Replacement focusing screens now available for K-1

**Tas** · 03-01-2017, 03:28 PM - **4 Likes**

I notice that focusingscreen.com have finally added four different replacement screens (from Canon micro prism, split prism, cross-split prism & S type) for the K-1. The screen list can be found here: Focusing Screen

I fitted an S type in my K5 and found it a huge improvement over the standard K5 screen for MF and would like to use an S type with the K-1 (once mine's out of warranty in May).

There's been a lot of talk on the forum about replacement screens, and quite a few comments about the K-1 screen not being replaceable while others say it is. If the K-1 screen can be changed I would have to weigh up the fors/againsts in doing this if the change meant losing some of the functions available with the standard screen.

Disappointingly the website does not contain K-1 installation instructions yet, so: has anyone already changed their screen or can confirm whether the screen is actually replaceable? If it is replaceable are any of the viewfinder functions affected?

Ta for any feedback.

Tas

Adam · 03-01-2017, 03:29 PM - **1 Like**

I would expect extra steps to be required to preserve the viewfinder overlay. Curious to find out as well.

**clackers** · 03-01-2017, 04:21 PM - **2 Likes**

I'm interested! I have a number of MF lenses and found the Katzeye on my K-30 nailed manual focus much better and quicker than say, the EVF on my Sony A7.

npc · 03-01-2017, 04:44 PM - **2 Likes**

K-1 focusing screen is attached pretty much the same way like it is for example in K-5 ... it is actually little bit easier to remove. My K-1 came with couple of dust spots so I've removed it to blow them off and then attached it back.
The overlay is somewhere behind it, I did not had to mess with it at all.
I expect replacement focusing screens will work just fine if they are not much thicker than the original one.
If they now have the S-type for K-1 I'm going to give it a try

**lithedreamer** · 03-01-2017, 04:53 PM

Does anyone use these with AF lenses? When shooting portraiture with shallow DOF, I sometimes miss a couple of shots because my model or I move too much, and I'd like something that helps me keep an eye on things.

**jbondo** · 03-01-2017, 05:01 PM - **1 Like**

I would love an S-type as well. Wondering if switching out will cause metering issues, though. On my Canons, you must tell the camera which screen is installed when you switch or they don't meter properly.

**clackers** · 03-01-2017, 05:04 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by lithedreamer

Does anyone use these with AF lenses? When shooting portraiture with shallow DOF, I sometimes miss a couple of shots because my model or I move too much, and I'd like something that helps me keep an eye on things.

Yep, I used MF on AF lenses on my Katzeyed K-30 for low light concert pics and critical closest-eye focus in portraits.

Ian Stuart Forsyth · 03-01-2017, 05:08 PM

Originally posted by clackers

I'm interested! I have a number of MF lenses and found the Katzeye on my K-30 nailed manual focus much better and quicker than say, the EVF on my Sony A7.

I found the Katzeye screens better than the focusingxcreen brand and just purchased on for my D800 and used it for a week and switched back, I was not pleased with the Q of the focusingscreen brand

**clackers** · 03-01-2017, 05:13 PM - **3 Likes**

Originally posted by Ian Stuart Forsyth

I found the Katzeye screens better than the focusingxcreen brand and just purchased on for my D800 and used it for a week and switched back, I was not pleased with the Q of the focusingscreen brand

You know, rumour has it that @Stevebrot sleeps at night on a giant mound of Katzeyes bought from them when they went out of business.

He's like Smaug from The Hobbit.

stevebrot · 03-01-2017, 05:30 PM - **2 Likes**

Originally posted by Tas

Disappointingly the website does not contain K-1 installation instructions yet, so: has anyone already changed their screen or can confirm whether the screen is actually replaceable? If it is replaceable are any of the viewfinder functions affected?

There was a user a few months back that claimed to have cut down a (IICR) Nikon screen for their K-1 and was pretty jazzed. I seem to remember that there was a question on calibration, however.

Originally posted by lithedreamer

Does anyone use these with AF lenses?

Ummmm...yes, though it makes more sense with some lenses than with others. If the focus throw is short, one is almost better off to let the camera do the work. Similarly, if the lens is f/2 or faster, a split image will outperform even the center column (f/2.8 tuned) AF points. The same is generally true for an S-type screen. For hand-held portrait work, you may find that manual focus works well for you, though it may take some practice. You might also want to consider foregoing the narrow DOF if incidental movement is that critical.

Steve

stevebrot · 03-01-2017, 05:44 PM

Originally posted by clackers

You know, rumour has it that @Stevebrot sleeps at night on a giant mound of Katzeyes bought from them when they went out of business.

He's like Smaug from The Hobbit.

I should be so lucky. I do still have a small stock of genuine Pentax shims for recent APS-C bodies however should anyone need a set.

Steve

stevebrot · 03-01-2017, 06:39 PM

Originally posted by stevebrot

There was a user a few months back that claimed to have cut down a (IICR) Nikon screen for their K-1 and was pretty jazzed. I seem to remember that there was a question on calibration, however.

Found the thread:

Focussing screens for the K1 DIY split image - PentaxForums.com

Steve

victormeldrew · 03-02-2017, 01:15 AM

Originally posted by stevebrot

There was a user a few months back that claimed to have cut down a (IICR) Nikon screen for their K-1 and was pretty jazzed. I seem to remember that there was a question on calibration, however.

This is in essence what focusingscreen.com does. They cut down screens to fit and provide DIY instructions to replace. If you purchase your screen of choice, then use your current screen as a template to cut it down, you will have the same result for less cost. Doing this neatly and accurately requires some skill and care I would imagine, not to mention risk.

Ian Stuart Forsyth · 03-02-2017, 01:25 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by victormeldrew

This is in essence what focusingscreen.com does. They cut down screens to fit and provide DIY instructions to replace. If you purchase your screen of choice, then use your current screen as a template to cut it down, you will have the same result for less cost. Doing this neatly and accurately requires some skill and care I would imagine, not to mention risk.

No I am pretty sure they make their own screens as the tab is in the correct place for the cameras they are designed to replace.

victormeldrew · 03-02-2017, 08:52 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Ian Stuart Forsyth

No I am pretty sure they make their own screens as the tab is in the correct place for the cameras they are designed to replace.

FSB, FSL and FSX screens appear to be made by (or for) them. The rest are either Canon or Nikon made, as per the comparison page:
Focusing Screen

03-01-2017, 03:28 PM - 4 Likes	#1
Tas Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Brisbane, QLD Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,202	Replacement focusing screens now available for K-1 I notice that focusingscreen.com have finally added four different replacement screens (from Canon micro prism, split prism, cross-split prism & S type) for the K-1. The screen list can be found here: Focusing Screen I fitted an S type in my K5 and found it a huge improvement over the standard K5 screen for MF and would like to use an S type with the K-1 (once mine's out of warranty in May). There's been a lot of talk on the forum about replacement screens, and quite a few comments about the K-1 screen not being replaceable while others say it is. If the K-1 screen can be changed I would have to weigh up the fors/againsts in doing this if the change meant losing some of the functions available with the standard screen. Disappointingly the website does not contain K-1 installation instructions yet, so: has anyone already changed their screen or can confirm whether the screen is actually replaceable? If it is replaceable are any of the viewfinder functions affected? Ta for any feedback. Tas

03-01-2017, 03:29 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	I would expect extra steps to be required to preserve the viewfinder overlay. Curious to find out as well. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

03-01-2017, 05:30 PM - 2 Likes	#10
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by Tas Disappointingly the website does not contain K-1 installation instructions yet, so: has anyone already changed their screen or can confirm whether the screen is actually replaceable? If it is replaceable are any of the viewfinder functions affected? There was a user a few months back that claimed to have cut down a (IICR) Nikon screen for their K-1 and was pretty jazzed. I seem to remember that there was a question on calibration, however. Originally posted by lithedreamer Does anyone use these with AF lenses? Ummmm...yes, though it makes more sense with some lenses than with others. If the focus throw is short, one is almost better off to let the camera do the work. Similarly, if the lens is f/2 or faster, a split image will outperform even the center column (f/2.8 tuned) AF points. The same is generally true for an S-type screen. For hand-held portrait work, you may find that manual focus works well for you, though it may take some practice. You might also want to consider foregoing the narrow DOF if incidental movement is that critical. Steve Last edited by stevebrot; 03-01-2017 at 06:08 PM.

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03-01-2017, 04:21 PM - 2 Likes	#3
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	I'm interested! I have a number of MF lenses and found the Katzeye on my K-30 nailed manual focus much better and quicker than say, the EVF on my Sony A7.

03-01-2017, 04:44 PM - 2 Likes	#4
npc Veteran Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 313	K-1 focusing screen is attached pretty much the same way like it is for example in K-5 ... it is actually little bit easier to remove. My K-1 came with couple of dust spots so I've removed it to blow them off and then attached it back. The overlay is somewhere behind it, I did not had to mess with it at all. I expect replacement focusing screens will work just fine if they are not much thicker than the original one. If they now have the S-type for K-1 I'm going to give it a try

03-01-2017, 04:53 PM	#5
lithedreamer Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2013 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,799	Does anyone use these with AF lenses? When shooting portraiture with shallow DOF, I sometimes miss a couple of shots because my model or I move too much, and I'd like something that helps me keep an eye on things.

03-01-2017, 05:01 PM - 1 Like	#6
jbondo Loyal Site Supportaxian Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Texas Photos: Albums Posts: 503	I would love an S-type as well. Wondering if switching out will cause metering issues, though. On my Canons, you must tell the camera which screen is installed when you switch or they don't meter properly.

03-01-2017, 05:04 PM - 1 Like	#7
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by lithedreamer Does anyone use these with AF lenses? When shooting portraiture with shallow DOF, I sometimes miss a couple of shots because my model or I move too much, and I'd like something that helps me keep an eye on things. Yep, I used MF on AF lenses on my Katzeyed K-30 for low light concert pics and critical closest-eye focus in portraits.

03-01-2017, 05:08 PM	#8
Ian Stuart Forsyth Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,531	Originally posted by clackers I'm interested! I have a number of MF lenses and found the Katzeye on my K-30 nailed manual focus much better and quicker than say, the EVF on my Sony A7. I found the Katzeye screens better than the focusingxcreen brand and just purchased on for my D800 and used it for a week and switched back, I was not pleased with the Q of the focusingscreen brand

03-01-2017, 05:13 PM - 3 Likes	#9
clackers Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Melbourne Photos: Albums Posts: 16,397	Originally posted by Ian Stuart Forsyth I found the Katzeye screens better than the focusingxcreen brand and just purchased on for my D800 and used it for a week and switched back, I was not pleased with the Q of the focusingscreen brand You know, rumour has it that @Stevebrot sleeps at night on a giant mound of Katzeyes bought from them when they went out of business. He's like Smaug from The Hobbit.

03-01-2017, 05:44 PM	#11
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by clackers You know, rumour has it that @Stevebrot sleeps at night on a giant mound of Katzeyes bought from them when they went out of business. He's like Smaug from The Hobbit. I should be so lucky. I do still have a small stock of genuine Pentax shims for recent APS-C bodies however should anyone need a set. Steve

03-01-2017, 06:39 PM	#12
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by stevebrot There was a user a few months back that claimed to have cut down a (IICR) Nikon screen for their K-1 and was pretty jazzed. I seem to remember that there was a question on calibration, however. Found the thread: Focussing screens for the K1 DIY split image - PentaxForums.com Steve

03-02-2017, 01:15 AM	#13
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by stevebrot There was a user a few months back that claimed to have cut down a (IICR) Nikon screen for their K-1 and was pretty jazzed. I seem to remember that there was a question on calibration, however. This is in essence what focusingscreen.com does. They cut down screens to fit and provide DIY instructions to replace. If you purchase your screen of choice, then use your current screen as a template to cut it down, you will have the same result for less cost. Doing this neatly and accurately requires some skill and care I would imagine, not to mention risk.

03-02-2017, 01:25 AM - 1 Like	#14
Ian Stuart Forsyth Pentaxian Join Date: May 2009 Location: Somewhere over the rainbow Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,531	Originally posted by victormeldrew This is in essence what focusingscreen.com does. They cut down screens to fit and provide DIY instructions to replace. If you purchase your screen of choice, then use your current screen as a template to cut it down, you will have the same result for less cost. Doing this neatly and accurately requires some skill and care I would imagine, not to mention risk. No I am pretty sure they make their own screens as the tab is in the correct place for the cameras they are designed to replace.

03-02-2017, 08:52 AM - 1 Like	#15
victormeldrew Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: South West UK Photos: Albums Posts: 1,493	Originally posted by Ian Stuart Forsyth No I am pretty sure they make their own screens as the tab is in the correct place for the cameras they are designed to replace. FSB, FSL and FSX screens appear to be made by (or for) them. The rest are either Canon or Nikon made, as per the comparison page: Focusing Screen

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