Diopter question

So, in my 40s now I have to wear 1.25 reading glasses. I assume that I should get a matching number on the waist level finder for my Mamiya RZ. Is that correct or are the two not related?

I wear 1.50 or 1.75's, but I don't use a diopter or reading glasses with my cameras. Granted, I can't see squat when I'm using the WLF at waist level, but the magnifier works just fine for me. And for regular eye-level finders, I the only one I've had to use a diopter adjustment for is my digital camera. But for the manual focus stuff, the split prism works just fine. Of course, YMMV.

ParkerSmithPhoto said:

So, in my 40s now I have to wear 1.25 reading glasses. I assume that I should get a matching number on the waist level finder for my Mamiya RZ. Is that correct or are the two not related?

Click to expand...

The two are related, but there is no guarantee that you will benefit by the same number.

In the old days, some of the manufacturers would sell the diopter adjustment lenses as a set. You would buy the set, try them out, and return all but the one that works best for you.

One of the complicating factors is that the viewing systems in most cameras have built in magnification - sort of an inherent diopter. The adjustment lenses change that built in magnification. Sometimes those lenses are marked with a number that represents the net effect of the built in magnification and the additional lens, working together. In other cases, the number on the lens represents the effect of that lens alone. In the latter case, you need to add the numbers for the built in magnification.

I note that page 16 of the RZ67 II manual discusses the magnifier, and indicates that the "standard" magnifier lens has a diopter of -1.5.

On page 34 of the RZ67 Professional manual under the title “Interchanging Magnifier/ Focusing Hood/Focusing Screen” we read that the standard diopter is -1.3.

http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/assets/files/documentation/RZ67_Pro_v4.pdf


Later, the standard diopter was changed to -1.5 for the RZ67 Pro II as is shown on page 16 under “Interchanging the Focusing Screen.”

http://www.mamiyaleaf.com/assets/files/documentation/RZ67PROII_Instr.pdf


I don’t know why the standard diopter was changed from -1.3 for the RZ67 to -1.5 for the RZ67 Pro II.

I think that these standard diopters assume a user that does not require corrective lenses for general eyesight. That fact that some users might require reading glasses for close work is unrelated to the diopter chosen for the waist-level finder so far as I know.

You are approaching the age when you vision will improve and you will not need as strong reading glasses. That is the good news. The bad news is that you are getting older. Wait long enough and you will be able to qualify as an old fart.

MattKing said:

I note that page 16 of the RZ67 II manual discusses the magnifier, and indicates that the "standard" magnifier lens has a diopter of -1.5.

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Ah, so I do have the "normal" diopter then. Thanks for the feedback everyone.

take the lens off your camera. now poinr it at a plain well lit wall.


can you see the grid markings on the view screen?

if not, you need a diopter. take the camera to the store you are going to buy the diopter n try different ones till the screen markings look sharp.