Photchromatic Eyeglasses - Viewfinder Problem

[Tony]

I'm looking for suggestions on how to overcome a significant problem that I encountered recently while in Antarctica.

With the high UV levels at any time I found that my eyeglasses became so dark that I was unable to see the image in my camera's viewfinder. I tried removing my glasses but then the problem was my shortsightedness.

Same problem exists with any form of electronic screen including my mobile phone,

The camera is a Panasonic DMC-FZ300

If anyone has experienced this and found a solution I'd love to hear from you.

Cheers .. Tony

[Miseria]

Some cameras allow dioptre adjustment in the viewfinder, which would allow you to use it without glasses. It's not a perfect solution but it might help!

[K1W1]

I spent a very long time trying out various prescriptions for contact lenses for this exact reason. It took a couple of years working with my eye specialist but we finally hit on a prescription that works. It's not totally ideal but it is much better than before.

[Junko Y]

Taffy and I bought collapsible Hoodman Hoodloupes for just that -- and when we remember to take them and use them, they work very well! There's also an eye-cup that wraps around your eyeglasses to shield from the bright sun that helps.

[Tony]

@miseria @k1w1 @jyokota Thanks for your suggestions. I'll look into one or two of them but don't have much hope. It has been an issue for a long time which I tend to avoid by shooting mainly in the early mornings. Down in Antarctica I didn't have the choice.

[Junko Y]

@tonydebont -- I'm blind in one eye, and I have too much astigmatism in the other eye to correct it with contact lens any more so I don't have many choices. Good luck!