Olympus 35SP Viewfinder Query

[davec916]

I am new to range finder camera so please bear with me!

I have just purchased a 35SP in excellent condition and fully serviced. However when I look through the viewfinder and focus I do not see as much detail as when I look directly or even through the OVF on my Fujifilm X100 which has a diopter adjustment. The view is not foggy but just lacks detail.

I have good long vision but wear reading glasses.

Is this just something I have to live with or is there a solution?

Advice appreciated.

 

[sleepyhead]

Hi, I don't wear reading glasses, nor have I looked through an X100.
But, I just had a look through my 35SP, and the view was as clear to me as my Minolta CLE, and my Leica M3.

Perhps try holding a diopter lens in front of the eyepiece and see if things look better to you.

Also: welcome to RFF!

 

[gustavoAvila]

My SP viewfinder (CLA'd a few years back) is also as sharp as that in my M4.

(My vision is "not-the-best" and I also wear reading glasses.)

It is possible that the viewfinder was reassembled improperly when it was serviced.

(Unfortunately, claims of "fully-serviced" need to be taken with some skepticism when it comes to used cameras.)

Hand the camera to a knowledgeable friend (or better yet two) and ask them for their opinion. This should identify the issue one way or the other.

 

[Sid836]

Quite agree with that. I wear reading glasses too, but that should not affect the clarity of the viewfinder. On my camera the viewfinder is relatively bright (as it can be on 35SP) and clear.

 

[Pickett Wilson]

I suspect you need a diopter on the finder. I have to use a little bit of plus diopter help on any camera, even though I wear glasses. This is usually the result of aging eyes, that don't accommodate well. The effect through the finder is exactly as you describe.

 

[davec916]

Diopter on finder

Diopter on finder

I suspect you need a diopter on the finder. I have to use a little bit of plus diopter help on any camera, even though I wear glasses. This is usually the result of aging eyes, that don't accommodate well. The effect through the finder is exactly as you describe.

That's how I feel. Strange that I don't need glasses when looking at distant objects without looking through a finder - but seem to need a diopter adjustment when looking through a finder. Does that make sense?! Is there such a diopter attachment for the 25SP anyway?

Thanks all for your prompt response.