There is a new solution form Walter RX Eyepiece for rangefinder cameras users who suffer from astigmatism:
This is an ingenious little device that solves two big problems. Your optical deficiency, and astigmatism. Now, using this device, you are able to put your eye up close to the eyepiece, allowing you to see the full frames in the finder and in the case of the Leica M9 or M8, you can clearly also see the illumination arrows indicating the exposure. Obviously this is crucial for perfect ergonomics and correct photography. The eyepiece is hand made from solid brass with a matt black coating to match the Leica cameras. The eyepiece contains your personal lens matching your prescription of the eye you use to take pictures with. The real ingenious part of this accessory is that the Walter RX eyepiece ® is engineered to always stay in a horizontally aligned position. Mounted on a high quality, German engineered, freely rotating ball bearing, the eyepiece will always fall back to the same horizontal position with ease, no matter what angle you hold the camera.
The price of the eyepiece is $479. Here are three videos illustrating the product:
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7 Comments
Leave it to someone other than Leica to provide a product that makes using the M finder easier for those with less than perfect vision.
I think this product perfectly illustrates how Leica’s rangefinder and eyepiece design need improvement, yet nothing happens. In my opinion, for what it’s worth (and maybe not much) the M is a useable platform that is like using a new antique. Yes, it works, but isn’t it time for Leica to show some bravery and creativity and BRING AN IMPROVED M????????? Keep the existing design for all those who want experience it. But, since 1954 the same basic eyepiece design has been used and well, ‘hey Leica, you mean to tell everyone that it can’t be improved?’
If only I had other options to choose from for a full-frame digital camera with a small-size factor and precise rangefinder focusing.
Too bad I’m stuck with Leica.
shouldn’t astigmatism be corrected by proper glasses or contact lenses instead???…
Correct! Probably with less cost!
Well, from what I can read and understand. With the Walter RX eyepiece it is corrected with proper lenses as the eyepiece contains the shooters prescription lens.
So therefore ” no more glasses” terrific !
It is a shame, yes.
Knowing the comfort of Bessa and Zeiss rangefinder, it is not believable to have a so ridiculous angle of view for glass wearers. I think other people does’nt realize what it means.
For contact lenses, not everybody can wear them (I tested them) , and fora glass wearer like me, the angle of view is a bottleneck.
And I am a Leica fan ! (Leica CL ans X1).
Thanks !
Regarding the Walterrxeyepiece. The eyepiece contains the prescription lens and keeps it level no matter how the camera is tilted. Since using it on my m8 my pics are pinsharp and for the first time i can enjoy the best leica has to offer.