now for several years and it has made focusing better for me.  Try it and see!

[jaapv]

The -0.5 diopter is there for a reason: it makes it easier to see the RF patch and framelines, which are at a virtual distance  distance of 2 m with ideal vision. . As you must see the background at infinity as well, this calls for accomodation of your eye, which may call for a different balance with older eyes, as Jeff notes.

However, the virtual distance is just as important with eyes that diverge from the norm. As mentioned, visit your local optician and use his try-out glasses to find the optimal value. Or use the Leica diopter trial tool  

[deekay]

4 minutes ago, jaapv said:

......visit your local optician and use his try-out glasses to find the optimal value.

What does this mean for someone who wears glasses? Not sure what I need to do at my optician...

[Jeff S]

7 minutes ago, deekay said:

What does this mean for someone who wears glasses? Not sure what I need to do at my optician...

I took my camera to my optician and, with glasses on to correct for distance and astigmatism, I placed trial diopters in front of the eyepiece to determine if any better optimized the focusing and viewing experience.  Turns out that a +.5 diopter did just that.  So I ordered one from my Leica dealer.  
 

Alternatively, one can order diopters from a Leica dealer (if not close enough to do in person), and return those that don’t work.  A good dealer like Leica Miami will accommodate.

Jeff

[deekay]

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Went to the optician. 20/20 to 20/15 vision with my glasses but the +0.5 makes a significant difference for me.

[Jeff S]

1 hour ago, deekay said:

Went to the optician. 20/20 to 20/15 vision with my glasses but the +0.5 makes a significant difference for me.

Be sure to order the larger diameter Leica diopter that fits the M10/11.

Jeff

[deekay]

3 minutes ago, Jeff S said:

Be sure to order the larger diameter Leica diopter that fits the M10/11.

Jeff

Thanks Jeff.