Can't See Split Image on R4M; Do I Need Diopter?

[wgerrard]

Ok, I'm giving this rangefinder thing a try, after lurking and learning here for some time.

This morning, UPS dropped off a new Bessa R4M and three new lenses (Nokton 50/1.5, Skopar 21/4, and Ultron 28/1.9. In for a penny, in for a pound.

After all of an hour or so with the camera, I'm thinking I need a diopter, which I haven't used before. I'm very nearsighted and wear eyeglasses. Compressed lenses but stlll annoyingly thick.

The manual says 6 types of diopter are available. How do I know which one I need? I'd guess the 6 types cover a range from strong nearsightedness to strong farsightedness?

And, then this might be a related issue. I get the double image focusing. But, not the splt image focusing. I don't see the vertical lines the manual says I'm supposed to join together. Could that be because I wear glasses, or because I've done something wrong?

Thanks, folks.

 

[clintock]

The split thing is when you see the upper and lower edge of the RF patch against a vertical feature in the rest of the viewfinder field- the vertical line needs to be some feature of the subject. Center the rf patch on a vertical feature- a post or something and notice how the rf patch image makes a more noticable difference right at the sharp borders at the top and bottom of the patch where the image of the post passes the border of the rf patch- this is in addition to the non-displaced image super-imposed in the rf patch itself. In some lighting or for some subjects it's easier to see the rf line up with a vertical feature passing through the patch than it is to be sure of the images super-imposing within the patch.

That's all, this is in contrast to the fuzzy edged rf patch on some other cameras, like a minolta hi-matic or olympus 35rc.
I think just look up your eyeglass prescription for the eye you want to use and get the number closest to that for the correction lens.

 

[wgerrard]

Ah, so that's it. Thanks. I pointed the thing at some vertical porch railings. Worked like a charm.

Now, off to find my eyeglass prescription.

 

[uhligfd]

You only need a diopter lens for the viewfinder if you do not want to use your glasses. Else you will have double correction.

If the line adjustment works alright in the viewfinder patch with your glasses on, maybe you should just use the camera in your normal glasses-on-nose mode of living. Or can you get around well enough without glasses while photographing?

 

[wgerrard]

That brings back some distant adolescent memories of using something that must have had a diopter. I didn't know what it was, but I thought it was neat that I could twist it and then use the camera just fine without my glasses.

But, no, I'm a threat to myself and others wandering around without my glasses. (Found my prescription: left eye is -4.5, right is -3.0). So, your advice has saved me the cost of one diopter. Thanks.