[Angela]

I have to wear glasses and I am finding that since I have had my new camera and have to use to a viewfinder, I am suffering from eyestrain after taking photos. I didn't have this problem before when using a viewfinder and the only difference I can think of is that my current glasses are varifocals (and, yes, that makes me feel very old! ) and I suspect that I am forced to look through the wrong part of the lense.

Does anyone else wear glasses and experience such problems?

[Warspite]

I dont have varifocals myself but do wear glasses, does your camera have a diopter on the viewfinder, if so have you tried adjusting this to make it comfortable viewing through the viewfinder without your glasses?

[daveyuk]

Angela,
Try this
Tips and Hints for a focus or soft focus problem.
Instead of wearing your glasses when you make the adjustment take them off and adjust the dioptric on your camera so that everything is focused.

I know it will mean a bit of messing around having to take your glasses off everytime you want to take a photograph but it's got to be better than having eye strain.

I hope that helps you out

[Angela]

Thanks guys. I need to check the camera as there is a switch above the viewfinder that can adjust it. My problem is that my eyesight is so poor that without my glasses I can only focus at about 6" in front of my nose and I suspect that nothing I can adjust on the camera will make a lot of difference! I might try going back to my ordinary glasses and see if that helps.

[Dabhand16]

I wear varifocals and don't have any problems with the Nikon. I had to tweak the diopter a bit, but no other problems. I think Nikon sell a gizmo to fit over the viewfinder, or which replaces the eyecup for people who cannot get the diopter adjustment to suit them.

[Angela]

Hmmm..wonder if Pentax does something similar.

[stepheno]

Like Graham I wear varifocals. I look through the top of the lens on my spectacles and adjust the diopter to suit. It helps if you try to let the eye muscles relax.

It's also better viewing with your glasses on because there will come a time when you will want to see through the viewfinder with one eye and the normal view with the other eye. Believe me it does help when shooting sport.

[Angela]

Fiddled with the diopter and that hasn't helped. Will go see if Pentax do a gizmo, otherwise I am going to have to learn to shoot with both eyes open!

[RichB]

Angela, I'd suggest going back to your optometrist for advice. I'm sure they could suggest something, or at least explain the cause. Could be something as simple as the crossover point of the varifocal not being in the right place? Are the glasses ok for general use at both near and far distances ?

I have similar problems in terms of having to wear glasses all the time, and the dioptre adjustment wouldn't help my acute astigmatism (which can cause eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, etc); and along with a dominant eye prevents me wearing contact lenses, all in all my sight is a bit of a mess!

Must admit, I was offered varifocals at my last two eye tests, to assist with reading, and I hadn't thought of the impact on using a camera! Perhaps this is why you see photographers of mature age using LCD screens to compose their shots, rather than the viewfinder !!

[Steve]

Hi Angela, thanks for posting this thread as it has raised a issue that as photographer with good eyesight I had not previously considered.

I wish I had some good advice for you but it appears that the previous posters have already covered all the bases. Good luck with your quest to solve this issue and please keep us informed of your progress