Quick Fujifilm X-T1 Hack

Red line points to ridge on diopter adjustment where I added white from a Sharpie Paint Marker as noted below.

Several times now on my Fujifilm X-T1, I found that the knurled knob that allows a user to adjust the diopter of the EVF and is located on the left side of the "faux" pentaprism, shifted position and no longer corrected the EVF for my eyesight.  Not being marked in any way, each time I had to go through a short procedure to readjust it so the EVF is as sharp as possible.  Readjustment is not difficult but it can affect you negatively if you are in the middle of photographing something important or happening quickly.

This little knurled knob on my camera body moves very easily.  Fujifilm does not provide any identifying marks that allow the user to note any particular position of the knurled knob, so here is what I did to solve that problem so I could know where the knob is positioned or where to quickly reset it if I accidentally bump it out of position.

I figured I could adjust the knurled knob in either of two ways.  First, I could adjust it to its "neutral" point, where it is "centered," so to speak with the same number of adjustment clicks in either direction.  Or, secondly, I could adjust the knob so the EVF displays best position for my particular eyesight.  I decided to adjust it to the centered position.

Once adjusted to the centered position, I added a mark to the knob itself in the very top most ridge with a very fine pointed "paint marker."  That way I could easily see when the knob has changed from how I positioned it.

You can see in the image at the top of this post what the knob looks like after marking.  I decided to center the knob and marked it at its top.  The reason I did that is that if I sell the camera, it is marked at its neutral position rather than specifically for my eyesight and won't confuse a future user.  The paint is probably not easily removable so I wanted as universal usable marking as possible.

Sharpie White, Extra Fine Point, Paint Marker used to make very thin line on EVF diopter adjustment.

I used a white "paint marker" to mark mine.  It is a Sharpie brand, white, extra fine point. Here is a link to it from Amazon Prime.  The cost at the time of this writing is $6.81 US.

This worked pretty well for me.  But, I would highly suggest you play with the pen to fully understand its characteristics and quirks before attempting to mark you knurled knob. 

For example, pressure on the point releases paint to flow.  Too much pressure, or repeated pressing of the point and you can find yourself with a blob of paint that will spoil the effort.  I practiced several times on a sheet of paper to get the hang of using the paint marker to apply the paint in a very delicate and minimal manner.  Also, being an old guy, I used a magnifying glass to allow me to really closely see exactly where I wanted the paint mark.

Good luck if you try this yourself, but again, practice and be careful.

Disclaimer:  If you screw up, I am not responsible.  I am only demonstrating what I have done and what worked successfully for me.  It may not be what you want to do.


Since I have marked the knurled knob, it did get knocked out of place one more time.  I was able to readjust it in seconds and get back to photographing.

Thanks for looking.  Enjoy!

Dennis Mook

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