Katzeye sans Optibrite

Recercare · 08-12-2010, 09:00 AM

After reading several threads on this forum I have decided to get a Katzeye.
It seems like optibrite is recommended, but how good is the Katzeye without optibrite? As bright as the original screen in the K10d/K20d or dimmer/brighter?
Is the split/microprism enough to make a significant improvement from the original screen. My slowest lens is F4.

Kind regards
.lars

**GregK8** · 08-22-2010, 11:14 AM

I just have a plain old KatzEye without optibrite and without any extra markings and I like it just fine. There are times when you get the split screen darkened, but it usually only happens in pretty low light and in those circumstances it seems that the AF system can still provide focus confirmation.

Steinback · 08-22-2010, 09:00 PM

I've got the plain Katzeye and don't have any complaints. Generally I'm shooting with primes that are f/2.8 or faster, though it still works fine with the kit lens and with my f/6.7 super telephoto in reasonable light. My recollection is that the aftermarket screen is brighter than the stock screen with fast lenses and a little dimmer with slow ones, but it has been years since I changed over.

troyz · 08-22-2010, 10:22 PM

Originally posted by Recercare

Is the split/microprism enough to make a significant improvement from the original screen. My slowest lens is F4.

If you primarily use fast lenses, you probably DON'T want the optibrite treatment. Optibrite produces a brighter image, but at the cost of decreased focus accuracy (specifically, increased apparent depth of field) for the matte portion of the screen.

See ("Optibrite or not") at OptiBrite Brightness Enhancement - KatzEye Optics .

The split prisms/microprisms are much easier and faster to use than the focus confirm light/beep and the standard screen -- but only more accurate if your focus screen is properly calibrated. See various threads here about calibrating the focus screen shim.

Boris · 08-22-2010, 10:54 PM

I've an optibrite KE in my K10D. Yet I opted for KE screen w/o optibrite for my K-7. It took me time and effort to have it properly aligned on K-7 (got lucky with K10D) and I am happy camper now. You might want to consider buying the magnifying eye for your camera - it really helps.

philbaum · 08-22-2010, 11:47 PM

I have an optibrite KE, and just tonight appreciated its brightness in using a SMC 400mm f5.6 lens. Different courses, different horse :-)

Recercare · 08-24-2010, 07:31 AM

Thanks guys!

I think I will try without Optibrite.

Kind regards
.lars

08-12-2010, 09:00 AM	#1
Recercare Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 359	Katzeye sans Optibrite After reading several threads on this forum I have decided to get a Katzeye. It seems like optibrite is recommended, but how good is the Katzeye without optibrite? As bright as the original screen in the K10d/K20d or dimmer/brighter? Is the split/microprism enough to make a significant improvement from the original screen. My slowest lens is F4. Kind regards .lars

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08-22-2010, 11:14 AM	#2
GregK8 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2008 Location: Western New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 614	I just have a plain old KatzEye without optibrite and without any extra markings and I like it just fine. There are times when you get the split screen darkened, but it usually only happens in pretty low light and in those circumstances it seems that the AF system can still provide focus confirmation.

08-22-2010, 09:00 PM	#3
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	I've got the plain Katzeye and don't have any complaints. Generally I'm shooting with primes that are f/2.8 or faster, though it still works fine with the kit lens and with my f/6.7 super telephoto in reasonable light. My recollection is that the aftermarket screen is brighter than the stock screen with fast lenses and a little dimmer with slow ones, but it has been years since I changed over.

08-22-2010, 10:22 PM	#4
troyz Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 389	Originally posted by Recercare Is the split/microprism enough to make a significant improvement from the original screen. My slowest lens is F4. If you primarily use fast lenses, you probably DON'T want the optibrite treatment. Optibrite produces a brighter image, but at the cost of decreased focus accuracy (specifically, increased apparent depth of field) for the matte portion of the screen. See ("Optibrite or not") at OptiBrite Brightness Enhancement - KatzEye Optics . The split prisms/microprisms are much easier and faster to use than the focus confirm light/beep and the standard screen -- but only more accurate if your focus screen is properly calibrated. See various threads here about calibrating the focus screen shim.

08-22-2010, 10:54 PM	#5
Boris Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Israel Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 932	I've an optibrite KE in my K10D. Yet I opted for KE screen w/o optibrite for my K-7. It took me time and effort to have it properly aligned on K-7 (got lucky with K10D) and I am happy camper now. You might want to consider buying the magnifying eye for your camera - it really helps.

08-22-2010, 11:47 PM	#6
philbaum Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Port Townsend, Washington State, USA Posts: 3,659	I have an optibrite KE, and just tonight appreciated its brightness in using a SMC 400mm f5.6 lens. Different courses, different horse :-)

08-24-2010, 07:31 AM	#7
Recercare Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Sweden Posts: 359 Original Poster	Thanks guys! I think I will try without Optibrite. Kind regards .lars

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