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Jean Poitiers · 03-15-2012, 01:45 PM

Bonjour,

Has anyone some comparative feedback in the differing focusing screens available for my K-5?

I kind of agree with the French photo magazine, Chasseur d'Image, that the standard K-5 screen is "grainy" ...

Have you changed, to what type of screen, etc.?

Any advice/feedback will be greatly appreciated, and merci d'avance - John le Frog

philbaum · 03-15-2012, 02:00 PM

Originally posted by John Poitiers

Bonjour,

Has anyone some comparative feedback in the differing focusing screens available for my K-5?

I kind of agree with the French photo magazine, Chasseur d'Image, that the standard K-5 screen is "grainy" ...

Have you changed, to what type of screen, etc.?

Any advice/feedback will be greatly appreciated, and merci d'avance - John le Frog

I would recommend against changing the screen to one of the traditional split lens type focusing screens. On the K10 and K20, it screwed up "spot metering" by a coupla stops to the extent that i could only rely on center weighted or matrix metering. Not worth it in my mind, unless you are really into the manual focusing.

riff · 03-15-2012, 02:02 PM

This is perhaps a start for you...
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/142241-best-screen-ever-...anon-ee-s.html

Jean Poitiers · 03-15-2012, 03:24 PM

Originally posted by riff

This is perhaps a start for you...
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/142241-best-screen-ever-...anon-ee-s.html

Bonjour riff,

Merci ... some reading to do here, but the ee s sounds quite interesting!

Salut, J Frog

TimHar · 03-15-2012, 03:38 PM

This Tuesday I installed KatzEye with Optibrite and I like it! I im in manual focusing so it's very helpful.
For auto focusing (at least for me) the original viewfinder is fine.

Cheers!

s4int · 03-15-2012, 09:20 PM

Here's another thread...

Focusing Screen Reviews

Jean Poitiers · 03-16-2012, 02:05 AM

Originally posted by s4int

Here's another thread...

Focusing Screen Reviews

Bonjour s4int,

Thanks again ... I missed reading this thread somehow ...

Salut, J Frog

Jean Poitiers · 03-16-2012, 02:12 AM

Originally posted by philbaum

I would recommend against changing the screen to one of the traditional split lens type focusing screens. On the K10 and K20, it screwed up "spot metering" by a coupla stops to the extent that i could only rely on center weighted or matrix metering. Not worth it in my mind, unless you are really into the manual focusing.

Bonjour philbaum,

That's kind of my current dilemma. I have started doing a lot more manual focusing (my growing Adaptall-2 collection plus M42's), and I am looking for something "better" than to standard screen ... but at a reasonable trade-off(s) for AF vs. MF applications. Basically, like all, I want the best of both worlds without any compromise(s) ...

Merci encore et salut, J

Jean Poitiers · 03-16-2012, 02:17 AM

Originally posted by TimHar

This Tuesday I installed KatzEye with Optibrite and I like it! I im in manual focusing so it's very helpful.
For auto focusing (at least for me) the original viewfinder is fine.

Cheers!

Bonjour TimHar,

I'd been looking at the KatzEye(s) ... thanks for your input here. And I agree that for AF, the standard screen does relatively well and it meets my needs for my AF lenses. My pondering is whether I should change it or not ... the jury is still out on this one.

Salut, J

Clavius · 03-16-2012, 02:24 AM

Installing a cats eye split focus screen in my K20d was a true HORROR! And I didn't find the endresult was worth the time, pain and money. It has only a very little advantage over the stock screen IMHO. So I'm going to keep my K5 with the original.

The viewfinder enlarger however, does do a good job though. It does force you to press the VF tighter against your eye though. But I guess, if you find the stock screen grainy, it will enlarge the grain too of course.

riff · 03-16-2012, 11:23 AM

Originally posted by John Poitiers

That's kind of my current dilemma. I have started doing a lot more manual focusing (my growing Adaptall-2 collection plus M42's), and I am looking for something "better" than to standard screen ... but at a reasonable trade-off(s) for AF vs. MF applications. Basically, like all, I want ed best of both worlds without any compromise(s) ...

I am in the same situation as you John. I decided to try this DSLR Viewfinder, DSLR EyePiece, Optical Viewfinder - Zacuto Z-Finder as a solution. Similar products are available from Hoodman and LCDVF. The Zacuto is the most expensive of these three. I chose it because of 1) the diopter adjustment and 2) the mounting system. I`ve had it for only a week or so. I am extremely pleased with the performance and results to date.

The eye cup is deep and comfortable and I find the extra support helpful in steading the camera. It works great on a tripod too. Manual focus is a breeze, my K 50mm f1.2 just sings at 1.2 with the z-finder!

I was shooting yesterday with a Tele-Tak 300mm f6.3 and getting the shots, I had snapped off the z-finder pro 2.5x to change lenses and a sudden photo op cause me to bring the OVF to my eye. It was horrible, the light was bad but focus was not an issue because I couldn`t even see the target.

My hit rate is good, I`d guess high 90`s and I know by the time the shutter releases when I missed focus ever time I missed focus.

Zacuto has or had some demo`s for sale. This is what I ordered and what I received was new in box. As always ymmv

Good luck with your quest, hope this helps.

Jean Poitiers · 03-17-2012, 01:05 AM

Originally posted by riff

I am in the same situation as you John. I decided to try this DSLR Viewfinder, DSLR EyePiece, Optical Viewfinder - Zacuto Z-Finder as a solution. Similar products are available from Hoodman and LCDVF. ...

Bonjour riff,

Thanks a lot for the link and your advice/experience(s)... I'll check this link out ASAP!

Merci encore et salut, J

frstep · 12-11-2012, 09:05 AM

I was finding manual focus on the K5 pretty much impossible and so I used the screen from a very dead MX to make a split field focus screen. All worked fine, but I found that the shim that came with the camera (0.2mm) is too thick and I really need about 0.1mm. For now I have used some insulating tape, but will try to find a better solution in the future.

What is interesting is that the MX and K5 screens were the same thickness, and it became clear to me when doing tests that the focus point in the viewfinder was just as off with the original screen... which explained why no matter how carefully I focused in the viewfinder I was always slightly off. The AF is accurate.

So it appears that since it is an AF camera, Pentax not only feel that the factory screen does not need to be useful to manual focusing needs, but they don't even need to make the calibration of the screen particularly good. I wonder how much of the problem people have with manual focusing is down to this?

Parallax · 12-11-2012, 09:09 AM

Originally posted by frstep

What is interesting is that the MX and K5 screens were the same thickness,

As measured with a micrometer or caliper, or just compared side-by-side?

frstep · 12-11-2012, 09:19 AM

Originally posted by Parallax

As measured with a micrometer or caliper, or just compared side-by-side?

With a (not a terribly good) vernier caliper - both measured at 1.2mm. I guess a .1mm error could have been made.

But all my best efforts at focusing with the original screen suggested that I was out by about the same amount as with the MX screen.

03-15-2012, 01:45 PM	#1
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076	Change K-5 focus screen? *Bonjour,* Has anyone some comparative feedback in the differing focusing screens available for my K-5? I kind of agree with the French photo magazine, *Chasseur d'Image, that the standard K-5 screen is "grainy" ... Have you changed, to what type of screen, etc.? Any advice/feedback will be greatly appreciated, and merci d'avance - John le Frog*

03-15-2012, 03:24 PM	#4
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076 Original Poster	27 pages ... wow Originally posted by riff This is perhaps a start for you... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/142241-best-screen-ever-...anon-ee-s.html *Bonjour* riff, *Merci* ... some reading to do here, but the ee s sounds quite interesting! *Salut, J Frog*

03-15-2012, 03:38 PM	#5
TimHar New Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Photos: Gallery Posts: 22	KatzEye This Tuesday I installed KatzEye with Optibrite and I like it! I im in manual focusing so it's very helpful. For auto focusing (at least for me) the original viewfinder is fine. Cheers!

03-15-2012, 09:20 PM	#6
s4int Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: MN Photos: Albums Posts: 347	Focusing Screen Thread Here's another thread... Focusing Screen Reviews

03-16-2012, 02:05 AM	#7
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076 Original Poster	Merci Originally posted by s4int Here's another thread... Focusing Screen Reviews *Bonjour* s4int, Thanks again ... I missed reading this thread somehow ... *Salut, J Frog*

03-15-2012, 02:00 PM	#2
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	Originally posted by John Poitiers *Bonjour,* Has anyone some comparative feedback in the differing focusing screens available for my K-5? I kind of agree with the French photo magazine, *Chasseur d'Image, that the standard K-5 screen is "grainy" ... Have you changed, to what type of screen, etc.? Any advice/feedback will be greatly appreciated, and merci d'avance - John le Frog* I would recommend against changing the screen to one of the traditional split lens type focusing screens. On the K10 and K20, it screwed up "spot metering" by a coupla stops to the extent that i could only rely on center weighted or matrix metering. Not worth it in my mind, unless you are really into the manual focusing.

03-15-2012, 02:02 PM	#3
riff Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,408	This is perhaps a start for you... https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/pentax-k-5-forum/142241-best-screen-ever-...anon-ee-s.html

03-16-2012, 02:12 AM	#8
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076 Original Poster	Merci Originally posted by philbaum I would recommend against changing the screen to one of the traditional split lens type focusing screens. On the K10 and K20, it screwed up "spot metering" by a coupla stops to the extent that i could only rely on center weighted or matrix metering. Not worth it in my mind, unless you are really into the manual focusing. Bonjour philbaum, That's kind of my current dilemma. I have started doing a lot more manual focusing (my growing Adaptall-2 collection plus M42's), and I am looking for something "better" than to standard screen ... but at a reasonable trade-off(s) for AF vs. MF applications. Basically, like all, I want the best of both worlds without any compromise(s) ... Merci encore et salut, J Last edited by Jean Poitiers; 03-16-2012 at 11:29 AM.

03-16-2012, 02:17 AM	#9
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076 Original Poster	Merci pour le "feedback" Originally posted by TimHar This Tuesday I installed KatzEye with Optibrite and I like it! I im in manual focusing so it's very helpful. For auto focusing (at least for me) the original viewfinder is fine. Cheers! *Bonjour* TimHar, I'd been looking at the KatzEye(s) ... thanks for your input here. And I agree that for AF, the standard screen does relatively well and it meets my needs for my AF lenses. My pondering is whether I should change it or not ... the jury is still out on this one. *Salut, J*

03-16-2012, 02:24 AM	#10
Clavius Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: De Klundert Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,150	Installing a cats eye split focus screen in my K20d was a true HORROR! And I didn't find the endresult was worth the time, pain and money. It has only a very little advantage over the stock screen IMHO. So I'm going to keep my K5 with the original. The viewfinder enlarger however, does do a good job though. It does force you to press the VF tighter against your eye though. But I guess, if you find the stock screen grainy, it will enlarge the grain too of course.

03-16-2012, 11:23 AM	#11
riff Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 1,408	Originally posted by John Poitiers That's kind of my current dilemma. I have started doing a lot more manual focusing (my growing Adaptall-2 collection plus M42's), and I am looking for something "better" than to standard screen ... but at a reasonable trade-off(s) for AF vs. MF applications. Basically, like all, I want ed best of both worlds without any compromise(s) ... I am in the same situation as you John. I decided to try this DSLR Viewfinder, DSLR EyePiece, Optical Viewfinder - Zacuto Z-Finder as a solution. Similar products are available from Hoodman and LCDVF. The Zacuto is the most expensive of these three. I chose it because of 1) the diopter adjustment and 2) the mounting system. I`ve had it for only a week or so. I am extremely pleased with the performance and results to date. The eye cup is deep and comfortable and I find the extra support helpful in steading the camera. It works great on a tripod too. Manual focus is a breeze, my K 50mm f1.2 just sings at 1.2 with the z-finder! I was shooting yesterday with a Tele-Tak 300mm f6.3 and getting the shots, I had snapped off the z-finder pro 2.5x to change lenses and a sudden photo op cause me to bring the OVF to my eye. It was horrible, the light was bad but focus was not an issue because I couldn`t even see the target. My hit rate is good, I`d guess high 90`s and I know by the time the shutter releases when I missed focus ever time I missed focus. Zacuto has or had some demo`s for sale. This is what I ordered and what I received was new in box. As always ymmv Good luck with your quest, hope this helps.

03-17-2012, 01:05 AM	#12
Jean Poitiers Pentaxian Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Lost in translation ... Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 18,076 Original Poster	Merci Originally posted by riff I am in the same situation as you John. I decided to try this DSLR Viewfinder, DSLR EyePiece, Optical Viewfinder - Zacuto Z-Finder as a solution. Similar products are available from Hoodman and LCDVF. ... *Bonjour* riff, Thanks a lot for the link and your advice/experience(s)... I'll check this link out ASAP! Merci encore et salut, J

12-11-2012, 09:05 AM	#13
frstep New Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: South Wales Posts: 23	DIY using cut down MX screen I was finding manual focus on the K5 pretty much impossible and so I used the screen from a very dead MX to make a split field focus screen. All worked fine, but I found that the shim that came with the camera (0.2mm) is too thick and I really need about 0.1mm. For now I have used some insulating tape, but will try to find a better solution in the future. What is interesting is that the MX and K5 screens were the same thickness, and it became clear to me when doing tests that the focus point in the viewfinder was just as off with the original screen... which explained why no matter how carefully I focused in the viewfinder I was always slightly off. The AF is accurate. So it appears that since it is an AF camera, Pentax not only feel that the factory screen does not need to be useful to manual focusing needs, but they don't even need to make the calibration of the screen particularly good. I wonder how much of the problem people have with manual focusing is down to this?

12-11-2012, 09:09 AM	#14
Parallax Senior Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Dakota Photos: Gallery Posts: 19,333	Originally posted by frstep What is interesting is that the MX and K5 screens were the same thickness, As measured with a micrometer or caliper, or just compared side-by-side?

12-11-2012, 09:19 AM	#15
frstep New Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: South Wales Posts: 23	Originally posted by Parallax As measured with a micrometer or caliper, or just compared side-by-side? With a (not a terribly good) vernier caliper - both measured at 1.2mm. I guess a .1mm error could have been made. But all my best efforts at focusing with the original screen suggested that I was out by about the same amount as with the MX screen.

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Change K-5 focus screen?

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