Installing Katz-eye screen.

Hi all,
I am planning to purchase a katz-eye screen for my *istDL2.
The firm makes it for my camera and what read from their faq's is that there is a very good user manual provided for installing this screen. The question i have is: I there anyone here who has actually done this by experience and if so. Is it as easy as they say it is? I would like to here it from a Pentax user over here before i splash another 135 usd for this very useful item.

Thanks in advance
Martin.

I have fingers like courgettes, and I fitted a Katz Eye to my K10D. I was terrified, but it was very very easy.

It is quite easy. Try to wear disposable plastic gloves so you dont get a fingerprint on the screen or mirror.

I find a wooden toothpick quite good for manoeuvering the screen into the carrier, and a pair of tweezers for holding the screen tab. If you can get plastic tweezers, all the better.

Make sure you have a good bulb air blower to remove any dust/hairs.

Dont do it in a hurry !!

Thanks so far,

I'll guess i have a go with it then.
I know allready what is coming next..........
What #@%*&^%$* You paid 135 usd for what : This little piece of plastic :
Ehhhh honey....because of this i can keep on using those very cheap old Pentax lenses. Otherwise i have to buy those very expensive autofocus ones.

Ohhh, allright then. Good thinking Hun.

Shhhhhhhhht,
Martin

Don't forget import tax too if you're in the UK

I dont want to upset you. But I paid about £20 for one from china on ebay. I worked very well with my DS.

Hi Peter,

you don't upset me

In this case i rather go with the real thing. And 20 pounds makes about 30 euros. And with the strong euro against the dollar it is not braking my bank account.

Good light to you all.
Martin.

Well ,
Just ordered the screen from Katz Eye. Now the waiting starts........
I the meantime i can read the pdf files and study the photo's that came with the invoice they send me by mail. Looks not to difficult to do, changing a screen.
Just keep away from hard liquor the next week. Must have a steady hand for this.

Good light everybody
Martin

Hi all,
Today my Katz Eye screen arrived by UPS. After careful reading the very clear instructions (PDF with very good example pictures) I took the plunge.
And with no coffee i tried to install the screen. I succeeded in a second try after i noticed that the light seals around the clamp of the screen had left some debris on that beautiful clean focusing screen. So after carefully removing it again, and gently blowing the debris out, i tried again. Mission succeeded and i am very happy. I ordered the plain split prism screen with no optibrite treatment and boy........., what a difference it makes. AF and of course MF are so easy now.
I have never seen such a bright VF. And no problems with the light meter.
So......chapeau for Katz Eye Optics.

Best regards,
Martin

I am glad you got it fitted easily. I reckon you did well getting it in with no dust/hairs after only two attempts.

Hi Martin,

I'm new to this forum and looking for the Katz eye. A search revealed this topic, and if you don't mind, I have some questions:
- you said you didn't order the optibrite treatment but nevertheless the VF is brighter?
- How about metering problems?
- you say AF is improved too. I don't quite get that

You see lot's of questions...

Problem is: the Katzeyes or horribly expensive. That's alright with me, but the problem is you just can't find any usefull information 'bout them, nor find a shop near you where you can try them out...

Katzeye have lots of useful and reliable info on their own website.

I think it would take a very big difference in focusing screen brightness to cause serious metering probems. Metering is never 100% reliable anyway as metering in practice it depends on the model of lens as well as the light distribution. So always take a pinch of salt with the meter reading anyway, and be prepared to dial in some compensation.

I've managed OK, metering wise, with an *ist DS and a brighter LF80 screen meant for the K10D, and now a K10D with a Katzeye Optibrite.

Hi,
I didn't say AF was improved, but easyer. Because of the focussing conformation you get by the split screen. The screen is brighter, and doesn't black out until f11. In dim light is much easyer focussing. (AF and MF) Only with spotmetering there is some overexposure caused by the screen. About 3/4-1/1 stop. Easy to adjust ofcourse. (for more info about that: see the Katz Eye Website under Pentax K10D screens)
You can only order from the website, and don't let that stop you. They have a very good name to loose. And from personal experience I can say:
Order the screen, and you will be a happy man.
Martin.

Txs Martin and Pete! Very helpfull information...

I'm almost taking the plunge. Only question left: with or without optibright?

Optibrite If you intend to do a lot of low light photography. Without optibrite the screen is a jewel to use already.
Good luck,
Martin.