A simple question.

To which there may not be a simple answer - why don't DSLRs have split prism focusing screens fitted as standard(does the K-7?) similar to film SLRs? Is it because of AF?

I'm getting concerned that too many of my images are not focussed properly. I would like to fit a Katz Eyes focusing screen to my K10D but I'm a clumsy individual and all thumbs so I won't dare, also the cost is a bit prohibitive.

As I said - a simple question.

Thanks in advance.

Howard

The simple answer Howard is so that you dont realise how inaccurate AF can be.

Get a split-prism from ebay (from China). I did and it is perfect. Not dificult to fit either, I will happily talk you through it. The only thing you will lose is the accuracy of spot metering.

None of the Pentax DSLRs comes with a split image screen. It's because you don't partcularly need one for AF and it can be distracting. It also affects spot metering. However, they are indeed excellent for MFing.

Cheap Chinese split screens are not so well made as Katzeye's in general, and in particular, black-out more easily.

It is easy to change the screen in a K10D once you have some spring-loaded tweezers. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqZCjT-jr1s

The Chinese screens black out after f8 so not much good if you want one for macro work. Should be fine for most other things though.

AS I said on the other thread about them, I don't like them so I'm glad they are not standard. It would be nice if Pentax offered them as an option though.

deja vue anyone:

Haven't you said that before?

I have a couple of screens that I bought for my DS from China but never fitted. If I can find them and anyone wants them they can have them but only one each. I don't know what other cameras they might fit.

DS and K10 take the same screen

In that case I wouldn't mind one if still available as I scratched mine (and the original) when swapping them over.

I am game also. If you don't mind sending over the the Netherlands.
Postage + ?? on me of course. Just PM me , if you want to finish it of.

Martin.

I saw it somewhere before

hasn't that been said before?

I've got a funny feeling...