changing the focussing screen on istDS

Hi all,

does anyone know where I can get an alternative focussing screen for my istDS? I'd really like one of the split-screen (?) types like I always used to have on my old second-hand SLRs. I seem to remember reading somewhere that it's possible to change the focussing screen of my DS, but can't seem to find any more details anywhere. Any suggestions on suppliers / costs / difficulty / tips would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Bill

You'd think there would be more interest in such an item since we're talking about very expensive equipment which, generally speaking, is of interest to professional or very advanced amateur photographers only. Pentax doesn't seem interested in questions relating to this, and frankly it doesn't seem like the readers of this forum are either. Split-image screens are vital to doing quality macro photography. I can't use my $1,200 camera to photograph specimens in my lab because of sloppy planning on the part of Pentax. The ist D and ist DS supposedly take the same screen, but we're all screwed if we want to take crisp close-ups. So far, only a German company sells them, but I can't read / write / speak German, and find it suspicious that only a company in Germany is selling them!

Sorry for the rant, but I've been storing that one up for a while!

Hi Tater,
The readers of this forum ARE interested in such things. This post was crossposted into the SLRs forum as well on the same date where I and another member answered it. As a matter of interest, I have done a fair amount of macro work with my LX. Personally, I find I can get more accurate focus with a plain screen rather than a split screen. I find the split image is generally too dark and also distracting. As a matter of interest Pentax suggest a clear screen (SD11) for photomicrography, a plain screen (SD21) for ultra closeups and microsopy and a full microprism screen (SA37) for ultra closeups. At the end of the day, you can't please all of the people all of the time and market forces will be the deciding issue.

If you have a look at the other thread, you can find Linus's reply on getting a custom screen made from an MX one.

Regards
Kim

That's just my point! Why would Pentax tell us that the screens are replaceable and interchangeable, but then not make them or know where to acquire one for their own cameras? Modifying a screen made for a 20-year-old camera to fit my new shiny one seems like a poor alternative. I see now my suspicious thoughts about the German company were justified! Really, is that the only way to get a screen for an ist D or DS?
I do appreciate that you find it easier to use a clear screen, and I admit that splits are inherently darker, but I still prefer to use them. Especially, I appreciate your response to my rantings and just so you know, while my post would make me appear to be a raving lunatic American, I am actually a calm sedate Texan who just gets riled up over nonsense in what should be quite simple matters