More details about the interchangeable focusing screens

**Basset** · 05-22-2012, 05:46 PM

Is this any different than the K5? If so, what focusing screen options are available?

Peak focusing has my attention, but I want to know if there's anything different re the focusing screen.

joe.penn · 05-22-2012, 08:49 PM

Originally posted by Basset

More details about the interchangeable focusing screens

I would think that by Pentax specifically mentioning "interchangeable" means that the focus screen can be changed "on the fly" without much effort - if this is the case that would be a pretty cool and unique feature... (just my thoughts, I could be totally wrong though)

dlacouture · 05-23-2012, 02:56 AM

Well, they did mention a MF-60 factory screen for the K30, and that's the K5/K7 screen, so any screen made for K5/K7 should work just fine...

Just for information, all Pentax bodies from (at least) the ZX/MZ film line do feature interchangeable focus screens... And I'm pretty sure that earlier bodies also sport them.

wildweasel · 05-23-2012, 05:46 AM

Even cameras like the kx have interchangeable screens, despite the literature saying otherwise. Granted, it was harder to swap in my kx than my k5, but only marginally.

Some good instructions here. http://www.focusingscreen.com/shipping.php?osCsid=d1defd1f354a643bbc2ab5310ff2de61

Marc Sabatella · 05-23-2012, 10:42 AM

There is nothing new about a Pentax camera being advertised as having interchangeable focus screens - it was true of the original *istD, the DS, DS2, K10D, K20D, K-7, and K-5. It just means if you want to buy one of the screens Pentax sells that has different lines etched in it than the defaults, or something like the Katzeye or other brand of split prism focus screen, you can do so more easily than you can with the cameras not advertised that way.

**Basset** · 05-23-2012, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by Marc Sabatella

There is nothing new about a Pentax camera being advertised as having interchangeable focus screens - it was true of the original *istD, the DS, DS2, K10D, K20D, K-7, and K-5. It just means if you want to buy one of the screens Pentax sells that has different lines etched in it than the defaults, or something like the Katzeye or other brand of split prism focus screen, you can do so more easily than you can with the cameras not advertised that way.

Thanks for the info. I was hoping the mention here meant the K-30 was going to be like the old (film) LX, where you could choose among 9 different focusing screens when you bought the camera.

eddie1960 · 05-23-2012, 11:50 AM

Originally posted by Basset

Thanks for the info. I was hoping the mention here meant the K-30 was going to be like the old (film) LX, where you could choose among 9 different focusing screens when you bought the camera.

that would be nice, but i think we will be stuck with the 3 they offer plus anything the aftermarket offers. I think they don't offer all the split prism type aids because they interfere with metering (supposedly - i've never done a serious test with mine)

LX was also a different kettle of fish with all the different VF types available

I'm still hoping the FF when (If) it comes will be an LX type design (with the same OTF or in this case OTS metering for long exposures that would be brilliant)

eddie1960 · 05-23-2012, 11:57 AM

BTW Basset later LX showed 12 screens available the list is below

http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/pentaxlx/screens/index.htm

**Basset** · 05-23-2012, 04:56 PM

Originally posted by eddie1960

that would be nice, but i think we will be stuck with the 3 they offer plus anything the aftermarket offers. I think they don't offer all the split prism type aids because they interfere with metering (supposedly - i've never done a serious test with mine)

LX was also a different kettle of fish with all the different VF types available

I'm still hoping the FF when (If) it comes will be an LX type design (with the same OTF or in this case OTS metering for long exposures that would be brilliant)

It would be so great if Pentax offered a split prism screen, so you don't have to go aftermarket and guess whether the view will be dimmer or not.

eddie1960 · 05-24-2012, 06:02 AM

Originally posted by Basset

It would be so great if Pentax offered a split prism screen, so you don't have to go aftermarket and guess whether the view will be dimmer or not.

Agreed but I'm sure they don't due to the issue with spot metering. their solution is the pure matte screen (which i thought about trying since it is supposedly designed for fast lenses) but i like having an aid (the canon ees screen will not be dimmer btw)

dlacouture · 05-24-2012, 07:38 AM

Originally posted by eddie1960

Agreed but I'm sure they don't due to the issue with spot metering. their solution is the pure matte screen (which i thought about trying since it is supposedly designed for fast lenses) but i like having an aid (the canon ees screen will not be dimmer btw)

I've tried this blank Pentax screen before trying the EE-S (I'm maybe the only Pentaxian that ever bought this screen, judging by the lack of info concerning it), and it's not designed for fast lenses... It's the same screen as the marked ones, but without the markings (so it does not "see" above f/2).

eddie1960 · 05-24-2012, 08:34 AM

Originally posted by dlacouture

I've tried this blank Pentax screen before trying the EE-S (I'm maybe the only Pentaxian that ever bought this screen, judging by the lack of info concerning it), and it's not designed for fast lenses... It's the same screen as the marked ones, but without the markings (so it does not "see" above f/2).

that is what i figured myself, it would be nice if there was a fast screen with a prism ring and blank center large enough to not interfere with spot metering, the microprism ring is very useful for focus, the split Meh i could live without it

zosxavius · 05-24-2012, 02:22 PM

Yeah, the matte screens not great, especially with fast lenses and small dof. Shooting performances with a my k-7 and my trusty a50 1.7 is really hit or miss. The only thing the focus wants to confirm lock on is the microphone even when I set the center point far away from it, it just unfortunately happens to be the only object with contrast, that leaves visual confirmation and a dof of mere inches. Fun stuff. In these situations I would kill for a split prism, but really 90% of the time I'm at hyperfocal with f8-f11 light permitting. I can't justify putting one in when it isn't necessary most of the time, and a real distraction generally. Focus lock works pretty good in good light. On the canon 5d mark ii at work it confirms lock at about 0 EV with no issues. I wish the k-7 was that sensitive. I. Hear the k-5 is a. Lot better, and low light has really been my only challenge so far. I'm starting to prefer mf in those situations because otherwise I would be constantly locking on all the wrong things. Actually I'm starting to prefer mf for everything except kids.....lol....

frank · 05-24-2012, 06:35 PM

I took out both focusing screens from the K30 and my K5 yesterday, they are exactly the same. The K-x/K-r focusing screen is a little bit harder to take out or put back in, but taking out K30 screen is as easy to do w/ K5 screen.

gorski · 06-25-2012, 08:54 AM

Originally posted by frank

I took out both focusing screens from the K30 and my K5 yesterday, they are exactly the same. The K-x/K-r focusing screen is a little bit harder to take out or put back in, but taking out K30 screen is as easy to do w/ K5 screen.

That is good news, because then we do not need to wait for the focusingscreen.com to make a dedicated screen for K-30, but the screen for the K-5 can be ordered. Are you 100% sure that they look the same?

05-22-2012, 05:46 PM	#1
Basset Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 340	More details about the interchangeable focusing screens Is this any different than the K5? If so, what focusing screen options are available? Peak focusing has my attention, but I want to know if there's anything different re the focusing screen.

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05-22-2012, 08:49 PM	#2
joe.penn Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Maryland (Right Outside Washington DC) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,902	Originally posted by Basset More details about the interchangeable focusing screens I would think that by Pentax specifically mentioning "interchangeable" means that the focus screen can be changed "on the fly" without much effort - if this is the case that would be a pretty cool and unique feature... (just my thoughts, I could be totally wrong though)

05-23-2012, 02:56 AM	#3
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	Well, they did mention a MF-60 factory screen for the K30, and that's the K5/K7 screen, so any screen made for K5/K7 should work just fine... Just for information, all Pentax bodies from (at least) the ZX/MZ film line do feature interchangeable focus screens... And I'm pretty sure that earlier bodies also sport them.

05-23-2012, 05:46 AM	#4
wildweasel Inactive Account Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Plymouth Posts: 359	Even cameras like the kx have interchangeable screens, despite the literature saying otherwise. Granted, it was harder to swap in my kx than my k5, but only marginally. Some good instructions here. http://www.focusingscreen.com/shipping.php?osCsid=d1defd1f354a643bbc2ab5310ff2de61

05-23-2012, 10:42 AM	#5
Marc Sabatella Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Denver, CO Photos: Gallery Posts: 10,686	There is nothing new about a Pentax camera being advertised as having interchangeable focus screens - it was true of the original *istD, the DS, DS2, K10D, K20D, K-7, and K-5. It just means if you want to buy one of the screens Pentax sells that has different lines etched in it than the defaults, or something like the Katzeye or other brand of split prism focus screen, you can do so more easily than you can with the cameras not advertised that way.

05-23-2012, 11:32 AM	#6
Basset Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 340 Original Poster	Originally posted by Marc Sabatella There is nothing new about a Pentax camera being advertised as having interchangeable focus screens - it was true of the original *istD, the DS, DS2, K10D, K20D, K-7, and K-5. It just means if you want to buy one of the screens Pentax sells that has different lines etched in it than the defaults, or something like the Katzeye or other brand of split prism focus screen, you can do so more easily than you can with the cameras not advertised that way. Thanks for the info. I was hoping the mention here meant the K-30 was going to be like the old (film) LX, where you could choose among 9 different focusing screens when you bought the camera.

05-23-2012, 11:50 AM	#7
eddie1960 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,663	Originally posted by Basset Thanks for the info. I was hoping the mention here meant the K-30 was going to be like the old (film) LX, where you could choose among 9 different focusing screens when you bought the camera. that would be nice, but i think we will be stuck with the 3 they offer plus anything the aftermarket offers. I think they don't offer all the split prism type aids because they interfere with metering (supposedly - i've never done a serious test with mine) LX was also a different kettle of fish with all the different VF types available I'm still hoping the FF when (If) it comes will be an LX type design (with the same OTF or in this case OTS metering for long exposures that would be brilliant)

05-23-2012, 11:57 AM	#8
eddie1960 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,663	BTW Basset later LX showed 12 screens available the list is below http://www.mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/pentaxlx/screens/index.htm

05-23-2012, 04:56 PM	#9
Basset Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2011 Photos: Albums Posts: 340 Original Poster	Originally posted by eddie1960 that would be nice, but i think we will be stuck with the 3 they offer plus anything the aftermarket offers. I think they don't offer all the split prism type aids because they interfere with metering (supposedly - i've never done a serious test with mine) LX was also a different kettle of fish with all the different VF types available I'm still hoping the FF when (If) it comes will be an LX type design (with the same OTF or in this case OTS metering for long exposures that would be brilliant) It would be so great if Pentax offered a split prism screen, so you don't have to go aftermarket and guess whether the view will be dimmer or not.

05-24-2012, 06:02 AM	#10
eddie1960 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,663	Originally posted by Basset It would be so great if Pentax offered a split prism screen, so you don't have to go aftermarket and guess whether the view will be dimmer or not. Agreed but I'm sure they don't due to the issue with spot metering. their solution is the pure matte screen (which i thought about trying since it is supposedly designed for fast lenses) but i like having an aid (the canon ees screen will not be dimmer btw)

05-24-2012, 07:38 AM	#11
dlacouture Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Var, South of France Photos: Albums Posts: 1,074	Originally posted by eddie1960 Agreed but I'm sure they don't due to the issue with spot metering. their solution is the pure matte screen (which i thought about trying since it is supposedly designed for fast lenses) but i like having an aid (the canon ees screen will not be dimmer btw) I've tried this blank Pentax screen before trying the EE-S (I'm maybe the only Pentaxian that ever bought this screen, judging by the lack of info concerning it), and it's not designed for fast lenses... It's the same screen as the marked ones, but without the markings (so it does not "see" above f/2).

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05-24-2012, 08:34 AM	#12
eddie1960 Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 13,663	Originally posted by dlacouture I've tried this blank Pentax screen before trying the EE-S (I'm maybe the only Pentaxian that ever bought this screen, judging by the lack of info concerning it), and it's not designed for fast lenses... It's the same screen as the marked ones, but without the markings (so it does not "see" above f/2). that is what i figured myself, it would be nice if there was a fast screen with a prism ring and blank center large enough to not interfere with spot metering, the microprism ring is very useful for focus, the split Meh i could live without it

05-24-2012, 02:22 PM	#13
zosxavius Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Somewhere, USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 457	Yeah, the matte screens not great, especially with fast lenses and small dof. Shooting performances with a my k-7 and my trusty a50 1.7 is really hit or miss. The only thing the focus wants to confirm lock on is the microphone even when I set the center point far away from it, it just unfortunately happens to be the only object with contrast, that leaves visual confirmation and a dof of mere inches. Fun stuff. In these situations I would kill for a split prism, but really 90% of the time I'm at hyperfocal with f8-f11 light permitting. I can't justify putting one in when it isn't necessary most of the time, and a real distraction generally. Focus lock works pretty good in good light. On the canon 5d mark ii at work it confirms lock at about 0 EV with no issues. I wish the k-7 was that sensitive. I. Hear the k-5 is a. Lot better, and low light has really been my only challenge so far. I'm starting to prefer mf in those situations because otherwise I would be constantly locking on all the wrong things. Actually I'm starting to prefer mf for everything except kids.....lol....

05-24-2012, 06:35 PM	#14
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	I took out both focusing screens from the K30 and my K5 yesterday, they are exactly the same. The K-x/K-r focusing screen is a little bit harder to take out or put back in, but taking out K30 screen is as easy to do w/ K5 screen.

06-25-2012, 08:54 AM	#15
gorski Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 34	Originally posted by frank I took out both focusing screens from the K30 and my K5 yesterday, they are exactly the same. The K-x/K-r focusing screen is a little bit harder to take out or put back in, but taking out K30 screen is as easy to do w/ K5 screen. That is good news, because then we do not need to wait for the focusingscreen.com to make a dedicated screen for K-30, but the screen for the K-5 can be ordered. Are you 100% sure that they look the same?