A few months ago there was a thread about possibly adapting the popular Nikon DK-17M 1.2X magnifying eyepiece to fit Canon dslr’s . This is the magnifier that is supposed to allow full view rather than just the center section. As it basically just makes the viewing image larger, I decided I needed to try it. The finished result works quite well and the viewfinder is just a little dimmer with a slight amount of vignetting. The image is sharp and makes manual focusing a lot easier as it’s 20% larger. I did have to adjust the diopter adjustment a little even though I leave it on the center position without this eyepiece.
Unfortunately I wear glasses so rubber eyepiece hoods gets in the way. Without a rubber hood, I can just barely see the entire frame without moving my eye but I have to bring the eyepiece pretty close to my eye (there’s not much eye relief). Those that don’t wear glasses probably can see the entire frame without any problem. I’ll ask someone who doesn’t wear glasses to try it later. Overall, I am very happy with the end result and plan to keep it on my 20D. I’ll definitely use it on 5D as well when manual focusing.
DonH wrote:
That looks like a winner, Vernon. Now just be prepared for the flood of orders.
Thanks Don, but I'm really not interested in starting up an eyepiece buisness
So, to those that have emailed and PM'ed me, I'm sorry. The whole process is very straight forward as outlined. Anyone want to assemble these and make a buck ?. The problem right now is that the Nikon DK-17m is hard to find as supply hasn't caught up with demand yet. With the popularity of this eyepiece, Canon should design their own!
To answer another question, no the eyepiece doesn't crop any of the viewfinder image. I think that's why it's so popular. All it does is it makes the whole image 20% larger without much loss in brightness or sharpness. You can run a search for "dk-17m" in the nikon forums or nikonians for many reviews.
Did you file away the thread on the Dk-17M? I'm halfway through the same project but am reluctant to file off the thread on the DK-17M.
Makron
rathman wrote:
A few months ago there was a thread about possibly adapting the popular Nikon DK-17M 1.2X magnifying eyepiece to fit Canon dslr’s . This is the magnifier that is supposed to allow full view rather than just the center section. As it basically just makes the viewing image larger, I decided I needed to try it. The finished result works quite well and the viewfinder is just a little dimmer with a slight amount of vignetting. The image is sharp and makes manual focusing a lot easier as it’s 20% larger. I did have to adjust the diopter adjustment a little even though I leave it on the center position without this eyepiece.
Unfortunately I wear glasses so rubber eyepiece hoods gets in the way. Without a rubber hood, I can just barely see the entire frame without moving my eye but I have to bring the eyepiece pretty close to my eye (there’s not much eye relief). Those that don’t wear glasses probably can see the entire frame without any problem. I’ll ask someone who doesn’t wear glasses to try it later. Overall, I am very happy with the end result and plan to keep it on my 20D. I’ll definitely use it on 5D as well when manual focusing.
Did you file away the thread on the Dk-17M? I'm halfway through the same project but am reluctant to file off the thread on the DK-17M.
Makron
No, leave the thread and just file away on the plastic adapter to the point where you can screw the magnifer in, You can remove (file off) the extended "knubs" that are on the threads if you want to position the magnifier closer to the eyepiece (deeper in the plastic adapter). I did this as I wanted the most eye relief since I wear glasses.
Dan GSR wrote:
I just finished making this
I love it
the bigger viewfinder image is a welcome addition
I didn't use any epoxy to affix the two pieces
instead i just made the hole big enough for a friction fit
I also had to adjust my diopter 4 clicks
Dan,
That was quick! You were just thinking about putting one together earlier and now you have the whole thing assembled. Where did you get the parts so fast? Glad you like it. When it comes to viewfinders- bigger is better!
rathman wrote:
Dan,
That was quick! You were just thinking about putting one together earlier and now you have the whole thing assembled. Where did you get the parts so fast? Glad you like it. When it comes to viewfinders- bigger is better!
Vernon
My local camera shop had all the parts in stock
thanks for starting this thread
i can't wait to give this thing a good workout
The rubber eyecup can slide all the way to the base of the adapter if you want (see my last picture on the 1st post). I actually put the eyecup onto the magnifier before screwing it onto the adapter. No reason to make any changes unless you're having a problem seeing the entire image . Looks good.
