Split prism focusing screens?

MrA · 11-25-2015, 02:39 PM

Have just seen that Katz Eye Optics has gone out of business. (Pentax DSLRs - KatzEye Optics)

I need a split prism focusing screen for my Pentax K50 - can anyone recommend another manufacturer?

I can find one on amazon uk citing suitability for the K5, K7, Kx & Kr, but not mentioning the K50, and in any case possessing many a one-star review.

Alternatively, will the one from my K-r fit the K50? I'd check on the Katzeye website but they've taken all the info down...

Thanks!

Last edited by MrA; 11-25-2015 at 03:34 PM.

bertwert · 11-25-2015, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by MrA

will the one from my K-r fit the K50

I don't think so...

Originally posted by MrA

I'd check on the Katzeye website but they've taken all the info down...

Pentax DSLRs - KatzEye Optics

These use the same screen: Pentax K-3 K-5, K-5II, K-7, K-30, K-50 & K-500 KatzEye Focusing Screen

K-r screen is (was) a different product: KatzEye Focusing Screen for the Pentax K100D, K110D, K100D Super, K200D, K-x, and K-r

These links go to archived versions of the page.

stevebrot · 11-25-2015, 04:18 PM

The cut-down Nikon K3 screen* from focusingscreen.com is probably the closest you can get to a KatzEye. The split image is highly resistant to blackout.

Nikon K3 for Pentax K-r

They make a good product.

Steve

* Not related in any way to the Pentax K-3 or any Pentax product. "K3" is the Nikon product name.

severalsnakes · 11-25-2015, 04:40 PM - **1 Like**

I got a cheap Chinese version from eBay for around $35. It dimmed the viewfinder, but it had a split prism, installed easily, and was 100% accurate.

**THoog** · 11-25-2015, 04:49 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

The cut-down Nikon K3 screen* from focusingscreen.com is probably the closest you can get to a KatzEye. The split image is highly resistant to blackout.

Nikon K3 for Pentax K-r

They make a good product.

Steve

* Not related in any way to the Pentax K-3 or any Pentax product. "K3" is the Nikon product name.

IIRC, KatzEye also used Nikon blanks, which they cut down and laser-etched. (Or at least I read that somewhere on the Internet. So you know it's true.

)

I have at least one KatzEye screen and a focusingscreen.com K3, and they are pretty much identical. I tried a cheapo eBay/China screen, and it was much murkier. YMMV

stevebrot · 11-25-2015, 05:36 PM

Originally posted by THoog

IIRC, KatzEye also used Nikon blanks, which they cut down and laser-etched. (Or at least I read that somewhere on the Internet. So you know it's true. )

Rachael Katz has vigorously disputed that assertion in private conversations with users on this site in the past. That being said, there is no denying the similar appearance and performance between the two products. I suspect that Katz Eye and Nikon may have both used working blanks from a common source manufactured to spec.

As for the cheapo eBay screens (jinFinance?)...mileage? What mileage? I will cut my own before I go there.

Steve

**BigMackCam** · 11-25-2015, 05:43 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

I will cut my own before I go there.

I would *love* to see that!

stevebrot · 11-25-2015, 05:51 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by BigMackCam

I would *love* to see that!

Screens! Screens! I would cut my own SCREENS!

Steve

jibbonpoint · 12-17-2015, 12:59 AM

I've recently passed on my revered K10D to my son & bought a KS-1. I had a split screen for the K10D but I can't seem to find one for the KS-1. Any ideas?

**THoog** · 12-17-2015, 09:11 AM

Originally posted by jibbonpoint

I've recently passed on my revered K10D to my son & bought a KS-1. I had a split screen for the K10D but I can't seem to find one for the KS-1. Any ideas?

The K-S2 and K-S1 should use the same screen as the K-7/5/5II/5IIs/3/3II/30/50/500. Pentax lists the same matte replacement screens for all of them.

jibbonpoint · 12-17-2015, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by THoog

The K-S2 and K-S1 should use the same screen as the K-7/5/5II/5IIs/3/3II/30/50/500. Pentax lists the same matte replacement screens for all of them.

Thanks. I use a lot of manual lenses so the split screen works well with them. Any advice on which one would be the best choice on the Pentax list? Katz Eye, I noticed have ceased production, which is a shame.

**THoog** · 12-17-2015, 12:14 PM

Originally posted by jibbonpoint

Thanks. I use a lot of manual lenses so the split screen works well with them. Any advice on which one would be the best choice on the Pentax list? Katz Eye, I noticed have ceased production, which is a shame.

focusingscreen.com actually lists screens for the K-S1 (just cross-listings of the compatible models, I'm sure). As discussed above, I think the K3 screen is very close to the KatzEye,

Focusing Screen

**BigMackCam** · 12-17-2015, 11:51 PM

Well, I deliberated for a long time, but since KatzEye has closed for sure now, I took the plunge and ordered the Nikon K-3 focusing screen for my K3 from "focusingscreen.com". I missed the cut-off for pre-holiday shipping, so mine won't go out until 4th January. Quite looking forward to giving it a try. I'm a bit concerned as to whether or not it will need shimming, and I've never removed / replaced the focusing screen before, but I guess there has to be a first time

jibbonpoint · 12-20-2015, 03:34 AM

Originally posted by THoog

focusingscreen.com actually lists screens for the K-S1 (just cross-listings of the compatible models, I'm sure). As discussed above, I think the K3 screen is very close to the KatzEye,

Focusing Screen

Thanks once again. The Ec-b looks like the one to go for? I did buy, a katz eye for the k10d years ago. It worked well.

hoosierdome · 12-20-2015, 11:51 AM

I bought a cheap Chinese one on Ebay, works great.

11-25-2015, 02:39 PM	#1
MrA Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: England UK Posts: 211	Split prism focusing screens? Have just seen that Katz Eye Optics has gone out of business. (Pentax DSLRs - KatzEye Optics) I need a split prism focusing screen for my Pentax K50 - can anyone recommend another manufacturer? I can find one on amazon uk citing suitability for the K5, K7, Kx & Kr, but not mentioning the K50, and in any case possessing many a one-star review. Alternatively, will the one from my K-r fit the K50? I'd check on the Katzeye website but they've taken all the info down... Thanks! Last edited by MrA; 11-25-2015 at 03:34 PM.

12-17-2015, 11:51 PM	#13
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,661	Well, I deliberated for a long time, but since KatzEye has closed for sure now, I took the plunge and ordered the Nikon K-3 focusing screen for my K3 from "focusingscreen.com". I missed the cut-off for pre-holiday shipping, so mine won't go out until 4th January. Quite looking forward to giving it a try. I'm a bit concerned as to whether or not it will need shimming, and I've never removed / replaced the focusing screen before, but I guess there has to be a first time Last edited by BigMackCam; 12-18-2015 at 06:07 AM.

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11-25-2015, 02:46 PM	#2
bertwert Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Golden, BC Posts: 15,173	Originally posted by MrA will the one from my K-r fit the K50 I don't think so... Originally posted by MrA I'd check on the Katzeye website but they've taken all the info down... Pentax DSLRs - KatzEye Optics These use the same screen: Pentax K-3 K-5, K-5II, K-7, K-30, K-50 & K-500 KatzEye Focusing Screen K-r screen is (was) a different product: KatzEye Focusing Screen for the Pentax K100D, K110D, K100D Super, K200D, K-x, and K-r These links go to archived versions of the page.

11-25-2015, 04:18 PM	#3
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The cut-down Nikon K3 screen* from focusingscreen.com is probably the closest you can get to a KatzEye. The split image is highly resistant to blackout. Nikon K3 for Pentax K-r They make a good product. Steve * Not related in any way to the Pentax K-3 or any Pentax product. "K3" is the Nikon product name.

11-25-2015, 04:40 PM - 1 Like	#4
severalsnakes Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Kansas City, KS Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,612	I got a cheap Chinese version from eBay for around $35. It dimmed the viewfinder, but it had a split prism, installed easily, and was 100% accurate.

11-25-2015, 04:49 PM	#5
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	Originally posted by stevebrot The cut-down Nikon K3 screen* from focusingscreen.com is probably the closest you can get to a KatzEye. The split image is highly resistant to blackout. Nikon K3 for Pentax K-r They make a good product. Steve * Not related in any way to the Pentax K-3 or any Pentax product. "K3" is the Nikon product name. IIRC, KatzEye also used Nikon blanks, which they cut down and laser-etched. (Or at least I read that somewhere on the Internet. So you know it's true. ) I have at least one KatzEye screen and a focusingscreen.com K3, and they are pretty much identical. I tried a cheapo eBay/China screen, and it was much murkier. YMMV

11-25-2015, 05:36 PM	#6
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by THoog IIRC, KatzEye also used Nikon blanks, which they cut down and laser-etched. (Or at least I read that somewhere on the Internet. So you know it's true. ) Rachael Katz has vigorously disputed that assertion in private conversations with users on this site in the past. That being said, there is no denying the similar appearance and performance between the two products. I suspect that Katz Eye and Nikon may have both used working blanks from a common source manufactured to spec. As for the cheapo eBay screens (jinFinance?)...mileage? What mileage? I will cut my own before I go there. Steve

11-25-2015, 05:43 PM	#7
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,661	Originally posted by stevebrot I will cut my own before I go there. I would love to see that!

11-25-2015, 05:51 PM - 2 Likes	#8
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by BigMackCam I would love to see that! Screens! Screens! I would cut my own SCREENS! Steve

12-17-2015, 12:59 AM	#9
jibbonpoint Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 66	I've recently passed on my revered K10D to my son & bought a KS-1. I had a split screen for the K10D but I can't seem to find one for the KS-1. Any ideas?

12-17-2015, 09:11 AM	#10
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	Originally posted by jibbonpoint I've recently passed on my revered K10D to my son & bought a KS-1. I had a split screen for the K10D but I can't seem to find one for the KS-1. Any ideas? The K-S2 and K-S1 should use the same screen as the K-7/5/5II/5IIs/3/3II/30/50/500. Pentax lists the same matte replacement screens for all of them.

12-17-2015, 11:53 AM	#11
jibbonpoint Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 66	Originally posted by THoog The K-S2 and K-S1 should use the same screen as the K-7/5/5II/5IIs/3/3II/30/50/500. Pentax lists the same matte replacement screens for all of them. Thanks. I use a lot of manual lenses so the split screen works well with them. Any advice on which one would be the best choice on the Pentax list? Katz Eye, I noticed have ceased production, which is a shame.

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12-17-2015, 12:14 PM	#12
THoog Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: North Carolina Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 3,685	Originally posted by jibbonpoint Thanks. I use a lot of manual lenses so the split screen works well with them. Any advice on which one would be the best choice on the Pentax list? Katz Eye, I noticed have ceased production, which is a shame. focusingscreen.com actually lists screens for the K-S1 (just cross-listings of the compatible models, I'm sure). As discussed above, I think the K3 screen is very close to the KatzEye, Focusing Screen

12-20-2015, 03:34 AM	#14
jibbonpoint Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sydney Posts: 66	Originally posted by THoog focusingscreen.com actually lists screens for the K-S1 (just cross-listings of the compatible models, I'm sure). As discussed above, I think the K3 screen is very close to the KatzEye, Focusing Screen Thanks once again. The Ec-b looks like the one to go for? I did buy, a katz eye for the k10d years ago. It worked well.

12-20-2015, 11:51 AM	#15
hoosierdome Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Posts: 55	I bought a cheap Chinese one on Ebay, works great.