Originally posted by BBear Yeah, this doesnt sound right. I had the impression the only thing the focus screens could affect was metering, and not AF.
Can someone clarify this?
Correct. The screens do
NOT impact Autofocus. The screens only provide a visual indication of correct focus for the user. I have a Katz Eye screen in one of my K10D bodies and cheap chinese ebay screens in my second K10D body and my DL. If the screens are correctly installed I see no difference between the performance of the Katz Eye screen and the cheap-o ebay screens.
I decided to try the cheap ebay screens after purchasing the Katz Eye because I was blown away by the high price of the Katz Eye. Yes, I absolutely LOVE the Katz Eye screen, but I felt it was seriously overpriced based on what these types of screens cost for my old 35mm cameras.
I decided to take a risk on two ebay screens for my other K10D and my DL because the cost of those two screens (with shipping) was LESS than the price of ONE Katz Eye screen.
The cheap ebay screen in my K10D went in perfectly (without needing the included shim) and provided spot-on focus accuracy. The screen for my DL required the included U-shaped shim in order for correct focus indication. When I lined up the split prism on the cheap screen on my DL without the shim everything was out of focus. When I put the shim between the screen and the camera then the focus was perfect when the prism was lined up.
I'm reasonably certain the only time the cheap ebay screens don't indicate accurate focus is if the screen/body in question requires the spacing shim and the user doesn't install the provided shim.
Sure, the Katz Eye screens don't require a shim, but they're also way overpriced.
Both the Katz Eye screens and the cheap ebay screens work perfectly ... assuming you correctly install them.