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Thats good information. I have an extra UC-21 from the film cameras. Since I'm largely using the manual focus lenses, this may be a better way for me to go. I'll leave an update after I do the modification and try it out.

[TDvN57]

TDvN57. Would you mind expanding on this note a tad and inserting it as a review in the UB-21 section: Pentax 645 UB-21 Split Image Matte focusing screen reviews - Pentax Camera Accessory Review Database
Thanks.

Good idea Kaseki. I did add a review...

[kaseki]

Good idea Kaseki. I did add a review...

Anticipatory thanks from those who will try anything.

[barondla]

A while ago I replaced the focussing screen with some makeshift solutions, and recently I found a focussing screen with a small split image in the center UB-21. They dont make these anymore and the one I got was made for the old 645 cameras, prior to the "n" series. The nib that allows the screen to go in only in one way, was in the wrong location. I carefully "shaved" it off the screen with a box cutter, and then it fitted perfectly in the 645z. My previous solution was with split image and the donut ring around it, which I found distracting. The really tiny split image is ideal and gives me more flexibility in manual focus. I know this is highly subjective, but it works for me.

Here is the link to the site where I bought it for USD35.

Pantax 645 Focusing Screen UB-21 Split-Image 38533/NOT for 645n 17014014800 | eBay

Tip: Dont use the tool that comes with the screen, it will leave bad scratch marks. I use gloves and soft cloth to handle the screen, touching the edges only.

Thanks for the tips. Just ordered the screen from your link. Looking forward to having a 645Z, heck any DSLR, with split image focusing. Did you lay the screen on a cloth while cutting the tab off, or use some other technique?

Thanks,
barondla

[TDvN57]

Thanks for the tips. Just ordered the screen from your link. Looking forward to having a 645Z, heck any DSLR, with split image focusing. Did you lay the screen on a cloth while cutting the tab off, or use some other technique?

Thanks,
barondla

Barondla, I put on gloves to stop the accidental greasy fingerprint to get into the grounded surface, because it is impossible to clean without damage, a lesson I learned from previous attempts. Then I put a soft cloth on the table and hold the screen so that one edge is on the cloth (table) with the nib closest to the table side. With the box cutter you just start to shave off the nib, a small slice at a time.

Just try to avoid touching the grounded side of the screen because it scratches very easily. The rest is just patience and a steady hand.

[RH1]

Barondla, I put on gloves to stop the accidental greasy fingerprint to get into the grounded surface, because it is impossible to clean without damage, a lesson I learned from previous attempts. Then I put a soft cloth on the table and hold the screen so that one edge is on the cloth (table) with the nib closest to the table side. With the box cutter you just start to shave off the nib, a small slice at a time.

Just try to avoid touching the grounded side of the screen because it scratches very easily. The rest is just patience and a steady hand.

Thanks, Theuns for your suggestion. Wonderful solution! I purchased a UB-21 screen and adapted it as suggested. Works great. What i did to protect it from damage is to change my desk first into a bench by putting a piece of mdf I still had, add a sheet of paper on top (which is clean, without dust) and then stretch some cellophane on top of that. I put the screen there and folded the cellophane around the screen (so top and bottom had 1 layer of cellophane. Then I used the box cutter to take away the knob (using gloves). No risk of damaging the screen and precise cutting was possible. My camera has now a nice split-image screen.

[johnha]

I'm curious as to why an equivalent to the UC-21 (split-image & micro-prism collar) wasn't available for the 645n(ii) where they're only available one (AA-82 micro-prism spot) or the other (AB-82 split-image)?

[TDvN57]

Thanks, Theuns for your suggestion. Wonderful solution! I purchased a UB-21 screen and adapted it as suggested. Works great. What i did to protect it from damage is to change my desk first into a bench by putting a piece of mdf I still had, add a sheet of paper on top (which is clean, without dust) and then stretch some cellophane on top of that. I put the screen there and folded the cellophane around the screen (so top and bottom had 1 layer of cellophane. Then I used the box cutter to take away the knob (using gloves). No risk of damaging the screen and precise cutting was possible. My camera has now a nice split-image screen.

Glad it worked for you as well. Happy focusing :-)

[barondla]

Barondla, I put on gloves to stop the accidental greasy fingerprint to get into the grounded surface, because it is impossible to clean without damage, a lesson I learned from previous attempts. Then I put a soft cloth on the table and hold the screen so that one edge is on the cloth (table) with the nib closest to the table side. With the box cutter you just start to shave off the nib, a small slice at a time.

Just try to avoid touching the grounded side of the screen because it scratches very easily. The rest is just patience and a steady hand.

Screen arrived and it is installed in the 645Z. Looking forward to trying it out today. One surprise (probably shouldn't have been - I wasn't thinking) is the original screen has 2 tabs and won't fit into the plastic case the UB-21 came in. Wonder why Pentax put a second side tab on the original Z screen?

Thanks,
barondla