Some digital cameras have a diopter adjustment that helps improve the clarity of the viewfinder. By adjusting a dial, lever or knob located near the viewfinder, sharpness and focus changes. Since the diopter is connected only to the viewfinder, the focus of the camera lens itself is not changed nor does it affect autofocus.
You may be able focus the viewfinder to match to your eyesight, be it near or farsightedness. In some cases, you may not have to wear eyeglasses when using the camera.
As the dial is rotated, the viewfinder image comes in and out of focus. Make sure the camera lens is focused before making any adjustment. Make adjustments while actually looking through the viewfinder until the scene is sharpest.
Preferably, if your camera has focus brackets, keep your eye on them until they come into sharp focus. Remember, it’s the viewfinder that you want matched to your eyesight.
A word of caution
Be careful not to stick your finger in an eye while making diopter adjustments!
Hi, I wear glasses for reading only. When looking at a viewing screen on a digicam (not a SLR type viewfinder) the subject or image is out of focus. Is it possible to buy clear screen covers in different strengths that make the image appear sharp without wearing glasses?
Peter, I’m unaware of clear screen covers that come in different magnification strengths. Perhaps a local optician can custom make one. However, I have a ClearViewer and it improves viewing tremendously. It’s something you may want to consider.
I have been told by my optician that you can get these (in strengths similar to reader glasses) but haven’t been able to find one yet.
10 minutes later -
Found it!
I should have known. B&H Photo. They have everything. The Url for the main diopter page is http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Diopters/ci/286/N/4288586736
Or bhphotovideo.com and search for diopter. Jeanne
Wow, that was quick! Glad you found what you were looking for and thanks so much for sharing the information with others.
[...] a dial, lever or knob located near the viewfinder, sharpness and focus changes.” – Digicamhelp.comI am often asked why a person can’t get anything sharp in the viewfinder. My first reply to [...]
the diopter league/scala is too short for me
is it possible to find a glass to be coupling to the viewfinder???
Moshe, Check if your camera accepts an Eyepiece Cup that attaches to and extends from the viewfinder. Then you can buy and insert a diopter correction lens. An optician can tell you the strength of the lens you need. The problem, though, is that you already have a diopter lens built into your camera so you will probably have to set it at zero. Discuss this with an optician. The people at B&H Photo can be very helpful too.
Leave a comment
In Camera Parts
Most Commented
Gallery Images
Recent Comments