Fitted a 'Katzeye' split prism focus screen to my D700 - Wow!

[Naboo32]

Firstly, I'm posting this as a thread in its own right (instead of in the D700 owners thread), as when I tried a forum search about manual focus screens, I didn't really find much. This way, perhaps we can keep any questions/comments about it in one place.

At the risk of sounding like a sales rep for Katzeye (which I'm not, incidentally), I should add that they make a range of custom made focus screens for a whole range of DSLRs, not just Nikons.

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/

Without going through all of the specs, I just wanted to report the basics of my experience with buying, importing, installing and using the 'standard' (non 'OptiBrite' treated) D700 replacement screen:

• Buying - I tried to find European supplier, but couldn't. In the end, I ordered direct from the manufacturer's website (which was easy).
  
  
• Importing - I was warned to expect import duty and the German government didn't disappoint . Somehow, they managed to calculate that I owed them 33 Euros (nearly 30GBP ) for this tiny piece of plastic (which still cost about 65GBP to begin with). The shipping costs are (frankly) quite insane for (what could be) such a tiny packet and I ended up paying over $50 for expedited shipping (as slower carriage wasn't significantly cheaper).
  
  I have to say, if I had known that the whole deal was going to cost me around 140GBP, I probably wouldn't have ordered one (which, it turns out, would have been a real pity) .
  
  
• Installing - Is easy! Read the instructions, prepare your working environment and get the right tools together and this is literally a 3 minute job.
  
  Be warned though; Katzeye do not include any tools for handling the focus screen (like rubber finger gloves or tweezers) - they only supply the screen and the (essential) tool for releasing the spring clip that holds the screen in. This tool is custom made for the job and was excellent to use. You could do a lot of damage by using a screwdriver instead of this :shake:.
  
  Oddly enough, most of the cheap Chinese DSLR focus screen kits that I've seen (which are reputedly made by sawing/filing down old stock SLR focus screens ) do come with finger gloves and plastic tweezers supplied. When I queried this with Rachael at Katzeye Customer Service, she explained (rightly) plastic tweezers are not really up to the job of holding these glass screens steady (I know, it's what I used and it made things a bit 'hairy' ) and that metal tweezers are better. They don't feel it necessary to include them, because "nearly every household has a pair". Well, I didn't! Personally, I think that they want to avoid complaints from customers who scratch their screens with the (supplied) metal tweezers.
  
  In my case, the metal shim behind the original focus screen came out with the screen and I had to be careful to put it back in flat. Once re-assembled, I was very fortunate to discover that the focus of the prism matched exactly the focus in the images that came off the memory card and that even the AF 'green dot' was in loose agreement with most of the lenses that I tested. No further tweaking of the camera was required (although, be warned, it can be in some cases ).
  
  
• Using - Ah, finally, the good bit !
  
  If you've ever used a film SLR with one of these split prism focus screens, you'll know just how 'magical' it is when the (previously blurred) image gets sharper and then suddenly snaps into focus as the two halves of the image align in the little centre circle . If you haven't used an SLR, you probably won't have read this thread anyway, but please trust me - it's a very satisfying sensation (like sinking your teeth into Plasticine or using a very sharp pair scissors to cut your unpaid bills into tiny little strips ).
  
  The screen is easily as bright as the standard D700 one. All of the AF dots are visible and behave as normal. It pays to shift away from the central AF dot, so that you get an unobstructed view of the small central circle where the prism is, but in AF mode everything still works much as before.
  

Before buying this screen, I had spent months wondering how I was ever going to be able to afford/justify buying a Leica digital rangefinder so that I could satisfy my craving for high quality prime lenses matched with mm perfect manual focusing. In the end, I couldn't, but I did get some (fantastic) MF Nikkor lenses for my Nikon SLRs and had the pleasure of using them with a split prism screen (albeit with film output).

Now, my D700 is more like two different cameras. It is still the 51 point AF 'action' shooter that I sometimes need it to be, but it also has a second personality now - the Dr. Jekyll to the AF beast's Mr. Hyde, if you will . So, when I mount a manual focus Nikon prime (with aperture ring), select it's properties from the non-CPU lens pre-sets in the D700's custom settings and start to shoot in Aperture mode; it's just exactly like using an old, classic SLR. I choose the aperture by hand, focus to exactly where I want to (knowing that the focus won't re-adjust itself) and use the exposure comp dial to 'outsmart' the Matrix metering, if I feel that is the right thing to do. What's more, I get to up the ISO values (if I really need a better shutter speed) ... without having to rewind a roll of film and open the camera back!

I've made several mods to my D700 (screen protector, magnifying eyepiece, rubber eye-cup, removed the strap lugs etc.), but the addition of this split prism focus screen isn't so much a 'modification' as a 'transformation'.

Based on my (short) experience (of one week's shooting), I can heartily recommend this product to anyone who uses MF lenses on their D700. It's way, way easier than trying to follow the green dot !

 

[EdBray]

I did this the easy way, I bought an OM4Ti and a OM2n

I find it is a very different feel to Digital and much more satisfying to do.

I would like a split image for my H1D but have not seen one which is a shame as all the lenses have real time focussing.

 

[Naboo32]

I did this the easy way, I bought an OM4Ti and a OM2n

I find it is a very different feel to Digital and much more satisfying to do.

I would like a split image for my H1D but have not seen one which is a shame as all the lenses have real time focussing.

Well, it was my two Nikon FEs that inspired me to get a 'proper' screen for the D700. Funny really, as this screen cost a lot more than I paid for both of my FEs put together, as well as the spare focus screens that came with them .

'Digital' really is a rip off !

 

[Cistron]

Now you'll only have to get the Dk17M and you're on your way.

Used a Katzeye for the Fuji S5, but the tiny viewfinder isn't really up for manual focusing. Canon thankfully provide their own screens for the 5D, however only a full matte without split- or microprism.

 

[Naboo32]

Now you'll only have to get the Dk17M and you're on your way.

....

Blah, blah, blah ....

I've made several mods to my D700 (screen protector, magnifying eyepiece, rubber eye-cup, removed the strap lugs etc.), but the addition of this split prism focus screen isn't so much a 'modification' as a 'transformation'

 

[archangel]

what are the benefits?

 

[Dave in Wales]

Thanks for that Andy, I was considering one but the total price I think may have just put me off.

Ever ask yourself why Nikon and the like don't include a split image...

The diagonal split image I always found worked much better on my F2's and F3's BTW.

D in W

 

[MartynK]

Yes, that's progress. Pay a lot extra for something we took for granted - together with decent viewfinders - on all the manual SLRs. Nikon had a range of screens for the F series, not just the split image.

 

[Cistron]

for something we took for granted - together with decent viewfinders - on all the manual SLRs

You also take AF for granted, which requires space and light near the prism. That is the reason why the prism is smaller and viewfinder dimmer and consequently why different screens are being used. If you made the prism bigger, it would get even dimmer - well, relatively dimmer, as the light is spread out over a larger area.

When using the D700 with autofocus lenses, you don't need the focusing screen gimmicks anyway.

 

[puggie]

I have one in my canon 20D, they are fantastic if you use manual focus lenses and great as a simple focus confirm if you are using AF and want to quickly check where the focus point is. When I put the std matte screen back in it just felt like something was missing. I keep meaning to get one from my 1v film camera, the genuine canon ones are about £25IIRC for the 1 series

I have heard of people cutting the genuine canon ones down to fit other cameras (including Nikons ) somewhere on the net.

 

[SussexBlue]

Did the camera need calibrating to the focus screen

 

[Naboo32]

what are the benefits?

In short, it allows you to manually focus non-AF lenses much more accurately than by looking at the green dot and without taking your eyes off the focus point.

Why is that any better than using AF lenses :shrug:!? Well, some of Nikon's old (metal) MF prime lenses are optically superior to anything in the same price range from Nikon's current line up. Consequently, you can get great quality (and perfectly focused ) photographs without having to spend thousands on modern AF zooms. Or, in my case, I can leave my (heavy and bulky) thousands of pounds worth of zooms at home and take my 500 quid's worth of juicy primes out instead, assuming I'm not photographing anything where AF is a real advantage :shrug:.

To me, that's a big enough benefit.

Also, taking pictures is now, quite simply, a lot more fun .

Thanks for that Andy, I was considering one but the total price I think may have just put me off.

Ever ask yourself why Nikon and the like don't include a split image...

The diagonal split image I always found worked much better on my F2's and F3's BTW.

D in W

It would certainly be nice if they'd manufacture their own split screens, so that people like me would have the option to modify their cameras if necessary. Most current users, I suspect, would have no use and no desire for a split prism.

I can see why Nikon have dropped it from their modern AF DSLR range though, as they want people to buy their (gelded :razz AF range of lenses and 'leave the past behind'. There's no money to be made by the Nikon corp. from private sales of second-hand lenses.

Maybe, if they hadn't made such optically excellent, bullet-proof lenses over the previous 40 years or so, then there would be none left for people like me to buy now .

I have one in my canon 20D, they are fantastic if you use manual focus lenses and great as a simple focus confirm if you are using AF and want to quickly check where the focus point is. When I put the std matte screen back in it just felt like something was missing. I keep meaning to get one from my 1v film camera, the genuine canon ones are about £25IIRC for the 1 series

I have heard of people cutting the genuine canon ones down to fit other cameras (including Nikons ) somewhere on the net.

I agree, puggie - they are fantastic with MF lenses.

As for 'cutting down' old screens, this is apparently how the cheap Chinese import ones are made. I have one, which I haven't fitted, as I was concerned that the depth of it may not be accurate enough to allow perfect focus without shimming.

Did the camera need calibrating to the focus screen

Fortunately, no, everything worked fine first time .

I'm no expert on the subject, but I figured that a screen which had been custom made for the D700 (rather than being just cut down from an old Nikon, Canon or who knows what brand) would be far less likely to require shimming or having mirror adjustments made. In this case, that was true !

 

[CT]

Split image screens are much better for manual focusing in poor light. My Canon F1 has a huge bright viewfinder and a a beautiful laser etched screen with a central diagonal split image circle which is the best and most positive I've ever used. Even the microprism circle surrounding the split image circle actually works as it should - the image breaks up instantly either side of acute focus.

 

[MartynK]

You also take AF for granted, which requires space and light near the prism. That is the reason why the prism is smaller and viewfinder dimmer and consequently why different screens are being used. If you made the prism bigger, it would get even dimmer - well, relatively dimmer, as the light is spread out over a larger area.

When using the D700 with autofocus lenses, you don't need the focusing screen gimmicks anyway.

Well, no. I don't take AF for granted, but my older eyes struggle with MF and a crop VF now. I've never used a D700 or any other FF digital camera, and I can't comment on them. I'll never be able to afford one.

I've never used an AF SLR film camera either, but I'm perfectly satisfied with MF on my F2, with "gimmicks" or the plain ground glass screen I normally use, but I do prefer the convenience of digital for most of my photography. That's why I don't use the old Nikon all the time. It's still my favourite.

 

[gingerweasel]

Andy,
how are you getting along with this now you've had more time to play with it?

How do you find it in low light?

I asked about manual focusing in another thread and was warned off it for low light situations. However when I've looked up issues with autofocus in low light the general solution seems to be manual focus - totally confused.

 

[Naboo32]

Andy,
how are you getting along with this now you've had more time to play with it?

How do you find it in low light?

I asked about manual focusing in another thread and was warned off it for low light situations. However when I've looked up issues with autofocus in low light the general solution seems to be manual focus - totally confused.

Hi GW,

Sorry, I just stumbled back across this thread when looking for something else, so this answer may come too late for you .

I really don't notice any difference in the brightness of the screen to what was in there before, but then I am using lenses with max apertures between f/1.8 and f/2.8, so they tend to let in plenty of light. I tried with an f/4 (300mm) and that was noticeably darker.

Actually focusing (even an f/1.8 lens) accurately in the dark/near dark is pretty difficult to do with a split screen, unless you have an area of high contrast where you can clearly see a distinct border between two areas of light (like a strip light or a reflection on a straight edge, for instance). Without something like that you will struggle to see the two halves of an image 'coming together', that's true :|. Mind you, in these conditions, AF can often struggle and get it wrong too.

Recently, I bought some macro tubes and have had a quick play at using them with my MF primes. The split screen is absolutely ideal for this, as it allows you to be precise with your focus without having the AF hunting around all over the place to try and figure out where the focal point should be (useful if you're photographing something like a leaf, where there is little contrast and the whole surface looks much the same).

All in all, I'm happy with the focus screen still, now that the novelty has died down a bit . I must admit though, it is actually harder to nail the focus on more distant/smaller in the frame objects than I had previously realised and I do sometimes find that I have had to re-shoot after judicious 'chimping' and discovering that I have back or front focused (usually back, for some reason ) by a whisker. When I compare that to just using AF, I have to admit that AF is more reliable for those kind of 'scenery' shots (although not necessarily for 'portrait' type work), but the whole attraction to the split screen (for me) was to allow me to use Nikkor MF lenses (where AF is clearly not possible).

So, if you don't mind the cost, I'd recommend it - you can always take it out and sell it for a good price (due to scarcity) if you really decide that it's not for you :shrug:. Just make sure that you don't try to use it with lenses over f/2.8 in aperture, if you're likely to be in low light .

Hope this helps a bit.