NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: Snoogly on July 09, 2021, 23:04:08
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It has been obvious for a while now that the DK-17M magnifying eyepiece had been given the boot, but an alert I just received from B&H confirms it.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387769-REG/Nikon_4793_DK_17M_Magnifying_Eyepiece_for.html (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/387769-REG/Nikon_4793_DK_17M_Magnifying_Eyepiece_for.html)
I have been stockpiling, in a humble way. One new one and two three used ones in reserve. Even used they are very rare now, with eye-watering prices. (just bought another used on Yahoo Auction ..)
:( :( >:( >:( :( :( :( :( :( :'(
Are they not usable with the D6? Will the D880 have a different shaped eyepiece?
This rush to get out of the DSLR game is sad.
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I've had one on backorder from B&H. I didn't expect it would ever come in. Nikon could make a batch of them once in a while. I think it's a marketing decision not that people don't want them.
Nikon could make a replacement with a fresnel lens in the mix that would work better for glasses wearers. I wish some aftermarket maker would do this. I don't think Nikon ever will.
Dave
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It’s sad. Such a small thing, but now not even on the radar of the bean counters :-(
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The D6 has the same eyepieces as before.
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I still have a Nikon DK-17m on order at Adorama. There is an outside, outside chance they will find a few somewhere. eBay is selling them a gouge prices. Not finding many on eBay.
There was a time where used Nikon SB-800(s) sold for more than the new price just after the SB-800 was discontinued. Now the SB-800 can be purchased in decent condition at a reasonable price. This will hopefully happen to the DK-17m.
I can't use the DK-17m on my D850 while wearing glasses. I need to try half reader "granny glasses" to see if I can view directly above and then view the top LCD through the reading glasses. I hope I may be able to use the DK-17m with a D500 that I might buy with the proceeds from selling my old Ford F150. If I can use the DK-17m with the D500 that would offer a 1.2x viewfinder for focusing my legacy AI and AIS Nikkors.
Dave
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I was looking for it for a while. It is extremely rare here in Canada and the retail stores do not offer them. I talked to B&H last year and the told me there is not guaranty I get it. Luckily, I found an used one for cheap a month ago.
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I notice that there are both Fixed and Zoom magnification eyepieces from Chinese vendors on EBay.
Some are for consumer grade DSLRs such as the D3000 and D5000 series and others for D500, D700, D800 Series, and above.
The eyepiece prices for the latter professional cameras are not cheap.
Here is a link to an example: https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/313564179288?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-139619-5960-0&mkcid=2&itemid=313564179288&targetid=1278276342187&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9071257&poi=&campaignid=10101784991&mkgroupid=131275693908&rlsatarget=pla-1278276342187&abcId=9300367&merchantid=107358068&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_oSMjsTd8QIV0Z7CCh33PAU1EAQYASABEgIN8fD_BwE
Has anyone tried these?
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I'd love to see one in action, but my own DK-17M became less than fully useful when I began wearing glasses about 15 years ago. I'll be curious to see if the diopter adjustment of the camera finder will have to be reset every time the zoom factor is changed. I hope this turns out to not be the case.
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I did once try a 'zoom' eyepiece. I forgot the brand, but it was too big! It stuck out so far that it made the camera hard to carry and store in a bag.
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I had an inspiration or totally stupid idea: I'll take the lens out of the left side of a pair of $10.00 reading glasses. The DK-17m will fit through and I can use it with my D850 while the right side will allow me to see and read the LCD(s) and controls. This will probably require mixed brain dominance. I think I can manage this!
Dave, I'll be OK tomorrow. :)
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Would dual monocles be easier? :-)
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Would dual monocles be easier? :-)
Would a monocle stay in place?
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Two would be easier, as your brain could focus on squinting with both eyes at the same time.
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Two would be easier, as your brain could focus on squinting with both eyes at the same time.
Got it!
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I tried popping a lens out of my Costco reading glasses. The suggestion was something of a joke. It's really weird to walk around with one lens in and one lens out. Next I'll try half readers if I can find some cheep ones. :)
Dave
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How long before a helpful passer-by stops to ask you if you knew that one of the lenses in your glasses has fallen out?
;D
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It's not easy!
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I was recently looking for one as I believe I'd sold mine (it's been a long time). I am regretting that a bit more now... or my inability to figure out what I did with it. The price I was able to locate was around $100.00 USD on an auction site. :(
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It's not easy!
I thought, wait... did they release another Terminator LOL.
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Same problem here in Australia. There are much less expensive Chinese made alternatives that I am now looking at.
Maybe once I have undergone cataract surgery in 12 months time I will be in better personal optical shape - that is COVID-19 not withstanding!
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I tried some of the alternatives in the past, but none proved to be a worthy substitute for the DK-17m. I will see if I can find them, and write my opinion about them. Though their sticking out too far is an issue I distinctly remember. This made the camera hard to carry, and hard to squeeze into a bag.
I am awaiting delivery of another used DK-17m! A bargain at only $70! :( :( :(
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I must have said this before but: Someone needs to make a DK-17M replacement with a Fresnel lens element so it can be used by most eyeglass wearers.
Dave
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I must have said this before but: Someone needs to make a DK-17M replacement with a Fresnel lens element so it can be used by most eyeglass wearers.
Dave
A Nikongear Kickstarter project? ;)
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A Nikongear Kickstarter project? ;)
I like that idea ;D
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+1
(From he with bad close up eyesight!)
I like that idea ;D
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Just an FYI; I just received an email from Adorama, they cancelled my back order stating the manufacturer has notified them the product has been discontinued.
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I am sure I tried one in the past, but I forgot. Anyway, I ordered a 1.22 Tenpa Golden Eye.
This must be the must stupid and butt ignorant stoopid of any of the recent discontinue 'policies.'
Many jump to defend Nikon, but things like this show me that are a ship without a rudder. Bring out a new trendy Z camera with a hipster round viewfinder (no thread), and at the same time stop making a round eyepiece of massive use.
Unforgivable.
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Snoogly,
I was able to locate the 1.22 Tenpa Golden Eye on ebay for ~$90.00 USD. Is that what the generally go for? How is the quality compared to the Nikon DK-17M? If you are not sure, I would appreciate letting me know when you receive yours, if you are so inclined. ;D
I gave up long ago on trying to figure out Nikon and many other companies for that matter. Like Honda and their terrible seats for instance :o. The writing is on the wall it appears, the mirrorless systems wont be threaded because you can zoom in and they are killing off the small things now and focusing on the production of those systems and accessories.
Regards,
Tom
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Just an FYI; I just received an email from Adorama, they cancelled my back order stating the manufacturer has notified them the product has been discontinued.
I also received an email from Adorama stating that my order was canceled due to Nikon discontinuing the product. I have one on order at B&H that hasn't been cancelled as yet. I placed the orders hoping there was a tiny chance that additional Nikon DK-17M(s) might be found. I had very low expectations that either Adorama or B&H would have product to fill my orders.
Much worse is probable coming soon for Nikon and Nikon customers.
Dave
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Snoogly,
I was able to locate the 1.22 Tenpa Golden Eye on ebay for ~$90.00 USD. Is that what the generally go for? How is the quality compared to the Nikon DK-17M? If you are not sure, I would appreciate letting me know when you receive yours, if you are so inclined. ;D
I gave up long ago on trying to figure out Nikon and many other companies for that matter. Like Honda and their terrible seats for instance :o. The writing is on the wall it appears, the mirrorless systems wont be threaded because you can zoom in and they are killing off the small things now and focusing on the production of those systems and accessories.
Regards,
Tom
I ordered mine a few days ago, but I will report when it arrives. It is also available from Amazon in Japan, but at a higher cost.
Ironically the higher magnification one (1.3) is a lot cheaper - but nobody wants that one as it has issues.
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So, the Tenpa 1.22 seems to me to be an ideal substitute for the DK-17m. I didn’t even need to change the diopter setting.
However, it comes in a box full of adapters, and has one of those ‘funny’ manuals.
For a native round Nikon eyepiece you just need the ‘golden eye’ and the rubber jacket.
One thing I did notice is the the eyepiece cover on a D4s no longer works after installing it. It may need some tweaking, but if that is the only negative point I can live with it.
But be aware that the word seems to be out that this can equal a DK-17m. Production ended many years ago, demand is there, and prices are going up!
Here in Japan the 1.3 is about ¥3,000 cheaper than the 1.22, as even Tenpa stated - only the 1.22 is suitable for glasses wearers.
My verdict is that if you really wanted a DK-17m, and can’t get one, get the 1.22 Tenpa golden eye instead. Better be quick though! ;-)
As a bonus, you can optimize family love.
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David,
Perhaps B&H will come through for you, best of luck! I missed one on an auction site while I was debating the price of $80.00 or so and emailing to verify there were no scratches on the glass.
Snoogly,
Good to hear! How far off the back of the camera does it protrude? Is it the same as the DK-17m? I have placed an order so I should have one by the end of next month (slow shipping on the backs of turtles I suppose). Perhaps I should have purchased 2... Thank you for providing more information, I appreciate it.
Regards,
Tom
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There seem to be different types, or generations, of the Tenpa 1.22. I now have both, but I measured the eBay one and can report that from the front of the rubber cover to the bottom of the thread is about 1cm. Whereas the same measurement for the dk-17m is about 1.2cm.
The other ‘generation’ of the Tenpa comes in a large flashy black box, and inside that the eyepiece is in a very fancy metal case. That version has a wrap-around rubber cover, while the eBay one has a conventional rubber cover, and a metal ring behind that (similar to the dk-17m design).
I have no idea how much (if at all) the optics of the Tenpa changed over the generations - but I think beggars can’t be choosers now, and we have to happy with whatever we can get!
To me, there are no real differences in use between the Nikon and the Tenpa, other than with the Tenpa I can’t close the eye piece cover on a D4s.
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Snoogly,
It arrived! It seems that my Tenpa is the one with the large black box and it seems to screw too far into the D3 body. I removed it as I need to run for some errands and I do not want to scratch anything. It seemed I was unable to open the eyepiece cover by pressing the lever. Perhaps the threads on mine are too deep and yes the manual "funny" for sure! ;D
Regards,
Tom
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Mine is the same on a D4s. But my ‘issue’ is that I can’t close the eyepiece, which I can live with. Try screwing it on with the eyepiece open ;-)
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Snoogly,
I have a nitrile O-ring kit and selected one smaller than the diameter required, stretched it into place and that allows it to seat firmly and allow the eyepiece cover to operate normally. I am sure the offset distance may cause some issue but I was able to dial in my diopter. I am curious if you are able to see the exposure indicator on the far right of the VF easily or if you have to nudge your head to the left slightly to see it. I believe I have always had to ever since I have been shooting, but all in all - the Tenpa seems to work well!
Regards,
Tom
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When I realized my move to Fujifilm (X-Pro3) was not the right move for my photography hobby and decided to switch back to my beloved Nikon Df, I was
surely not prepared on not finding any DK-17m in the market anymore (End of 21).
In the end lucky me realized that even though I sold my Df with the DK-17m, my father didn't when he moved from D700 to D750 and still had it in his photo-box :)
I guess you can understand my feelings then :)
A Nikon Df, bought to be used only with manual focus lenses WITHOUT the DK-17m would have been a total different story.
Ever since, I am trying to find a "backup" - without success so far :(
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I have had the same trouble and managed to find a second hand one and repurposed one from and older camera of mine.
New ones are scarcer than rocking horse pooh!
When I realized my move to Fujifilm (X-Pro3) was not the right move for my photography hobby and decided to switch back to my beloved Nikon Df, I was
surely not prepared on not finding any DK-17m in the market anymore (End of 21).
In the end lucky me realized that even though I sold my Df with the DK-17m, my father didn't when he moved from D700 to D750 and still had it in his photo-box :)
I guess you can understand my feelings then :)
A Nikon Df, bought to be used only with manual focus lenses WITHOUT the DK-17m would have been a total different story.
Ever since, I am trying to find a "backup" - without success so far :(
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Unless I am missing something, i just saw several on Ebay or is this a special kind? I may even have some around here.
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I only find one in GB (unfortunately non-EU now…) and one in Japan …
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The Tenpa magnifier is a reasonable alternative.
Though also no longer made.
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A couple weeks ago B&H had the dk-17/+1 and purchased one. The ocular center is spot on.
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One used, like new in box for sales in my area :D
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Anyone selling an excess eyepiece? Please?? ;) :D :D :D