Rangefinder epiphany - focusing with both eyes open

[J J Kapsberger]

I have the circa $50 1.25 magnifier from China, which I bought on eBay. Using that on my .72 viewfinders (M5 and M7) I can focus easily with both eyes open. In fact, it was an absolute epiphany for me doing so. Using the coincidence method with both eyes open, an in-focus object seems to snap into 3D.

With the magnifier, my effective base-line becomes similar to the M3's, which certainly isn't a bad thing.

I'm curious to know whether the Leica magnifier is in some way better than the Chinese-built version. Would it offer better eye relief? One problem I have with the latter is the metal ring which might damage my glasses. Does the Leica magnifier have rubber?

 

[waileong]

1. It takes Leica diopters

2. It has rubber.

3. Eye relieft probably non existent.

 

[ocean7]

I'll probably order it too very soon. Thanks for letting us know it works!

As far as glasses are concerned you can perhaps give them a break with an Aki-Asahi eyepiece patch : http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/patch/M2M3/eyepiece/index.php

 

[dingadingdang]

Sounds interesting, you got any links to the magnifier?

 

[J J Kapsberger]

Right here, Mr. Dingadingdang. If you search a bit, you can find the same item for sale by other vendors. Also, you can find it in black.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Xmas]

Opening both eyes is possible with a low magnification finder, your peripheral vision improves and you can see the subject better, with practice you can use the additional information.

It is cheap as well.

Noel

 

[einolu]

yeah, do it on my bessa r with has .68 mag. i like it, but its out of necessity because i actually cant wink/close just one eye.

 

[rogue_designer]

Or a Canon P. 😉

 

[ferider]

Or a Canon P. 😉

That's right. Mine should be in the mail today ! Cann't wait.

Roland.