Magnifying the Viewfinder on more modern Canon EF SLRs

aatonpanavision · Sep 26, 2013

Hello all,

I have a Canon Rebel K2 that I've used for about 5 years which was an amazing $14 deal, but I've always been plagued with the crummy viewfinder on it:

Is there anything out there that can magnify the viewfinder's image and is actually practical? I do a lot of street photography, so intuitive is important. I've only seen one item made by SeaGull that looks like a big loupe sitting sideways on the viewfinder.

It's come to the point where I'm at a crossroads, the K2 is probably one of my favorite 35mm SLRs because of everything it can do, but this viewfinder problem is "tearing me apart lisa!" (reference from The Room)

I would love to use an older style metal SLR, and have owned many, but you can't rent the lenses anywhere and there isn't any Auto Focus.

Any tips on magnifying the viewfinder would be greatly appreciated!

Peltigera · Sep 26, 2013

I think it might be easier and cheaper to buy an EOS camera with a larger viewfinder. This week I bought a EOS 5 (or A2e) for less than £15.00 including postage.

Les Sarile · Sep 26, 2013

I use the Olympus Varimagni Finder on my EOS1 (and various others) and may fit your model.

I don't know why you would use it with af lenses?

elekm · Sep 26, 2013

I would think that possibly for not much more than the cost of a viewfinder magnifier, you should be able to buy a different EOS camera with a decent viewfinder.

aatonpanavision · Sep 26, 2013

hmmm

Hmm well, I was just trying to find something to modify what I feel like is the best camera in my hands. I like it more than most of the other EOS style cameras because it's smaller.

The periscope there is super fancy and nice, but way to bulky for me. I wonder if they make a different model?

I basically want the bigger screen because it's easier to take in the color and power of the potential picture. Focusing manually is also easier. To sum all that up, it's just easier to shoot with a better view.

Les Sarile · Sep 26, 2013

There are straight magnifiers too but again these only magnify the center portion.

Basically vfs are divided between small or large magnification to accomodate people who wear eyeglasses or those who don't. For instance, the EOS1V has a magnification of .72 compared to the Pentax MX of .97. The near lifesize view of the MX is significant but of course not great for folks who wear glasses.

The Pentax LX has interchangeable viewfinders and screens that can offer huge bright views.

elekm · Sep 26, 2013

That does make sense, if you're looking for a smaller body.

I'm not knowledgeable about the EOS bodies, so I don't know if there would be a better body to suit your needs.

If you don't have a large group of lenses, you could always consider switching systems to one that offers a viewfinder that suits your needs.

For example, the Contax 139 Quartz is a smaller body with a fairly large, bright viewfinder.

However, it's manual film advance, manual film rewind. It does have fully auto and manual exposure, and it's all manual focus.

Just one possibility among many.

There are so many film cameras out there today that you could easily try others without breaking the bank.

aatonpanavision said:
Hmm well, I was just trying to find something to modify what I feel like is the best camera in my hands. I like it more than most of the other EOS style cameras because it's smaller.

The periscope there is super fancy and nice, but way to bulky for me. I wonder if they make a different model?

I basically want the bigger screen because it's easier to take in the color and power of the potential picture. Focusing manually is also easier. To sum all that up, it's just easier to shoot with a better view.

flatulent1 · Sep 27, 2013

If you want good and cheap, the Elan IIe can be had for $25. Even better would be the Elan 7, currently going for about $60. Better yet would be the Elan 7N, for about $100. The Elans are light and extremely quiet.

The Rebel series are cursed with pentamirrors, except for the first two or three models. You can check the Canon Camera Museum for specifics. Pentamirrors are smaller and darker than pentaprisms.

There is a viewfinder extension that fits the K2 that you might want to have a look at. I had one once, though I wasn't entirely satisfied with it and haven't used it more than a few times.

Europan · Sep 27, 2013

From your member name I take that you might be a little spoilt by movie cameras viewfinders.
No shame, an Aatons or a Panaflex finder eclipses many a still camera.
Id suggest a view camera, lets say a 4" × 5" one. There you can see.

I am not being serious.

Les Sarile · Sep 27, 2013

flatulent1 said:
There is a viewfinder extension that fits the K2 that you might want to have a look at. I had one once, though I wasn't entirely satisfied with it and haven't used it more than a few times.

I can see why as it reduces the already tiny viewfinder further by 30%!

The EPE-EX15 Eyepiece Extender for Select Canon Cameras from Vello extends the eyepiece 5/8" (15 mm) from the camera body and reduces the viewfinder's magnification by 30%. Reducing the magnification makes it easier for eyeglass users

Fixcinater · Sep 27, 2013

I wear glasses and use that eyepiece extender without the optics. I tried it first with the optics and hated the view but liked the space for my big nose, so I pulled the optics out and now love it compared to having the viewfinder right on the body. I use a Minolta right angle finder for most of my SLR work now, but if I need to go light/small, I'll use the EX15.

I don't know that it solves the OP's problem, though.

gone · Sep 27, 2013

Unfortunately, as we have all come to grips with, there is no perfect camera. I suspect that the manufacturers always leave in ONE design flaw to make people upgrade to the newer model, and then that camera also has ONE design flaw. Neat little business they have. I suspect you're either going to have to live w/ your camera's one problem, or get another model (which will surely have a separate problem). You can see how people can amass a drawer full of cameras and still have none that are "just right". After a while, good enough is where it's at.

thuggins · Oct 12, 2013

I use an eyecup to hold a piece cut from an eyeglass lens. It should hold a magnifying lens as well. There is a standard magnifying lens made for the Olympus Evolt cameras. It slips right over the eyepiece.

cliveh · Oct 12, 2013

I am probably missing something here, but why would you want to magnify the viewfinder image? Wont this give you a false image of what you are taking?

lxdude · Oct 12, 2013

No, the viewfinder shows the image formed on the focusing screen- you look through it at the image; it does not alter the image.

Fixcinater · Oct 12, 2013

cliveh said:
I am probably missing something here, but why would you want to magnify the viewfinder image? Wont this give you a false image of what you are taking?

More precise/easier to confirm focus.

cliveh · Oct 12, 2013

Now I understand, you are talking about a prescription eyepiece.

Magnifying the Viewfinder on more modern Canon EF SLRs

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