>> I've got a -DS (pentaprism) that I used for about 9 months with a
>> variety of manual-focus lenses as-is. It was OK, but definately could be
>> challenging to get the focus right. Since I've installed a split-prism
>> focus screen, I haven't had anymore troubles.
>
> Cory,
>
> Which split-prism focusing screen did you install. I've had some out of
> focus shots, especially with my A50/1.4 and want to look at changing the
> focusing screen.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark
Umm... I couldn't stomach giving Katz Eye that much money for a $1
piece of plastic (even though they *had* just started producing them for
the Pentax). I ended up buying a screen from the local used camera/repair
shop... I think it came out of a Minolta 7 something? Anyway, it was $5,
and withing 45 minutes of filing and griding the screen down to size, it
fit into the DS fine.
Biggest drawback to it (in addition to the blackout phenomenon
with lenses slower than f/5.6) is the stop-down metering. I use mostly
old M42/K/M lenses. With the castrated mount in the -DS and the stop-down
metering it requires with these lenses, the blacking out above f/8 or so
can mess with the metering.
Not a huge deal, but it basically means that I need to check the
histogram after the shot and verify it was properly exposed. The smaller
the aperture, the worse it can be. Still... it's worth it to me to be
able to nail the critical focus when necessary (like portrature with my
K-50/1.4, Jupiter-9 85/2.0, or Super-Tak 135/2.5)
I cannot believe that nobody else has been providing these
screens. ESPECIALLY with the cheapie CaNikons with the extra-crappy
viewfinders. With AF lenses, they don't affect operation at all (as long
as they're 5.6 or faster). It's only with slower lenses (whether actual
lens speed or due to stop-down metering) that it can cause some metering
issues.
-Cory
--
*************************************************************************
* Cory Papenfuss, Ph.D., PPSEL-IA *
* Electrical Engineering *
* Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University *
*************************************************************************
--
PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List
[email protected]
http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
