Correction lenses

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04

If you've ever used a camera which doesn't have dioptric adjustment and you need to wear spectacles to focus, you know the problem. I need to use +1.5 diopter lenses for reading, just enough to blur the focus screen. One of the arms broke on an old pair of my glasses and I was about to throw them away when I had an idea. Idea

The lenses in modern spectacles are of polycarbonate, not glass, and can be cut and shaped quite easily. I took out one the lenses and cut and filed a small lens to fit inside the eyepiece of the Spotmatic. You need to use something to hold the lens firm - I used a small table-top clamped vice - and wrap it in something soft to prevent scratches. Filing is a bit fiddly but with some patience and frequent testing I got it to fit perfectly. A couple of tiny dabs of adhesive on the edges keep it in place, and it can be removed quite easily if necessary. It should be possible to cut 3 or 4 from just one lens.

I'm delighted how much more clearly I can see the focus screen now, it's well worth the effort.

Attila · Expire: 2025-11-18

excellent idea! Thank you for sharing!

Rob Leslie · Joined: 20 Mar 2007 Posts: 1103 Location: UK Swindon

In the UK Spec savers and alike will do you a lens for a few pounds as long as you are already a customer. Best bet is to order when getting new specs they will throw them in for peanuts.

LucisPictor · Expire: 2013-12-03

Peter! What an amazing idea!!
A genius finds the best and easiest way! I gues you have proven to be one here. Well done!

peterqd · Expire: 2014-01-04