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Hi, with a keen intent to use more manual focussing (as I have a number of MF lenses), I stumbled across the fact that you can replace your focussing screen for a brighter version, ala the ones at Katz eye optics.

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Nikon-DSLRs--cat_nikon.html

Anybody here had any experience with these? Perhaps on a D70 or D200?

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php? ... cus+screen

http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php? ... cus+screen

Are some other related threads.

hmm yes but can't see any conclusions from any one here who has gone this route... maybe I will be the first, of course after the recently ordered D200 arrives

Justin,

I've was having a look at this the other day after using my manual 60mm Micro. I'll have a better read tonight, might be able to split shipping?

ok, happy to split... hey maybe we could become the aussie resellers

I am sure they would be up for a bulk discount if we could get 5 or 10 together...

I actually ordered one a couple of days ago. They are saying 4 - 6 weeks delay because of demand for the screens. After you order they send you a link to a pdf with the instructions on changing the screen. There's a litle warning about checking for front (or was it back?) focus with the replacement screen. I'd post the link but the email is on my computer at work. Maybe I'll edit this post from work tomorrow with the link.

This is the link to changing the focusing screen
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/files/D70.PDF


Anyway...bottom line...if you want to wait until I get the screen I'll post a mini-review. I've ordered the Katzeye plus screen without the additional $US 55 "Optibrite" option.

I think the real workout will be comparing the ease and reliability of focus with the standard D70 screen (and the green dot) in low light with at f1.2

I think someone from here called, and they had no interest in bulk discounts.

They're selling every one they can make, and there's long delays, so there's no incentive for them to provide any discounts.

Does this mean that the focusing screen on the D70 can be easily removed (like my old F3)? I am asking this because I have a little spot on the inside of the focusing screen that I suspected was immovable.

Peter Mc

petermmc wrote:Does this mean that the focusing screen on the D70 can be easily removed

I'll post the link tomorrow. The PDF has an illustrated step by step guide to this.

Any news on the link.

Also, here's a good thread on dpreview - manual focus, D200, Katz focussing screen and... some nice photos!

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1021&thread=19326804

Peter,

Define "easily".

The short answer is no, in that it's not as easy as the F3, nor as easy as in, say, an FM or FE.

That said, my understanding (I've not had a need to do this) is that it's not difficult.

shakey wrote:Anyway...bottom line...if you want to wait until I get the screen I'll post a mini-review. I've ordered the Katzeye plus screen without the additional $US 55 "Optibrite" option.

Please keep us posted! There's only a couple of things I'd like to change about my D70 - I'd like a brighter viewfinder, and the ability to meter with AIS lenses. Hmmm, maybe I should just get a D200.....

Cheers

I had mine out the other night..no probs.

Beetleboy, you would probably want to be more specific as to 'what' you had out the other night, that had no problems...

Ha ha!

I haven't had "that" out for a long time - couldn't even tell you what it looks like these days...anyone would think I wasn't 26!

Justin wrote:Hi, with a keen intent to use more manual focussing (as I have a number of MF lenses), I stumbled across the fact that you can replace your focussing screen for a brighter version, ala the ones at Katz eye optics.

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Nikon-DSLRs--cat_nikon.html

Anybody here had any experience with these? Perhaps on a D70 or D200?

Hi, I've got a Katz Eye split screen in my Pentax *ist DS. I love it, it's just like the screen in my old Super A. You can choose the markings you want on the screen. I went for the rule of thirds screen and am really pleased with it. I have the version without the bright finish, my metering seems to be unaffected as is the AF when using Auto lenses. It's pretty good to focus with in low light as well. The vendor (Katz) were very helpful indeed, very responsive to queries and very fast delivering.
The screen just dropped into the camera, no problems.
I thoroughly recommend the Katz Eye screens. Cheers, John

I got one and installed it in my D70. The instructions are fairly detailed. Anyone who can fit a RAM chip or change a spark plug should be able to do the task. I did post a bit about it in this thread
http://www.dslrusers.net/viewtopic.php?t=21175

I guess my soundbite summary would be...

"If you like to MF with the focussing screen get one. If you're happy with the green dot don't bother"

Mine took about 6 weeks to come after I ordered it.

digitor wrote:

shakey wrote:Anyway...bottom line...if you want to wait until I get the screen I'll post a mini-review. I've ordered the Katzeye plus screen without the additional $US 55 "Optibrite" option.

Please keep us posted! There's only a couple of things I'd like to change about my D70 - I'd like a brighter viewfinder, and the ability to meter with AIS lenses. Hmmm, maybe I should just get a D200.....

Cheers

I came across with some interesting information on how to modify the AI-S lenses to get metering working on D50/D70(s)/D80/D100.

http://home.carolina.rr.com/headshots/Nikonhome.htm
http://www.naturfotograf.com/lens_CPUconversion.html

It'd be good to find someone in Australia how can do this. Surely, many people will be interested in obtaining some of the legendary AI-S lenses.

Yeah, I've seen that stuff - I think I'll leave my lenses alone thanks!

Metering is not a too big a drama for me when I use my old lenses, but a nice bright viewfinder would be nice ... every now and again I have a look through my FM2 with a 50/1.4 on it and cry

Cheers