Konica Hexar RF - Will the Diopter Make a Huge Difference?

Kumachrome

Established
Local time
1:48 PM
Joined
Aug 19, 2017
Messages
74
Hello,

I've recently ordered a Konica Hexar RF at a great price. The catch is that it comes with a +1 diopter on it, and I don't require vision correction. I'm wondering, will +1 really make a huge difference in viewfinder visibility for me? Perhaps it may be slightly annoying, but still usable? Or would this require me to source/make my own standard diopter? You may ask "Why not just remove it?" Well, unfortunately, the eyepiece of the Hexar RF is magnified and part of the optical formula of the viewfinder. So, it is required to use the viewfinder.
 
I haven't noticed it as a problem myself. More of an issue for me is the lower viewer magnification, plus the fact that the rangefinder image is noticeably brighter than that of the main image, so critical focusing in lower light is harder than with, say, the Minolta CLE (which has the same magnification). But the Hexar RF and its lenses are first rate -- I think you will be very pleased.
 
Hmm on most cameras, by default the viewfinder requires the eyes to focus to around 1m. If +1 is from that point, it would mean that the virtual distance is now infinity, which should work fine if you aren't short sighted.
 
The other way around, I think, a +1 diopter on a lens moves infinity focus to one meter. A +2 to half a meter, etc.

A +1 on an SLR would make the screen image appear to be 3 feet away, which would also apply to frame lines, meter info, so I think +1 might be standard on most cameras?
 
I don't think it's standard for the Hexar RF, because I've owned a Hexar in the past and the eyepiece wasn't labeled with any diopter info. However, on my new Hexar, the diopter I noticed is labeled "+1D," implying to me that it is different than the standard eyepiece that comes with it. Guess I'll just have to wait until I receive it and I'll report back then
 
It's a simple thing for you to answer. Does the distant view focus for you? If so, don't worry. If not, find an original.

My native vision is close to -3 (ie I need a -3 correction) so +1 would be a real pain for me. But if your eyes cope, what does it matter?
 
Back
Top Bottom