EP-EX15 Eyepeice extender mod tutorial including photos.

[Oneslowz28]

After receiving a few PMs about the EP-EX15 mod I decided to make a short tutorial on the mod.

What the mod does: The EP-EX15 extends the distance between the eye cup and the camera body. Many people with glasses, large noses, and anyone who hated their nose squished up against the lcd screen uses one. Unfortunately the EP-EX15 also darkens and makes the viewfinder view a great deal smaller. This makes it hard to manual focus and also is just a PITA in general. This mod removes the 2 plastic lenses inside the EP-EX15 thus removing the problems that come with installing one.

Also after removing the lenses from the inside the backing plate is a fraction of a mm closer to the EP-EX15 casing and this makes the EP-EX15 fit tighter to the camera body. This removes the pesky problem of the EP-EX15 falling off in the camera bag or when it bumps against your body.

You need:

1 EP-EX15
1 Small Phillips Screwdriver (not jewelry, eyeglasses, or precision small. Just the smallest one in a normal set will do fine)


Time to complete: 5 Min.


http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/CJGanttphotography/forum%20size/1.jpg

Instructions

1. First remove the 2 small screws (arrows A and B) on the back on the EP-EX15. They are marked by arrows A and B.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/CJGanttphotography/forum%20size/2.jpg



2. Next remove the small backing plate (arrow C). Just use the tip of the screwdriver to gently pry it out.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/CJGanttphotography/forum%20size/3.jpg



3. Next remove the metal plate (arrow D) that holds in the plastic lenses. Again use the screwdriver to gently lift it out.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/CJGanttphotography/forum%20size/4.jpg



4. Next remove the 2 lenses (arrow E) from the EP-EX15 casing. I just flipped the case over and the lenses fell out.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/CJGanttphotography/forum%20size/5.jpg



5. Here is everything taken apart.

A and B are the screws that hold everything together.
C is the backing plate.
D is the metal plate that holds the lenses in.
E1 & E2 are the lenses.

http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/CJGanttphotography/forum%20size/61.jpg



6. To finish put The backing plate ( C ) back on to the EP-EX15 casing. Install the 2 screws ( A & B ) back in their original holes. There you have it. Your finished and your view finder will now look normal and you will still have the 15mm of spacing between the eye cup and the camera body.
WARNING: Be careful to not over-tighten the screws. They just screw into plastic and will strip out with very little force.
http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s187/CJGanttphotography/forum%20size/7.jpg

Note: This tutorial was written using a EP-EX15 and not the new EP-EX15 II. I do not know if the procedure is the same for the new model. After looking at photos of the EP-EX15 II it look like the method of removing the 2 lenses from the inside is the same. I cannot be held liable for damage you cause doing this mod to your equipment. Do this mod at your own risk.

EDIT: sorry for the crappy pics. I took these using the kit lens and they looked ok in photoshop but I after saving for web at quality 60 jpg and then uploading to photobucket they look a lot worse. Oh well the point still is made.

[Oneslowz28]

Just a bump to make me think I didn't waist my time.

[CS TAN]

Hi Charles, great little write up. This write up definitely showed how easy the mod is and will give me the confident to do it.

Thanks for taking the time and effort to share your experience.

Keep up the good work.

[Dmab]

Thanks for the write-up!
One thing to note -- removing the two screws is a little tougher than it looks (at least to me).
I've tried to remove the screws with a rinky-dink jewelers philips screwdriver and nearly stripped the screws. It was either the screws were extremely tight or I need to have a more robust screwdriver. I'm thinking the latter.

[Oneslowz28]

I used the smallest bit I had from a 5 in one elcheapo I had in the desk drawer. They came out fine for me.

I added a warning about over-tightening the screws upon reassembly.

[Calicajun]

Very nice write up, thanks for taking the time and posting this tutorial.
I'm still use my EP-EX15 with the lenses in place, though it does give a smaller looking VF with the lenses in place, it does allow me to see the whole VF. Without the extender on the camera I can't see the information bar at the bottom of the VF, with the extender I can see the whole VF at one time. Should also state that I wear glasses, not all the time just when I want to see.

[w8jy]

Thanks for the tutorial. As mentioned above, the only real pitfall is the possibility of stripping the screw heads - they are very tightly screwed down. I used a jeweler's screwdriver that was an exact fit - but not enough leverage. I pushed down hard on the screwdriver while turning it with pliers - once the screw breaks loose, it is simple from there.

This sure solves a lot of problems - i can see the VF better now, and for the first time, there are no noseprints on the 5D's LCD screen!

[ben_r_]

Awesome! Nice that you took the time to do this! This will help anyone who was thinking of doing this mod! Thanks!

[Oneslowz28]

Thanks for the nice comments guys. As soon as I get a 50D and the EP-EX15 II then I will make one for it also.

[SYS]

Thanks for the write up. I have the "EX15 II" version, and it's essentially the same process, i.e., unscrew, gut the inner lenses, and screw back on. However, I had to leave the metal plate ("D" in your picture above, the one that holds the lenses together) in. Without the metal plate, the extender doesn't "fit down" into the proper place UNLESS loosening the screws enough for the extra space. So I left the metal plate in, and all was perfect. The "O" shape in the metal plate, by the way, doesn't compromise the view whatsoever. I can see the intended larger views.

[Dmab]

Sorry one last question -- with this mod, does it make it harder to see the entire info field at the bottom of the VF when wearing sunglasses? From Calicajun above, it sounds like it would...

[SYS]

Sorry one last question -- with this mod, does it make it harder to see the entire info field at the bottom of the VF when wearing sunglasses? From Calicajun above, it sounds like it would...

I don't know about others, but (with my glasses on) what I'm NOT seeing is the four corners. What I'm getting is some very minor vignetting!! ;) But then that's due to my leaving the metal plate in with the "O" shape viewfinder. This is not an issue for me as far as I'm concerned. As long as I can see the main info bar at the bottom, which I do, I'll stay with this mod.

[ThomGascoigne]

Awesome! Thank you

[Oneslowz28]

no problem

[wallybud]

Sick! How much does the glass in there effect what you see without the eyepiece on the body? I hate my nose rubbing up against the body and fogging it up;)

[jdizzle]

Sick! How much does the glass in there effect what you see without the eyepiece on the body? I hate my nose rubbing up against the body and fogging it up;)
I tried the EP-Ex 15 and wound up not using it. It would come loose and even though some recommend some type of adhesive or tape, I didn't want to put anything sticky on the camera. Therefore, I just went back to a smudgy LCD. :):p

[wallybud]

haha dizzle thanks for the insight;)

[Hermeto]

I tried the EP-Ex 15 and wound up not using it. It would come loose and even though some recommend some type of adhesive or tape, I didn't want to put anything sticky on the camera. Therefore, I just went back to a smudgy LCD. :):p

A drop of colorless nail polish should solve the problem.

[SYS]

I tried the EP-Ex 15 and wound up not using it. It would come loose and even though some recommend some type of adhesive or tape, I didn't want to put anything sticky on the camera. Therefore, I just went back to a smudgy LCD. :):p

Have you tried tightening those two tiny screws? When I tightened mine, it fit perfectly.

[jdizzle]

Have you tried tightening those two tiny screws? When I tightened mine, it fit perfectly.
I did everything and it was still loose. I don't have my 5D anymore so it's not something I'm worried about anymore. :)

[jdizzle]

A drop of colorless nail polish should solve the problem.
Thanks for the tip.

[Maxdave]

This procedure works a treat .... thanks!

Maxdave

[TeeJay]

....Should also state that I wear glasses, not all the time, just when I want to see.

:shock::grin::rolleyes:

TJ

[MSIGuy]

Any chance of getting a picture of this on the camera?

[SYS]

Any chance of getting a picture of this on the camera?

On this thread:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=559353&highlight=ep-ex15+eyepiece+extender&page=2

[the black fox]

this looks great ,i will be getting this and doing the mod on my return from holiday many thanks

[tvphotog]

Thanks for the tutorial. Did this last night, works perfectly. Despite the extra 15mm relief, I can see the four corners of the viewfinder as well as before the extender. Those lens really must come out, they not only shrink the area of vision, they distort it with a pincushion effect.

[Cam97]

This is sweeeeeet ! Now i can install my Hoodeye cup and keep my big nose off the screen !! Thanks.

[Pearlallica]

subcribed to thread.

gonna use this later when I get home from work. I liked the idea of the eyepiece for my 5Dii but the viewfinder magnification goes to ****! Pops off far too easily when storing in a bag. Looking forward to using this guide - thanks so much for putting the time into illustrating this! :)

[WarScootman]

This worked for my EP-EX 15ii extender as well :D THANKS!!! I hated the -30% view...

On a side note, I found there was a small almost "paper" like plate after the "D" piece on your tutorial. Otherwise it's pretty much identical steps for the XSi/500D owners out there wondering. I'd suggest using a very fine point tweaser when doing the mods too, makes it super easy. (I found that "paper" plate was very thin/flimsy so took care not to damage it, and the tweasers helped bigtime)

I have a quick question/idea tho. I've seen the Dioptric Lens pieces that are +- etc, I seen a +-0, would this be worth getting just as a dust protector for the inside of the extender with the lenses removed? Does the +-0 one do anything visually? If not wouldn't this provide a sort of dust protection for using the eyepiece extensions with the mods? Just a thought...anyone able to give any insight if I'm out to lunch on this idea? Or am I clever? lol...

Edit: I believe the Canon Part # for the +-0 Dioptric adjustor lens is 2843A002
Edit: As well, the screw driver I used is labelled "+PH00" for size, fits perfectly.
Edit: After reading this article (http://creativekarma.com/ee.php/weblog/comments/dioptric_adjustment_lenses_for_canon_eos_digital_s lrs/) I think the "best" Dioptric adjustor lens would be the -0.5 as according to that article it would be closes to just a simple piece of glass, as -1 would be flat glass, which Canon doesn't make (which explained that for me lol) and would only require slight offset with the dioptric dial on the camera itself to compensate. the -0.5 part # is 2844A002 I believe :) I'm ordering the part as well as the EF Rubber Frame (required when using the Dioptric Adjustor lens) Canon Part # 8172A001. This should cure any dust issues. I'll post when I test it out :)

[Pearlallica]

I'd suggest using a very fine point tweaser when doing the mods too, makes it super easy.

I had a set of "mini screwdrivers" (can't think of the proper term) and the screws on my eyepiece extrender stripped them all. They weren't a cheap brand of screw drivers either. Not sure why mine were tightened so well compared to all of yours. It would have been nice to get the mod working but I guess I'll just have to leave it permanently stored away.

[norwegianwood]

Thanks for the tutorial Oneslowz28! I used the same screw driver as WarScootman, and it worked like a charm!
No more smudgy lcd :-)

[WarScootman]

By the way I got in the parts and have had no issues so far :) the -0.5 Dioptric adjustor lens and rubber frame for it work perfectly :) (referring to my own little twist on the mod instructions)

[chalib_alex]

Thks for the short tutorial

For 5dmk2, should i get EP-EX15 or EP-EX15II?

Thks :)

[speedline_fc]

By the way I got in the parts and have had no issues so far :) the -0.5 Dioptric adjustor lens and rubber frame for it work perfectly :) (referring to my own little twist on the mod instructions)

How much did those parts cost you? And just to clarify, it was the -0.5 lens and the rubber gasket/frame?

[Tigerkn]

Thanks OP!

[seabee_shooter]

I am definitely going to have to try this.

[b.han]

This tutorial is incredible. I was just about to sacrifice the comfort of my eyepiece because I didn't want to give up the 30% larger view. Now I have the best of both worlds!

EDIT: [Pro-tip]Use a flat head screw driver rather than a phillips. Using a flat head of the right size will lodge the bit firmly into the screw and make it easier to unscrew it.

[blk-dslr]

thanks for the tip, seem like i would perfer it without the E1 & E2.

[silvrg35]

IFL. Thanks for the writeup.