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derekkite · 10-05-2011, 08:29 PM

I'm finding in low light using my slowish 300mm zoom the focus screen is dark, making it difficult to focus. What solution is available? I installed the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying viewfinder which helps quite a bit.

Any suggestions?

lammie200 · 10-05-2011, 10:05 PM

Originally posted by derekkite

I'm finding in low light using my slowish 300mm zoom the focus screen is dark, making it difficult to focus. What solution is available? I installed the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying viewfinder which helps quite a bit.

Any suggestions?

There is a thread about a Canon focusing screen modification that some people swear by. It was up fairly recently so it might be worth a search. I just use the 0-ME53 and the stock screen.

derekkite · 10-05-2011, 10:08 PM

I read that thread. It seems that it helps with large aperture lenses. I was reading somewhere else that it is dark with slower and long lenses.

Frogfish · 10-05-2011, 10:52 PM

I don't think changing your focus screen is going to improve that scenario much (though a split-prism will be a tad darker it may make focusing easier) and you already have the Pentax O-ME53. Short of changing to a FF camera I haven't heard of any other solution - this didn't help at all did it.

lammie200 · 10-05-2011, 11:24 PM

Originally posted by derekkite

I read that thread. It seems that it helps with large aperture lenses. I was reading somewhere else that it is dark with slower and long lenses.

I am the totally wrong person to help you with this, but have you looked into a Katzeye with Optibright?

pinholecam · 10-06-2011, 01:58 AM

You may want to consider using a Hood_Lupe with LV. The magnification in LV will help for the long distance.

dlacouture · 10-06-2011, 02:27 AM

From my tests, the Canon EE-S screen was actually brighter for apertures smaller than f/4...
So I'd say that it would improve perceived brightness with slow lenses...

10-05-2011, 08:29 PM	#1
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782	Viewfinder/focus screen for low light long lens I'm finding in low light using my slowish 300mm zoom the focus screen is dark, making it difficult to focus. What solution is available? I installed the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying viewfinder which helps quite a bit. Any suggestions?

10-05-2011, 10:05 PM	#2
lammie200 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Francisco Photos: Albums Posts: 1,033	There is a thread... Originally posted by derekkite I'm finding in low light using my slowish 300mm zoom the focus screen is dark, making it difficult to focus. What solution is available? I installed the Pentax O-ME53 magnifying viewfinder which helps quite a bit. Any suggestions? There is a thread about a Canon focusing screen modification that some people swear by. It was up fairly recently so it might be worth a search. I just use the 0-ME53 and the stock screen.

10-05-2011, 11:24 PM	#5
lammie200 Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: San Francisco Photos: Albums Posts: 1,033	Katzeye with Optibright Originally posted by derekkite I read that thread. It seems that it helps with large aperture lenses. I was reading somewhere else that it is dark with slower and long lenses. I am the totally wrong person to help you with this, but have you looked into a Katzeye with Optibright?

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10-05-2011, 10:08 PM	#3
derekkite Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Nelson B.C. Posts: 3,782 Original Poster	I read that thread. It seems that it helps with large aperture lenses. I was reading somewhere else that it is dark with slower and long lenses.

10-05-2011, 10:52 PM	#4
Frogfish Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Shanghai Posts: 4,490	I don't think changing your focus screen is going to improve that scenario much (though a split-prism will be a tad darker it may make focusing easier) and you already have the Pentax O-ME53. Short of changing to a FF camera I haven't heard of any other solution - this didn't help at all did it.

10-06-2011, 01:58 AM	#6
pinholecam Pentaxian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: North Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,710	You may want to consider using a Hood_Lupe with LV. The magnification in LV will help for the long distance.

10-06-2011, 02:27 AM	#7
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	From my tests, the Canon EE-S screen was actually brighter for apertures smaller than f/4... So I'd say that it would improve perceived brightness with slow lenses...

Viewfinder/focus screen for low light long lens

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