K-1: Split-Screen Focusing Overlay

CoreyC · 12-21-2016, 10:05 PM

Not sure if it's possible to do this via a firmware upgrade, but I would love a split-screen focusing overlay for the optical viewfinder on the K-1. When using a manual focus lens (love my 50mm 1.2!) I find the split-screen focusing screens from the film era (see attachment) easier to use than the focusing points designed for auto-focus lenses. Any possibility of this happening?

Attached Images

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zapp · 03-12-2017, 10:42 AM

This would require fitting a new screen plus fitting by a service team -shimming may be required... Interchangeable screens for K1 would be appreciated by many others, see similar links in K1 forum. Looks like Pentax is not planning for screens with focus aids. They can cause trouble with metering, ... but with manual lenses they really help. Third party companies like Katzeye went out of business indicating that the overall demand for special screens may be low, but having them available in good quality would make a difference.

The alternative for manual focus would be an EVF in a future camera, but why buy a second camera when only a screen is needed.

Dooglas · 05-13-2017, 11:56 AM

Has anyone tried these? Looks like they modify a Canon focusing screen.

Focusing Screen

**hjoseph7** · 05-14-2017, 10:40 AM

The K-1 does not come with inter changeable focusing screens.

stevebrot · 05-14-2017, 02:08 PM

Originally posted by hjoseph7

The K-1 does not come with inter changeable focusing screens.

Yes, Ricoh/Pentax does not sell them and the official position is that the feature is not supported.* Yet, at least one user on this site has done so (sorry, I don't have the link) and focusingscreen.com will sell you one that is cut to fit.

Steve

* Presumably not needed due to the overlay feature.

CoreyC · 05-27-2017, 09:25 PM

Thanks Steve, I had forgotten all about that site.

05-13-2017, 11:56 AM	#3
Dooglas New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Utah, USA Posts: 8	Has anyone tried these? Looks like they modify a Canon focusing screen. Focusing Screen Last edited by Dooglas; 05-13-2017 at 02:13 PM.

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03-12-2017, 10:42 AM	#2
zapp Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 2,388	This would require fitting a new screen plus fitting by a service team -shimming may be required... Interchangeable screens for K1 would be appreciated by many others, see similar links in K1 forum. Looks like Pentax is not planning for screens with focus aids. They can cause trouble with metering, ... but with manual lenses they really help. Third party companies like Katzeye went out of business indicating that the overall demand for special screens may be low, but having them available in good quality would make a difference. The alternative for manual focus would be an EVF in a future camera, but why buy a second camera when only a screen is needed.

05-14-2017, 10:40 AM	#4
hjoseph7 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2014 Location: Minnesota Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,047	The K-1 does not come with inter changeable focusing screens.

05-14-2017, 02:08 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Originally posted by hjoseph7 The K-1 does not come with inter changeable focusing screens. Yes, Ricoh/Pentax does not sell them and the official position is that the feature is not supported.* Yet, at least one user on this site has done so (sorry, I don't have the link) and focusingscreen.com will sell you one that is cut to fit. Steve * Presumably not needed due to the overlay feature.

05-27-2017, 09:25 PM	#6
CoreyC New Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Richmond, VA Photos: Gallery Posts: 21 Original Poster	Thanks Steve, I had forgotten all about that site.