Best screen ever for manual focus : Canon ee-S!!!

**JimD** · 10-26-2011, 12:54 AM

Gents

I've been following this with interest. Sorry if I appear a bit dumb but there are a few things that I don't quite understand and have some questions.

I'm fairly new to this digital stuff and I've got the following manual lenses from my film days: M20-f4, M28-f2.8, M50-f1.4, M100-f2.8, M200-f4 and a K200-f4. In my MX's I had the original split screen in one and changed to a microprism screen (my favourite option ) in the other.

With my K5 my Da 16-45 and DA 55-300 are spot on with Autofocus. So no issues there, but my manual lenses are very hit and miss. When they are on they are brilliant, but it's not that often. My eyesight is good and the viewfinder is adjusted correctly. I've tried focussing from out-to-in and in-to-out but cannot get consistent results. I don't want to mess about in Live View or Catch in Focus but compared to the MX viewfinder the K5 one is a joke.

The conclusion here seems to be that the S type screen is the answer. Am I correct?

If so, I'm okay with getting one but how would I go about determining which shims it will need?

dlacouture · 10-26-2011, 01:36 AM

Yes, you're right.

If you get one from FocusingScreen, shims are included, it seems...

Else, you can order shims from Pentax, they come in 0.05mm increments, starting with 0.10mm... From experience on two K5, the proper thickness seems to be 0.20mm (if your stock screen was properly adjusted and fitted with a 0.40mm shim), so just order 0.15mm, 0.20mm and 0.25mm, so you're safe.

Or (said in another manner): needed thickness is 0.20mm less than what is needed with the stock screen.

MobiusOne · 11-04-2011, 07:22 PM

I just finished cutting the Ec-S screen for my K-x minutes ago, only to discover the screen is too thick, even without the stock shim (no I didn't check the thickness at the beginning because I'm dumb)

.
The actual focus is way behind the focus on the viewfinder. Besides that, the view is incredible; it doesn't even seem like I'm looking through a focusing screen! It's like I'm looking through a clear window that makes the subject I'm focusing on pop out! Also, you're right--the etchings on the Ec-S are totally unobtrusive and are actually quite useful as compositional reminders. Of course, all this would be fantastic without the severe back focus due to thickness.

Please tell me there is a way to fix this, especially after all those hours of work (I'm not handy with tools at all).
There's no way I can go back to the Travor split screen now

EDIT: I put the original shim back in and it seems to be fine. My understanding of front/back focus seems to be messed up.

EDIT2: Shimmed it with 5-6 layers of magic tape as previously mentioned by dlacouture and seems to be focusing fine so far. Got the screen more smudgy and scratchy due to more stupidity, but its still soo much better than the Travor screen. I want to thank all the contributors to this thread, especially dla, for providing the info about this screen (assuming the Ec-S and Ee-S are indeed the same matte).

Jan67 · 11-07-2011, 02:09 PM

I have to thank dlacouture for the idea to use Ee-S in Pentax.
I ordered S type screen for my K5 from focusingscreen.com and after installation I got completely new camera !!
The feeling of DoF with lenses 2.8 and faster is absolutely superb and manual focusing is surprisingly fast.

Of course, right shim is necesary. I changed 0.25 (used for KatzEye) to 0.3 (which comes with the screen).
Different shims are caused by different thickness of the screens. (I wonder why KatzEye does not deliver shim with the screen as well).

Just at dim light (ca <EV5) it starts to be difficult, as expected.
Thanks again
Jan

jan rinze · 11-07-2011, 05:07 PM

i am convinced by all these testimonies.. will order one in the very near future!
I can't wait to retrieve my old manual focusing skills.

torpesco · 11-07-2011, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by MobiusOne

I just finished cutting the Ec-S screen for my K-x minutes ago...

I wish focusingscreen had this for the K-x/K-r. Don't really feel like cutting my own. I'll try the K3 for now.

Acheron · 11-08-2011, 12:48 AM

Can someone tell me where to buy shims for focusing screen? I'm from Europe so it has to be international dealer.

dlacouture · 11-08-2011, 01:53 AM - **1 Like**

Ask FocusingScreen for one... It seems they can do special orders, if asked (with seemingly no charge).

Acheron : you can theorically buy them from Pentax, but good luck!
I'm still waiting for someone to give me an official price... Here is my current progress:
- Pentax France: "We don't know these pieces, ask your dealer",
- My dealer: "we don't know these pieces, ask PM2S" (PM2S is the official French Pentax service)
- P2MS: "we cannot sell you these parts, ask your dealer to order them"
- My dealer: "we don't know about these pieces, ask PM2S directly"

At last, I was able to have at least a price estimation: 4.99€ a shim!!!

Acheron · 11-08-2011, 02:07 AM

That's just peachy. I will try ask FocusingScreen what can be done about it.
I'm really frustrated when manually focusing on K-5. I use AF confirm, but sometimes AF confirm is not fast enough for my taste so I focus by eye and get mixed results. I have managed to hit focus maybe 30% of time which is much lower from my success rate on K200D where it was more like 80%.
It is paradoxical that Pentax is advertising that you can use 40 years old manual lenses and then they mess up something so essential as calibration of focusing screen.

Tnx mate

Jan67 · 11-08-2011, 06:25 AM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Acheron

Can someone tell me where to buy shims for focusing screen? I'm from Europe so it has to be international dealer.

If you don't succed at focusingscreen.com, try :

Pentax Division
National Parts Administrator
3500 N. Windsor Dr. Suite-400
Aurora, CO 80011
Ph. (720)988-2653
Fax (303)799-9213
E-Mail: lynn.badillo@wildernestlogistics.com

They were very kind. The price is $0.72 /shim. But you have to pay handling and shipping, it was $8 to USA.

77240.M02200A - 0.10mm
77240.M02200B - 0.15mm
77240.M02200C - 0.20mm
77240.M02200D - 0.25mm
77240.M02200E - 0.30mm
77240.M02200F - 0.35mm
77240.M02200G - 0.40mm
77240.M02200H - 0.45mm
77240.M02200I - 0.50mm

Acheron · 11-08-2011, 07:29 AM

Thx Jan67
I've already contacted them but they only ship to USA.

dave216 · 11-08-2011, 03:36 PM

Originally posted by Jan67

They were very kind. The price is $0.72 /shim. But you have to pay handling and shipping, it was $8 to USA.

yup they are very kind but unfortunately to me accept only US credit cards so probably need someone's help to get shims

Jan67 · 11-08-2011, 03:44 PM

Originally posted by dave216

yup they are very kind but unfortunately to me accept only US credit cards so probably need someone's help to get shims

I payed with a non US credit card...
But the shipment was to US.

Maybe, their shims forecast for this year is over :-))

Acheron · 11-09-2011, 02:42 AM

Is there any possibility for someone in US to order shims and then mail them to me (I'm in Croatia)?
I'm can pay all expenses with paypal to person that will do me this favor.

WWWench · 11-13-2011, 08:32 AM

A sane method, is to create a DXF file in AutoCad or any 2d vector application. A trivial job using only offsets, lines and a radius entry.

Then take the DXF file to a laser cutter and they will hand you the K5/Canon ee-S screen, spotless with an edge better than original in a few minutes. CO2 cutters are all over the world, most common in fashion, shoes and as a service. I know there are several in southern France.
The kerf will be under 0.07 mm, and of course with the tab. If you hollow/trim the data file you can cut a shim set in the same way. You can buy a small book of staggered thickness plastic shim stock at any automobile or industrial supply very inexpensively.

11-04-2011, 07:22 PM	#153
MobiusOne Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Photos: Albums Posts: 46	I just finished cutting the Ec-S screen for my K-x minutes ago, only to discover the screen is too thick, even without the stock shim (no I didn't check the thickness at the beginning because I'm dumb) . The actual focus is way behind the focus on the viewfinder. Besides that, the view is incredible; it doesn't even seem like I'm looking through a focusing screen! It's like I'm looking through a clear window that makes the subject I'm focusing on pop out! Also, you're right--the etchings on the Ec-S are totally unobtrusive and are actually quite useful as compositional reminders. Of course, all this would be fantastic without the severe back focus due to thickness. Please tell me there is a way to fix this, especially after all those hours of work (I'm not handy with tools at all). There's no way I can go back to the Travor split screen now EDIT: I put the original shim back in and it seems to be fine. My understanding of front/back focus seems to be messed up. EDIT2: Shimmed it with 5-6 layers of magic tape as previously mentioned by dlacouture and seems to be focusing fine so far. Got the screen more smudgy and scratchy due to more stupidity, but its still soo much better than the Travor screen. I want to thank all the contributors to this thread, especially dla, for providing the info about this screen (assuming the Ec-S and Ee-S are indeed the same matte). Last edited by MobiusOne; 11-04-2011 at 08:39 PM. Reason: mistake?

11-08-2011, 01:53 AM - 1 Like	#158
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074 Original Poster	Ask FocusingScreen for one... It seems they can do special orders, if asked (with seemingly no charge). Acheron : you can theorically buy them from Pentax, but good luck! I'm still waiting for someone to give me an official price... Here is my current progress: - Pentax France: "We don't know these pieces, ask your dealer", - My dealer: "we don't know these pieces, ask PM2S" (PM2S is the official French Pentax service) - P2MS: "we cannot sell you these parts, ask your dealer to order them" - My dealer: "we don't know about these pieces, ask PM2S directly" At last, I was able to have at least a price estimation: 4.99€ a shim!!! Last edited by dlacouture; 11-08-2011 at 02:00 AM.

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10-26-2011, 12:54 AM	#151
JimD Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Newport, South Wales Posts: 187	Gents I've been following this with interest. Sorry if I appear a bit dumb but there are a few things that I don't quite understand and have some questions. I'm fairly new to this digital stuff and I've got the following manual lenses from my film days: M20-f4, M28-f2.8, M50-f1.4, M100-f2.8, M200-f4 and a K200-f4. In my MX's I had the original split screen in one and changed to a microprism screen (my favourite option ) in the other. With my K5 my Da 16-45 and DA 55-300 are spot on with Autofocus. So no issues there, but my manual lenses are very hit and miss. When they are on they are brilliant, but it's not that often. My eyesight is good and the viewfinder is adjusted correctly. I've tried focussing from out-to-in and in-to-out but cannot get consistent results. I don't want to mess about in Live View or Catch in Focus but compared to the MX viewfinder the K5 one is a joke. The conclusion here seems to be that the S type screen is the answer. Am I correct? If so, I'm okay with getting one but how would I go about determining which shims it will need?

10-26-2011, 01:36 AM	#152
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074 Original Poster	Yes, you're right. If you get one from FocusingScreen, shims are included, it seems... Else, you can order shims from Pentax, they come in 0.05mm increments, starting with 0.10mm... From experience on two K5, the proper thickness seems to be 0.20mm (if your stock screen was properly adjusted and fitted with a 0.40mm shim), so just order 0.15mm, 0.20mm and 0.25mm, so you're safe. Or (said in another manner): needed thickness is 0.20mm less than what is needed with the stock screen.

11-07-2011, 02:09 PM	#154
Jan67 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 84	I have to thank dlacouture for the idea to use Ee-S in Pentax. I ordered S type screen for my K5 from focusingscreen.com and after installation I got completely new camera !! The feeling of DoF with lenses 2.8 and faster is absolutely superb and manual focusing is surprisingly fast. Of course, right shim is necesary. I changed 0.25 (used for KatzEye) to 0.3 (which comes with the screen). Different shims are caused by different thickness of the screens. (I wonder why KatzEye does not deliver shim with the screen as well). Just at dim light (ca <EV5) it starts to be difficult, as expected. Thanks again Jan

11-07-2011, 05:07 PM	#155
jan rinze Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Netherlands Photos: Gallery Posts: 61	i am convinced by all these testimonies.. will order one in the very near future! I can't wait to retrieve my old manual focusing skills.

11-07-2011, 10:15 PM	#156
torpesco Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 87	Originally posted by MobiusOne I just finished cutting the Ec-S screen for my K-x minutes ago... I wish focusingscreen had this for the K-x/K-r. Don't really feel like cutting my own. I'll try the K3 for now.

11-08-2011, 12:48 AM	#157
Acheron Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 100	Can someone tell me where to buy shims for focusing screen? I'm from Europe so it has to be international dealer.

11-08-2011, 02:07 AM	#159
Acheron Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 100	That's just peachy. I will try ask FocusingScreen what can be done about it. I'm really frustrated when manually focusing on K-5. I use AF confirm, but sometimes AF confirm is not fast enough for my taste so I focus by eye and get mixed results. I have managed to hit focus maybe 30% of time which is much lower from my success rate on K200D where it was more like 80%. It is paradoxical that Pentax is advertising that you can use 40 years old manual lenses and then they mess up something so essential as calibration of focusing screen. Tnx mate

11-08-2011, 06:25 AM - 2 Likes	#160
Jan67 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 84	Originally posted by Acheron Can someone tell me where to buy shims for focusing screen? I'm from Europe so it has to be international dealer. If you don't succed at focusingscreen.com, try : Pentax Division National Parts Administrator 3500 N. Windsor Dr. Suite-400 Aurora, CO 80011 Ph. (720)988-2653 Fax (303)799-9213 E-Mail: lynn.badillo@wildernestlogistics.com They were very kind. The price is $0.72 /shim. But you have to pay handling and shipping, it was $8 to USA. 77240.M02200A - 0.10mm 77240.M02200B - 0.15mm 77240.M02200C - 0.20mm 77240.M02200D - 0.25mm 77240.M02200E - 0.30mm 77240.M02200F - 0.35mm 77240.M02200G - 0.40mm 77240.M02200H - 0.45mm 77240.M02200I - 0.50mm

11-08-2011, 07:29 AM	#161
Acheron Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 100	Thx Jan67 I've already contacted them but they only ship to USA.

11-08-2011, 03:36 PM	#162
dave216 Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Republic of Georgia Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 46	Originally posted by Jan67 They were very kind. The price is $0.72 /shim. But you have to pay handling and shipping, it was $8 to USA. yup they are very kind but unfortunately to me accept only US credit cards so probably need someone's help to get shims

11-08-2011, 03:44 PM	#163
Jan67 Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Prague Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 84	Originally posted by dave216 yup they are very kind but unfortunately to me accept only US credit cards so probably need someone's help to get shims I payed with a non US credit card... But the shipment was to US. Maybe, their shims forecast for this year is over :-))

11-09-2011, 02:42 AM	#164
Acheron Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Croatia Photos: Gallery Posts: 100	Is there any possibility for someone in US to order shims and then mail them to me (I'm in Croatia)? I'm can pay all expenses with paypal to person that will do me this favor.

11-13-2011, 08:32 AM	#165
WWWench Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Palm Springs, CA Posts: 65	A sane method, is to create a DXF file in AutoCad or any 2d vector application. A trivial job using only offsets, lines and a radius entry. Then take the DXF file to a laser cutter and they will hand you the K5/Canon ee-S screen, spotless with an edge better than original in a few minutes. CO2 cutters are all over the world, most common in fashion, shoes and as a service. I know there are several in southern France. The kerf will be under 0.07 mm, and of course with the tab. If you hollow/trim the data file you can cut a shim set in the same way. You can buy a small book of staggered thickness plastic shim stock at any automobile or industrial supply very inexpensively.