Split Image Focusing Screen for K10D

If you're using MF all the time then why not - after all its not like the price of a Katzeye and you've still got the original should you need it.

Can't see me changing back now though

how long did yours take to arrive? I'm on holiday in 2 weeks and don't want it to turn up while I'm out of the country.

Took about 1.5 weeks but you don't have to sign for it so poss get it delivered to a friend / neighbour

Would this work with a mirror lens?

Does it work with Macro?

Is it as accurate as the auto-focus?

Cheers

graham

Just tried it on a friends 500mm mirror (non AF) and it give far better focus accuracy than the original screen

Macro is fine

Just as accurate as auto focus in my mind as you have total control over the focus point when in manual focus mode. Auto focus often selects the wrong focus spot for the picture.

eg AF selects nearest point in a portrait (often the nose) rather than say the eyes or mouth. This will give you accurate selection of the focus point.

Now I've fitted this screen I'm taking most of my shots in MF and only motion shots in AF

Thanks

I must get one for the istD

and perhaps another in readiness for when I can afford the K10

Graham

Not sure if the isD and K10D take the same screen Graham :

"........Is it as accurate as the auto-focus? ..."

No!.....it's about a hundred times better!!

The fact is that manual focus using a split image rangefinder is THE most accurate method of focussing a SLR type camera. When you are practised at it it is also virtualy as fast as AF and frequently faster.

Then there is the amall matter of reliablility,....by the time you have grasped that the AF is not going to oblige this time that once in a lifetime shot is gone for ever.......

Why don't the makers use manual focussing lenses / split image r/f anymore?...

Because it's MUCH cheaper using electronic modules than it is to machine good foccusing mounts and cut precision screens with split-image r/f's, even if the electronics is deeply confused much of the time.

The big bug with all DSLR's is that they are consumer durables made by people who KNOW that you prefer gimmicks to accurate functionality and good design. That's one of the reasons why they ALL look like they have come from the 'Ford Mondeo School of Art and Design'.

HGi

My first real camera (ie not a box camera) was a Minolta nearly 45 years ago with a split image focusing mechanism. To get back to that will be a great help as I have problems using viewfinders. Ground glass and Fresnel screens are definitely out for me so it is either auto or split image.

Which brings me to another question, just of interest. What is so special about a camera called a Rangefinder? It has got to be more than just a split image focusing screen, 'cos the prices are horrendous. Does this mean that I can change my Pentax MZ60 into a Rangefinder for just 18notes including delivery?

Cheers

Graham

According to the website, the same piece of kit fits both cameras so I guess they have the same screen fitting.

Cheers
Graham

That makes a pleasant change

Most cars of the same type won't take the same spares

Another plus for Pentax if it works!

Graham

the term Rangefinder camera is usually used to mean something like the Leica M series.

They have a separate viewfinder like a compact (in fact compacts are descended from rangefinders). This viewfinder is equipped with an optical rangefinder, usually a dual prism type where you get two superimposed images and line them up to find correct distance to the subject. Usually you have what is called a "coupled rangefinder" so the lens is automatically set to whatever focus distance is determined with the rangefinder.

These cameras tend to be expensive because they are niche market items, produced in relatively small numbers to very high standards.

Advantages are:

no mirror slap, so ultra quiet operation and low vibration

no mirror box to get in the way so design of short lenses is easier, consequently lens quality is usually superior to equivalent SLR lenses.

focusing is ultra acurate


there are disadvantages too:

can't really use anything above about 135mm because rangefinder focus becomes less accurate

unusually long or wide lenses need special viewfinder attachments

viewfinder image is not WYSIWYG like with an SLR.

Thanks Mongoose - its always interesting to discover the history of technical terms.

I have a feeling my old Minolta has a coupled range finder - the term rings a bell and it has a separate little "viewer" on the front which seems to power the split image. And it certainly is whisper quiet.

I understand the principles of the rangefinder machanism, but how does this new screen work? I obviously do not have to start drilling holes and adding another prism

Graham

the focus screen we've been discussing here is a split prism type as used to be fitted as standard to manual focus SLRs.


Exactly how they work is something I've never investigated but what you get is a small circle in the middle of the screen which is split in half. Out of focus objects appear offset from one another in the two halves and you focus the lens until they line up. I'm guessing you must have used one of these at some point.

It's just a straight swap for the original screen in the K10D, no holes required