Hi, Is anyone using an M type camera with eyeglasses. I have an M4 with a 35mm lens and have a hard time to see the viewfinder lines for 35 with my glasses on. Has anyone else this problem and how do you deal with photography and glasses in general. Thanks in advance. Art Nichols

-- Arthur Nichols (nicholsphoto@yahoo.com), May 30, 2002

Answers

Don't worry Arthur, you're not alone! I have worst problem: a M6 TTL 0,85 and wear glasses. With my 'Cron 35, as I often say, "I'm into what I'm shooting" looking on right then on left for the frame lines ... it's a bit funny and oblige you to shoot with "intuition", one step in rapid shooting way. Alain

-- alain.besancon (alain.besancon@chu-dijon.fr), May 30, 2002.

I wear glasses - but no doubt glasses vary in thickness,'nose' position, etc.

I use only M4 variants (original, -2, -P). I don't have much of any trouble with the 35 frames, and even find the -P's 28 frame useable, if not ideal.

Are you shooting with left or right eye? I use the right, which means my nose doesn't bump into the camera, and I can get my eye (even with glasses) quite close to the viewfinder.

The .72x viewfinder's 35mm framelines create a 'box' before your eyes that's just about as large as the viewfinder screen of (for example) a Nikon FM/FE/FM3 or a Leicaflex SL. I shot 20 years with FM-style cameras, so maybe I'm just used to seeing a field that large - I've never taken to 'high-eyepoint' bodies because the 'viewing box' is just too small and distant - for me.

I've also never bothered with eyepiece correction lenses - just used my glasses - since without my glasses I can't see much that's distant.

But as I get closer to starting my 6th decade, I may have to reconsider that...=8^o. Certainly eyepiece diopters WILL help remove the obstruction of glasses if you're having trouble with the wide frames!

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), May 30, 2002.

The 35mm framelines in the M4-P and M6/M6TTL/M7 0.72's are slightly smaller than in the M2, M4 and M4-2, and easier to see with glasses. I have to glance around with my M4 but with my M6 I can "perceive" the entire frame by keeping my eye focused straight ahead. The second I move my eyeball off center I lose sight of one side of the frame.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 30, 2002.

Arthur, I found I just developed familiarity with 35 frames on my M6. Jay described it well with the word "percieved". Even with superior eyesight, someone new to driving a car doesn't "see" nearly as much as an older hand. Keep going,it won't take you long.

As to dealing with glasses in general. Of course they can be a pain but I think attitude is paramount. After all, they help us see better than before. I find the greatest problem is with bifocals when going down steps. I take them off otherwise choosing a step which isn't quite there can put me and all my Leica gear right out of focus!

-- Tim Gee (twg@optushome.com.au), May 30, 2002.

Arthur,
I do not have a 35mm lens to go with my M4, but I have noticed that I too have trouble seeing the 35mm framelines with glasses. I did split a O-ring and glued it on to the eyepiece for general protection of my glasses.
When I can rest my glasses safely towards the eyepiece the 35mm frame is easier to see. You could also replace the metal eyepiece w. the M6 type w. rubber protection.
Lutz Konermann annouced som gadget to place around the eyepiece a while back. It is not available from his homepage, and I don't know if it works on an M4.

Lutz! if you are reading this, can you explain?

-- Niels H. S. Nielsen (nhsn@ruc.dk), May 31, 2002.

I found it in the archives: It is called the Scoop.

-- Niels H. S. Nielsen (nhsn@ruc.dk), May 31, 2002.

You might check out the voigtlander 35 mm accessory viewfinder, I find it to be a great help if you don't have to rush to get the shot.

-- rob (rob@robertappleby.com), May 31, 2002.