pecohen Loc: Central Maine

I've even had the problem when I get out of my car to fill the tank. With polarized sunglasses I can't read the instructions on the pump. Likewise, with the glasses on I sometimes can't make out what my GPS is trying to show me.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

I've never been able to mix sunglasses with photography. They spent more time on top of my head than on my face. I use a brimmed hat instead!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Yes, definitely.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Right! Polarized sunglasses are great, but...

Chicopee Loc: NY State, USA

Laugh as you may, but I got so tired of dealing with not seening through the viewfinder or LCD with polarized lenses, or trying to block the sun coming into my vision with my hand as I looked through the viewfinder, that I finally took a dark pillowcase and threw it over my head to block the sunshine that would try to impede my vision! Worked great, however it is not something I would recommend if there were a lot of people around. Years ago I think it was called a focus cloth, today, to me it’s called a pillowcase! But it certainly made all the difference..... that was good.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Yep the hat works far better.
I seldom use sunglasses, perhaps growing up in AZ influenced that.

retap

Wearing bifocal transition glasses is just as bad.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

That's the kind I have. Saves on prescription costs, shades the sides and front of my vision, but I do remove them for shooting.

IDguy Loc: Idaho

Get a neck strap for your sunglasses. You need them on a boat anyway if you aren’t into buying new ones every few months.

Selene03

I first noticed the problem with a Nikon D600. I have been special ordering non-polarized sunglasses for many years now. It makes it easier to see other devices like phones and ipads in the sun too. The only time I miss the polarization is sometimes when the sun is setting at certain angles low in the sky. I am from California so the sun might not be as bright as in Florida, but the non polarized dark classes have worked for me in Death Valley, Middle Eastern desserts, etc,

CamB Loc: Juneau, Alaska

There are some other thoughts that I haven't seen mentioned here. You can get some non polorized sun glasses to use when you are using the camera. Thats what I use. Also, there is great variety in the color of the lenses and their darkness. Start looking around and you might find a pair that helps your eyes (mine are very sensitive) but doesn't effect the camera much.
...Cam

SAVH Loc: La Jolla, CA

I had the same problem and eventually just had prescription sunglasses made without polarization. Solved the problem.

Scotty

BebuLamar

My bad! OLED emits its own light and not depend on polarization to work but they do put a polarizer on the OLED display so it's too affected by the polarized glasses.

george19

I started out as a physics major, so I understand LCDs and polarization...but still don’t fully understand circular polarization. Regardless, I noted that the two key LCDs in my car, one for audio and the other for environmental control, had different polarization. Seriously...ECS could be seen but audio not when wearing sunglasses.

So I had a conversation with my optometrist about this...what could be done? We reverse engineered some of his examination equipment in the display room, tried a few things, suggested a few things, and he even brought it up at the state optometrist convention that weekend.

Polarized sunglasses are oriented for maximum glare elimination on snow and water, all horizontally polarized. Otherwise, you are just relying on the basic lens darkening for trees, road, etc in non-glare situations (I sail, so this is important).

We discussed different orientation, such as one vertical and the other horizontal, or setting one at +45 degrees and the other at -45 degrees. The professional opinion was that these would lead to other problems (headaches, poor performance, among several), so not recommended. By the way, you could custom order your sunglasses with different orientation if you want, but please consult about the risk.

So my real question is what is the industry standard for polarization orientation of displays? Would it make a difference for a camera display? Car display? Has anyone shared this with industry? Yes...you would have the same problem when the camera is in portrait orientation, but for most situations (including your top deck info display) everything should be useful. I’m not convinced that manufacturing and other things would be more important than useability.