Help with S&S High Eyepoint Viewfinder please

[mdr231]

I just bought a used Sea & Sea High Eyepoint Viewfinder for my MM II-ex and have a question. When you look through it on land, is the image supposed to be sharp and clear? (like it is when I look through the camera's viewfinder). Its all blurry and I'm not sure if it corrects underwater or if the lenses are messed up.

thanks in advance!
Michael

 

[diveaway]

Micheal

Totally normal! The viewfidner is designed for underwater use only, so you will see clear under water.

More critical will be the correct use of the viewfinder:

. Setting the proper diistance on the dial (always forgotten!)
. Putting in the correct black masks for the Wide Angle Lens, so you get the correct frame


Hope this helps

Raymond

 

[Dee]

That's normal, it's designed to be used underwater.

I had an Optical High Point VF on my MMIIex. I didn't have to dial in a distance or install the masks so what I had must be different from what you have.

But I AM sure about the blurry look....

 

[mdr231]

They make 2 different models. One has the parallax adjustment and uses the masks. The other has no adjustment and has the "masks" etched in the glass so you don't need masks (for 15mm, 20mm & 35mm). Mine is the second type (like Dee's). Anyway, though, I guess the blurriness (in air) is the same in both models. Wasn't sure what to expect. I guess the one I bought is OK - thanks for your help!

Michael

 

[diveaway]

Mmhh, didn't know that there are two models. Mine (see picture) is a pretty complex piece of equipment considering what it us supposed to do and has caused me a lot of missed shots in the past. No such thing as instant gratification with a S&S MM IIEX!

That's why it's time to switch to digital (say get a housing for my Sony dsc-f717 ...)

Raymond

 

[gbundersea]

Diveaway,

What you show in the picture is called the optical viewfinder, I believe. It's the one I own and have been using for many years. I mainly shoot it with the 16mm WA lens, and leave the wide-angle mask in it. It's worked very well for me.

I looked through mine, and holding it about 12-14 inches away from my eye, the view through it appears clear, but distorted as you get with an ultra-wide lens. (The fisheye effect.) If yours appears blurry, it may very well have a problem.

 

[mdr231]

This is the one I have. You can kind of see the markings on the inside indicating focal length. I don't have any experience with it yet so I can't say how easy it is to use. I have a decent background in land photography (digital and film) and decided to do the diving photography "traditionally" with film. Wonder how long it'll be before I decide the convenience of digital outweighs tradition :bonk:

Michael

 

[gbundersea]

mdr231 has the high-eyepoint viewfinder. Notice the masks etched into the glass itself.