Eye relief using 35mm w/ an R4M?

[markbrennan]

Hey all -

Back shooting my Bessa R3M after a long absence; I'm amazed again how good it feels in the hand and how easy to shoot. And I haven't been here in quite a while as well.

A couple of things have changed since I last picked up my R3M w/ 50 Heliar:

- I spent many months playing around w/ the Panasonic Lumix, which has a 24mm-60mm equivalent lens. Taking mostly family snaps I started shooting real WIDE for the first time - after using a 50 EXCLUSIVELY for at least 3 years!

- I've bought new glasses - thick-framed Cutler and Gross frames.

Thus, the 50 now seems too constrained AND the 50mm framelines in the beautiful R3M finder now are too hard to see with my glasses.

I'm thinking of moving to a 35mm lens and am wondering if I should consider using an R4M for greater eye relief with the 35mm framelines.

Any thoughts on this? I'm pretty certain I'll have the same issue seeing the 35 framelines on the R2M as I do seeing the 50 framelines on the R3M with my glasses.

I've always gotten great advice here from fellow rangefinder enthusiasts - thanks in advance!

Regards,
-Mark

 

[lngu81]

use an external viewfinder for 50mm instead of buying r4m. it's more accurate and much easier to see for glass wearers

you can also use 35mm on r3m and use the entire viewfinder without the framelines. BTW I do use my Nokton 35mm on R3m

 

[mfogiel]

The simplest solution, is to use contact lenses, the second simplest is to get these thin carbon fiber glasses on titanium wire, that let you push your eye closer to the VF. I wear that type of glasses, but the 50mm frames are tight on the R3A even for me, so to sum it up, the best solution could be to get a ZEISS IKON.

 

[Avotius]

yeah I switched to contact lenses just because of the whole photography thing, they are so much nicer...other wise yes a zeiss ikon is the best overall solution I think.

 

[dwaoka]

I recently discovered -0.5 in my right (shooting) eye. I bought old Nikon FM2 diopter for 5$, although -0.5 isn't much, it feels so much better, easier to focus.

oh, I'm using R4A.

 

[Tuolumne]

There are still many people whose eyes are too sensitive to wear contacts. I've tried for years but never could adapt to even the most high tech lenses.

/T

 

[ruby.monkey]

you can also use 35mm on r3m and use the entire viewfinder without the framelines. BTW I do use my Nokton 35mm on R3m

Well, if he can barely see the 50mm framelines then using the entire viewfinder is definitely out.

I too wear specs and can only just see my R3A's 50mm framelines. Usually I just wing it, or wear daily disposable contacts. I find the 35mm framelines on the Voigtlander 28/35mm minifinder usable (have to scan around for the 28mm), so that's always an option if you wish to stick with your current body.

 

[nahum]

R4 for someone who wears glasses

R4 for someone who wears glasses

I wear glasses, and I have among other cameras a Bessa R4. I find it is cool to use with the 28.

21 frame is difficult to see with glasses.35 I find is a litlle bit small but stillOK

 

[Roberto]

Same issue also for me.. I have a R2A and the 35mm framelines are really difficult to see.
I bought a Nikon FM diopter and now I only need a cord to let the specs hang when I shoot.. well, at least this is the plan

 

[markbrennan]

Thanks all for the replies. Unfortunately, switching to contacts, even temporarily, is not an option, and nor is getting new glasses.

I had not thought of getting an external finder to enable me to continue using my R3M, so that's a good idea as a compromise and a good way to avoid spending 600+ for a new camera.

Thanks again.
-Mark