Camera, Pentax, Eyepiece K200D
by Pentax
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Category: Digital Camera
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Digital Photo Product Details
Manufacturer: PentaxModel: 30150
Product features:
- Compatible with - All Pentax DSLR cameras
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Camera, Pentax, Eyepiece K200D
Customer Review: Many Optical Problems - Grossly Overpriced
Summary: 2 Stars
If possible, I would RATE THIS ITEM 2.75 STARS
On the whole, the Pentax 30150 Viewfinder Magnifying Eyepiece Loupe O-ME53 has many optical problems. For this review, I have the device mounted to a Pentax K20D camera.
First, the optical design Pentax choose does not use lens sufficiently large enough such that one can simultaneously see the top and center field of view (FOV) along with the digital displays at the bottom of the K20D viewfinder. Instead, one must move their eye about to read the data, and this step slows down a person's ability to capture fast moving objects in dynamic lighting conditions. This could be corrected if Pentax were to use bigger lens and capture a larger area of the viewfinder's image.
Second, the optics themselves introduces a lot of spherical aberration and astigmatism to the original view finder image. The aberrations are so bad, that as one looks off axis from the center field towards the digital displays at the bottom of the viewfinder, one sees that the digital numbers themselves are out of focus with the individual characters skewed and disordered in shape (see photo). Because the digital data readout at the bottom is so distorted, more time is needed to confirm exposure settings.
Third, the O-ME53 viewfinder optical system I received is not afocal. Simply put, the optics do not form a perfect far field relay system and comes to a focus at about 0.5 meters. This then throws off the diopter adjustment device built on to the K20D viewfinder port. That in turn causes a shift in the nominal "zero power" position of the diopter adjustment device on the camera by translating this zero power position towards the right side of the adjustment slider.
As a result of this improper hardware personality matching, the effective optical diopter correction range inherent to the camera changes with the integration of the O-ME53 viewfinder. This may affect some users as the diopter compensation power range is no longer optically symmetric. Hence, the addition of the O-ME53 viewfinder makes the diopter compensation non bilateral in symmetry.
The magnifier not being afocal also means that the viewfinder diopter setting has to be adjusted with each insertion and removal of the O-ME53 viewfinder in order to preserve manual focus accuracy. Keeping in mind that O-ME53 device was designed with the purpose of helping with manual focus, I would have hoped that it had also meant not having to alter the camera's diopter setting each and every time I integrate the device.
In terms of the product's price to value ratio, that too is something that needs to be examined. The Pentax magnifier is stamped "Made in China" and like we all know the average factory pay in China is about 400 RMB a month, a PhD 7,000 RMB. You can do the math, but this apparatus probably cost Pentax all of $1.50-$2.00 to make in China, molded optics and all. Typically, the brand name camera companies have always charged a premium for low volume accessory devices, but this device at $39.95 (B&H Photo) is more than offensive given all of the inherent optical problems systemic with the Pentax O-ME53 Viewfinder.
As I see it, given the overall quality of the optical design, the selection of lens used, the very low level of optical performance, integration and hardware personality issues to the location from where the device was made, a price of $20 from the public should be considered gracious and anything beyond $25 down right insulting. At $39.95 plus shipping, it's despicable.
Minus 1.00 for Price to Value Ratio
Minus 0.50 for Optical Design and Size of Optics
Minus 0.25 for Not Being Afocal
Minus 0.25 for Integration & Personality Matching
Minus 0.25 for Overall Function
Additional note: The large recent (Winter 2010) increase in the list price of this item to the ridiculous and stratospheric price of 99.95, for the purpose of projecting to an unknowing customer the erroneous perception of receiving a "good deal" is unethical. Regardless of the motivation, raising an arbitrary value such as the list price for a marginal item that is all ready over valued does not make a purchase any more agreeable but simply laden's the sale with more deceit.
Description of Camera, Pentax, Eyepiece K200D
The O-ME53 magnifying eyecup works with all PENTAX DSLR bodies offering 1.2 times magnification over the entire image field. This magnification is ideal for critical focusing and when using manual focus lenses.Telescope Accessories
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