Split Prism on K-30

excanonfd · 01-08-2016, 11:44 AM

All I can say is to keep looking in the Marketplace. So far, I'd acquired 4 KatzEye screens for 3 DSLR, all from the Marketplace, for around $80 mark including the 2 with Optibrite treatment. Tools, the best tool is a 5-6 inch hemostat (curved ones are more slimmer) from eBay or Amazon for moving the screen to and from the camera, and any small precision screwdriver is good enough to open and close the focus screen retainer in the camera.

**BigMackCam** · 01-08-2016, 11:46 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

Do the screens from focusingscreens.com come with the tools? (two sets of tweezers, finger jimmies, etc)

Yes, they do. Only two finger cots, however, and I'd recommend three on each hand so you can conveniently handle the screen if required . One pair of steel tweezers, a plastic tool for unclipping the frame, and at least two shims for fine adjustment (I didn't need them).

UserAccessDenied · 01-08-2016, 11:51 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Yes, they do. Only two finger cots, however, and I'd recommend three on each hand so you can conveniently handle the screen if required . One pair of steel tweezers, a plastic tool for unclipping the frame, and at least two shims for fine adjustment (I didn't need them).

This is a great deal of help!

I'm going to see if I can pick up an old Super from the antique shop and hack away at it (that sounds so awful).
If that doesn't work out I'll probably go the focusingscreens.com route.

Thanks again!

ABel · 01-08-2016, 07:40 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by UserAccessDenied

How did you cut yours from a broken Pentax ME Super?!
There are 4 antique shops near my house all have old Pentax film bodies for cheap. Maybe I'll try to pick one up and salvage some parts?

The focusing screen in glued to the pentaprism, you'll need to unscrew the top cover first.
There are several good disassembly guides for Pentax ME Super, for example this and this.

After you get the FS you'll need to cut it down to the original K-30 screen size. Here's a very good howto and several useful comments.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Adapting an old Split-Prism Focusing Screen for the Pentax K-x	Bruno-C	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	20	11-24-2016 11:50 AM
For Sale - Sold: KatzEye Split-Prism Focusing Screen - for K-3, K-5, K-5II, K-7, K-30, K-50 & K-500	Eyewanders	Sold Items	7	04-15-2014 08:35 PM
For Sale - Sold: Pentax K-x w split prism focusing screen	borysr	Sold Items	2	12-09-2011 09:07 AM
Split-prism for K-r	vladimiroltean	Pentax K-r	36	05-14-2011 10:14 PM
following on from my split prism exposure issues...	5teve	Pentax Camera and Field Accessories	16	06-14-2009 10:00 PM

01-08-2016, 11:44 AM	#16
excanonfd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,421	All I can say is to keep looking in the Marketplace. So far, I'd acquired 4 KatzEye screens for 3 DSLR, all from the Marketplace, for around $80 mark including the 2 with Optibrite treatment. Tools, the best tool is a 5-6 inch hemostat (curved ones are more slimmer) from eBay or Amazon for moving the screen to and from the camera, and any small precision screwdriver is good enough to open and close the focus screen retainer in the camera.

01-08-2016, 11:46 AM - 1 Like	#17
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,695	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied Do the screens from focusingscreens.com come with the tools? (two sets of tweezers, finger jimmies, etc) Yes, they do. Only two finger cots, however, and I'd recommend three on each hand so you can conveniently handle the screen if required . One pair of steel tweezers, a plastic tool for unclipping the frame, and at least two shims for fine adjustment (I didn't need them).

01-08-2016, 11:51 AM	#18
UserAccessDenied Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Maryland Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,677 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam Yes, they do. Only two finger cots, however, and I'd recommend three on each hand so you can conveniently handle the screen if required . One pair of steel tweezers, a plastic tool for unclipping the frame, and at least two shims for fine adjustment (I didn't need them). This is a great deal of help! I'm going to see if I can pick up an old Super from the antique shop and hack away at it (that sounds so awful). If that doesn't work out I'll probably go the focusingscreens.com route. Thanks again!

01-08-2016, 07:40 PM - 1 Like	#19
ABel Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Middle of Siberia Photos: Gallery Posts: 212	Originally posted by UserAccessDenied How did you cut yours from a broken Pentax ME Super?! There are 4 antique shops near my house all have old Pentax film bodies for cheap. Maybe I'll try to pick one up and salvage some parts? The focusing screen in glued to the pentaprism, you'll need to unscrew the top cover first. There are several good disassembly guides for Pentax ME Super, for example this and this. After you get the FS you'll need to cut it down to the original K-30 screen size. Here's a very good howto and several useful comments.