Canon EVF-DC1 viewfinder diopter adjustment advice

[Rosssiiii]

Hi everyone,

I started using this viewfinder a little this weekend and I'm really enjoying it. It's comfortable, and I'd buy it again. While it was initially pleasant to look at the screen when I first got the M3, it's become a bit of a hassle so i need it.

The diopter adjustment seems to make a big difference compared to other SLR viewfinders, but I wear glasses, and if I set it perfectly for when I'm wearing glasses, it won't be as good for when I'm not. I don't remember this with SLRs.

Now I've adjusted it by turning the dial almost all the way counterclockwise—not all the way to the limit you reach by turning it counterclockwise, but almost—and I did the adjustment while wearing glasses, leaving a small compromise for when I'm without them.

To know if the adjustment is correct, do I need to see clearly through the viewfinder without having to close both eyes?

because I wonder if this is the right adjustment, otherwise there is the risk that I squint too much and after I look through the viewfinder for a while I "struggle" to see normally... it happened to me a bit last Sunday when I hadn't made any adjustments and I started using it, I had to squint too much to see but in reality I should have turned the dial counterclockwise to look easier.

[Waddizzle]

 “….To know if the adjustment is correct, do I need to see clearly through the viewfinder without having to close both eyes?”

 I adjust my diopter by focusing on something with the camera in One Shot AF mode. I then adjust the diopter so that something is clear and sharp.  

[Stephen]

Hello! Dealing with diopter adjustments can be tricky, especially when glasses are involved.

The squinting and eye strain you described usually indicate that the diopter isn't quite matched to your eye (or your glasses). The goal is definitely to see clearly without squinting or forcing your eye to focus hard.

Here is a good trick for setting this up perfectly:

1. Ignore the scene: Don't look at the image coming through the lens.

2. Focus on the numbers: Look at the data overlays (shutter speed, aperture, battery icon, etc.) inside the viewfinder.

3. Adjust for crispness: Turn the diopter dial until those numbers look sharp and crisp.

4. Keep the glasses on: Since you plan to shoot while wearing your glasses, make sure you are wearing them while you do this adjustment.

If the icons are sharp, the image will be sharp when the camera focuses. If you find yourself maxing out the dial and it's still blurry, or if you still feel strain, you might actually get better results by lifting your glasses and adjusting the diopter to your naked eye, though I know that can be a hassle!

Official Canon Sources: https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/s/article/ART117372