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*istd Focusing Screens & Mirror-Lock-up

jvora
Posted 30/03/2004 - 19:03 Link
Hello all,

I would like to know if its possible to replace the Focusing Sceeen that the camera comes with one that has a MicroPrism Collar w/ Split Screen.

The reason being that I have a complete line up of Pentax Non-Auto Focus Lenses and would like to use them on the *istd - and manual focusing with the MicroPrism Collar w/ Split Screen will be much easier.

Also does the camera have a "true" Mirror Lock-Up capability when shooting ? Or is this feature only available when one needs to clean the ccd, like the Nikon D-100 ?

Would appreicate answers to both these questions.

Thanks,

Jai Vora
Jai Vora

www.jaivora.com
bobinarabia
Posted 30/03/2004 - 20:27 Link
I use M and A non AF lenses on my MZ-6. The focus confirmation light works perfectly, can't think of why I would need a split-image screen.
Cheers,
Bob
danbachmann
Posted 01/05/2004 - 09:25 Link
On the *ist D the mirror lockup is real. Just set the delay timer to 2 seconds and then the mirror locks up, then the exposure starts 2 seconds after. After the exposure is complete, the mirror comes back down.
Anonymous
Posted 05/05/2004 - 15:31 Link
I also wondered about this, as I find the AF guidelines really annoying. And as for the focus confirmation light, it's not a patch on the eye (my eye, at least), and I certainly wouldn't rely on it.

Anyway, I've asked Speed Graphic, who do all sorts of different screens for most cameras, but they say that Pentax don't do replacement screens themselves, and there aren't any compatible ones either. That being said, there are focusing screens available for the Nikon D100, which has the same sensor size (I think!) so it's not beyond the realms of possibility that they might become available eventually.

If you do find one, let me know!

Steve

http://www.siblingmedia.com/
http://www.siblog.co.uk/
greyhoundman
Posted 08/11/2006 - 14:33 Link
I realise this is a pretty old thread. But I just made a new screen for my DS. I used a ME Super screen and reduced it's size to fit.
I covered it in a blog posting a short time ago.
fatspider
Posted 08/11/2006 - 17:04 Link
split screens are available if you shop around.
Try this;

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Split-Image-Focus-Screen-Pentax-ist-D-Digital-Camera_W0QQi...

there are other advertisers occasionally, you may also want to check you get the tools for changing the screen included.
My Names Alan, and I'm a lensaholic.
My PPG link
My Flckr link
greyhoundman
Posted 08/11/2006 - 18:52 Link
They are making them from other screens also. I have a friend who just installed one like you linked to. It had no tab for changing it out.
I tend to make my own additions if needed. The screens are easy to make, and install.
Reuben0
Posted 11/11/2006 - 18:52 Link
I use the Katz-eye screen on my *istD:

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Katz-Eye-Focusing-Screen-for-the-Pentax-*istD...

It works very well, if a little expensive

To answer the question about why this is better than using the focus-confirmation light; I find that in low-light situations or when using a lens at a wide aperture [faster the f2.8] the built in focus-confirmation is not accurate enough. Using the Katz-eye screen and manual focussing, all my focus problems have been solved

Cheers,
reuben0

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