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11-26-2013, 01:51 PM - 1 Like   #1
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KatzEye Optics: Pentax K-3 Focusing Screens Now Available

Hi

No: I don't work for Katzeye I just like their screens.
Received in my inbox.

Dear Fellow Photographer,

We are writing you today because you expressed an interest in the KatzEyeT
Optics focusing screen for the Pentax K-3 camera. We are pleased to
announce that this model is now available! Thank you very much for your
patience during our development period. A complete description of the new
screen can be found at:

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Pentax-K-3-K-5-K-5II-K-7-K-30-K-50-K-500-
Focusing-Screen--prod_K7.html

Orders can also be placed at the URL above. A brief summary of the features
is as follows:

Prism Type: KatzEyeT "Plus" Split Prism with Microprism Collar

Matte Type: KatzEyeT standard high precision laser matte

Original Viewfinder Markings: Viewfinder markings unaffected, all AF points
function and light normally, AF brackets available optionally.

AF System: AF function unaffected. All AF points and modes operate
normally.

Installation: No modifications to camera required. Camera is designed for
user service and our installation guide is available for download. KatzEyeT
installation tool is included.

Light Metering: Minimal effects - only spot metering mode affected with
slower lenses.

Brightness: Standard and OptiBriteT versions available. Standard viewfinder
brightness is similar to that of the original screen with most lenses.
OptiBriteT screen noticeably brighter than original screen with all lenses.

Grid Lines/Crop Guides: Full complement of standard KatzEyeT patterns
available. Custom patterns available upon request.

Compatibility: The KatzEyeT screen for the Pentax K-3 is also compatible
with the K-5, K-5II, K-7, K-30, K-50 and K-500 models. Users of KatzEye
screens for these models may move their screen to the K-3 without
complication.

Thank you once again for your interest in KatzEyeT products and your
patience during our development period. If you have any questions about our
new offering that are not answered in the full product description, please
feel free to ask. We look forward to your business and thank you for the
opportunity to be part of your photographic experience. Best wishes in your
photography and we hope the world favors you with abundant and beautiful
photo opportunities!

Best regards,
KatzEyeT Optics
Tel. +1.413.743.2523
Fax +1.888.251.5477
www.katzeyeoptics.com


11-26-2013, 02:58 PM   #2
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Surely it will be the same as the K5?
11-26-2013, 03:05 PM   #3
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Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Jonathan Mac Quote
Surely it will be the same as the K5?
Yes...one would think so. I had contacted them to be certain.
Hence the email response.
Never buy anything without the manufacturer assuring compatibility.
11-26-2013, 03:11 PM   #4
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Question: Is it worth losing spot metering to have a split focus screen in a camera like the K3 if you have focus peaking already built in?

11-26-2013, 04:38 PM   #5
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Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Spodeworld Quote
Question: Is it worth losing spot metering to have a split focus screen in a camera like the K3 if you have focus peaking already built in?
I would suggest - don't worry about it.

You don't lose it But metering can be compromised some what.
Simply learn how much and adjust according to the lens you are using.
Fast lenses don't have problem.

If the K-3 meters after focus there really should never be a problem.
I would have thought metering should always happen after focus.
Otherwise the meter doesn't know what light it is seeing.

Again...
It's a matter of learning the advantages and deficiencies of your gear.
Then working within these boundaries.

This will never change.
11-26-2013, 05:06 PM   #6
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I simply moved my Katzeye from my K-5 to my K-3. Works perfectly.

Also, unlike the K-5, the stock shim works fine in my K-3. Certainly a lot more convenient than making a makeshift shim with Post-it notes like I did with the K-5.
11-26-2013, 07:27 PM   #7
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Original Poster
QuoteOriginally posted by Cannikin Quote
I simply moved my Katzeye from my K-5 to my K-3. Works perfectly.

Also, unlike the K-5, the stock shim works fine in my K-3. Certainly a lot more convenient than making a makeshift shim with Post-it notes like I did with the K-5.
Thanks for contributing Cannikin.
If or When I get a K-3 I have the option.
A custom screen or my current Katzeye.
I have some ideas of what I would like to use.

11-27-2013, 05:53 AM   #8
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QuoteOriginally posted by FireDog Quote
I would suggest - don't worry about it.

You don't lose it But metering can be compromised some what.
Simply learn how much and adjust according to the lens you are using.
Fast lenses don't have problem.

If the K-3 meters after focus there really should never be a problem.
I would have thought metering should always happen after focus.
Otherwise the meter doesn't know what light it is seeing.

Again...
It's a matter of learning the advantages and deficiencies of your gear.
Then working within these boundaries.

This will never change.
Agreed but then it is true that, for some, the split screen would be less of a need with focus peaking.
Though it is still an issue very much like EVF vs OVF.

I admit sometimes I wished my view camera ground glass came equipped with focus peaking
11-27-2013, 08:21 AM - 1 Like   #9
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Tx, good to have it confirmed that the Katzeye focusing screens for older models will also be compatible with the K-3. Though indeed, it could be assumed to be the case since Pentax lists the same focusing screens as for previous models in the accessory list of the K-3. I have a custom screen that I got for my K-7, then moved it to my K-5, and now I'm looking forward to migrating it to the K-3 as soon as I get it.

Wim
11-27-2013, 09:48 AM   #10
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QuoteOriginally posted by Jonathan Mac Quote
Surely it will be the same as the K5?
And K-7 - note the part no.
11-27-2013, 01:27 PM   #11
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QuoteOriginally posted by p38arover Quote
And K-7 - note the part no.
It's like a nerdy horror movie . . . "It has been with us ALL ALONG. OOOOoooooooooOOOooo."
12-02-2013, 06:57 PM   #12
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I never quite understood where you put the shims. Are they placed on the stationary part of the focus screen housing? Or do the go on the part that swings open? Do you just place it on the housing?

Confused......

QuoteOriginally posted by Cannikin Quote
I simply moved my Katzeye from my K-5 to my K-3. Works perfectly.

Also, unlike the K-5, the stock shim works fine in my K-3. Certainly a lot more convenient than making a makeshift shim with Post-it notes like I did with the K-5.
12-03-2013, 11:55 PM - 1 Like   #13
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QuoteOriginally posted by Spodeworld Quote
I never quite understood where you put the shims. Are they placed on the stationary part of the focus screen housing? Or do the go on the part that swings open? Do you just place it on the housing?


Confused......
Shims go between the focusing screen and the pentaprism. The whole purpose is to adjust the spacing between the lens and the screen in order to match the plane of focus. If the screen front focuses, use a thinner (or no) shim to move the screen further away from the lens. If it back focuses, use a thicker shim to move it closer.

Putting it on the swinging part would do nothing because it would be on the outside of the focusing screen assembly and thus not alter the position.

Last edited by Cannikin; 12-04-2013 at 12:25 AM.
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