End of the road for the humble DK-17M

[Snoogly]

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

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.

[David H. Hartman]

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

[Snoogly]

It’s sad. Such a small thing, but now not even on the radar of the bean counters :-(

[Ilkka Nissilä]

The D6 has the same eyepieces as before.

[David H. Hartman]

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

[Zang]

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.

[Hugh_3170]

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?

[pluton]

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.

[Snoogly]

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.

[David H. Hartman]

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.

[Snoogly]

Would dual monocles be easier? :-)

[David H. Hartman]

Would dual monocles be easier? :-)

Would a monocle stay in place?

[Snoogly]

Two would be easier, as your brain could focus on squinting with both eyes at the same time.

[David H. Hartman]

Two would be easier, as your brain could focus on squinting with both eyes at the same time.

Got it!

[David H. Hartman]

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