E-Clypse MAG 0.85x - anyone using one?

[ptarmigan]

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I'm a specs wearer who is already struggling a little at 35mm with the M8 viewfinder to see the 'bright lines' and its been suggested that I use the E-Clypse MAG 0.85x for wider lenses - I am looking for a a 28mm, 24mm or possibly a 21mm though I am aware the latter requires an external finder though I guess I could estimate coverage using the 24mm lines.

 

Any experiences, good or bad would be helpful.

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[cookedart]

Wow, I wasn't aware of this at all! Thanks for point this out... I think I might have to pick one up.

 

One thing that seems obvious is that the rangefinder patch in this case would be smaller, thus making focusing more difficult.

 

Another thing is that I would probably remove the eyecup.. it looks far too large/distracting for me.

 

My guess is, with a .85x magnification, it probably still won't be possible to see the 24mm framelines... I can barely see the 28mm framelines with glasses now, so my guess is it will make the 24mm framelines just barely visible, with some much appreciated breathing room around the 28 and especially the 35.

 

I'd love to hear anyone's impressions of this!

[cookedart]

One more note... HK supplies on Ebay seems to sell a similar .85x demagnifier for $55.

 

Here is the link:

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200385412071&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

[robsteve]

I have a HK supplies .85. It doesn't give you a better/wider view of the finder/framlines, just a smaller view. I wouldn't suggest buying one.

 

Robert

[Jeff S]

I have a HK supplies .85. It doesn't give you a better/wider view of the finder/framlines, just a smaller view. Robert

 

Isn't that the point with wider lenses, i.e., shrinks the too-wide 24 frame, etc? Or, are you saying that it doesn't do this?

 

Jeff

[Jeff S]

I'm a specs wearer who is already struggling a little at 35mm with the M8 viewfinder to see the 'bright lines' and its been suggested that I use the E-Clypse MAG 0.85x for wider lenses - I am looking for a a 28mm, 24mm or possibly a 21mm though I am aware the latter requires an external finder though I guess I could estimate coverage using the 24mm lines.

 

Any experiences, good or bad would be helpful.

 

I suggested this, but haven't tried it. One thing you might do is call Robert White, or another dealer that carries Tim Isaac's products, and see if they'll ship you one to try, with no obligation to buy.

 

I know Tim will do this directly from his website, and 2 dealers in the US (Tony Rose and David Farkas) offered that service to me when I was exploring other Isaac products. That way, you'll know what works for you. No matter what anyone says here, your eyes are different, your experience and comfort level may be different, etc.

 

If nothing else, a good dealer can give you his impressions, as well as those of his customers. A toll free call is all it took for me.

 

Jeff

[cookedart]

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I have a HK supplies .85. It doesn't give you a better/wider view of the finder/framlines, just a smaller view. I wouldn't suggest buying one.

 

Robert

 

That's exactly what I want it to do... make the 24mm view smaller.. is this not what it does?

[Jeff S]

That's exactly what I want it to do... make the 24mm view smaller.. is this not what it does?

 

You mean like in post #5?

[robsteve]

No, it does not give you a wider view of the finder, just makes it smaller.

 

I just tried it on my M8. With the .85 off, I can see a lot of the 24mm frame lines. With it mounted I see very little of the 24mm frame lines.

 

I think what you need for more frameline view is a lower mag finer on the camera to begin with.

 

Robert

[Jeff S]

No, it does not give you a wider view of the finder, just makes it smaller.

 

I just tried it on my M8. With the .85 off, I can see a lot of the 24mm frame lines. With it mounted I see very little of the 24mm frame lines.

 

I think what you need for more frameline view is a lower mag finer on the camera to begin with.

 

Robert

 

I was told by PopFlash, one of the dealers that carries Tim Isaac's .85 mag that it both makes the frame lines thinner and moves them closer to the center of the VF. This doesn't seem to be your experience.

 

The only way for the OP to know is to try one for himself...and, as I've already said, the dealers (and Tim) offer free trial.

 

Jeff

[cookedart]

 

I think what you need for more frameline view is a lower mag finer on the camera to begin with.

 

Robert

 

This isn't possible with the m8.. which is what this discussion is about.

 

I tried both the HK supplies and the Match Technical E-Clypse .85x mags... Unfortunately I didn't have both at the same time else I would have compared them for sure... I sent the HK supplies one back because it didn't seem to be effective at all. The Match Technical does indeed give you a slightly larger view, but the 15% you gain is actually quite subtle to notice..

 

For me, it still doesn't allow me to easily see the light meter LEDs or the 24mm framelines.. but it does make framing for 28 and 35 easier.

 

Hope this helps!