The old refconverter can still be a very useful accessory, this came in various versions but the most useful models are the M and the A.
The A version which has a slightly wider field of view can be quite difficult to find on the used market and commands a higher price.
Im not sure are any optical differences between the two models but there are obvious physical differences which can be seen on the link below:
Pentax Focusing Aids
After seeing this I decided to attempt a simple modification to my Refconverter M with great success, and detail the mod below:
Firstly remove the 4 tiny screws and detach the shoe fitting assembly.
Lift out the optical block, being careful not to lose the central spindle.
Identify the 1X light tube within the optical block, (the one without a lens in it)
Remove and discard the odd shaped light baffle in the outside of the 1X tube by prising it out, it is a thin metal plate that is just glued into position.
Do not remove the circular light baffle from the inner side of the optical block, without this fitted there is a slight increase in flare through the Refconverter.
Refit optical block to Refconverer.
Using a small half round file remove the flat section in the cutout of the shoe fitting to form a complete circle.
Refit the shoe fitting to the Refconverter.
Mine works well on the cameras I have tried so far, that is Pentax K2, Pentax MX, Pentax Super A and various Canon DSLRs, each time I can see all of the viewfinder information.
Obviously it will still have the restricted view when used in the 2X position.
Second picture shows shoe fitting after modification.
Last edited by Ray-uk; 09-25-2017 at 05:36 AM.
Reason: spelling mistake