Vignetting in K20D viewfinder

Bikerjeff · 03-25-2017, 07:56 AM

I have just acquired a K20D. When I look through the viewfinder I see a vignette with a circular central image and black border all around. I see this with the 18-55mm lens without a hood, and also with 35mm format lenses. Thinking it might be an in-camera effect, I have looked through the menu and the manual for a way to turn it off, but to no avail.This effect is not visible on images in playback. Can anybody make any useful suggestions?

**BigMackCam** · 03-25-2017, 08:07 AM

Welcome to the forums.

Is there, by chance, a viewfinder magnifying eye-piece fitted? Some of those can create the circular viewfinder image you describe. I would try removing the eye-piece and see if that solves the problem. Do let us know?

photoptimist · 03-25-2017, 08:42 AM

Hmm... The camera may be be missing the focusing screen.

With the lens off and looking into the camera at the mirror, does the mirror reflect a milky-frosted surface or is there more of a clear glass view of what ever the eye piece is pointed at?

Bikerjeff · 03-26-2017, 02:33 AM

Originally posted by BigMackCam

Welcome to the forums.

Is there, by chance, a viewfinder magnifying eye-piece fitted? Some of those can create the circular viewfinder image you describe. I would try removing the eye-piece and see if that solves the problem. Do let us know?

Hi. I cannot find a magnifying eyepiece. There is a rubber eye cushion, but the vignette is there with or without it.

Bikerjeff · 03-26-2017, 02:37 AM

Originally posted by photoptimist

Hmm... The camera may be be missing the focusing screen.

With the lens off and looking into the camera at the mirror, does the mirror reflect a milky-frosted surface or is there more of a clear glass view of what ever the eye piece is pointed at?

Hi. Looking in through the lens mount you can see a clear rectangular image of what the eyepiece is pointed at.

**BigMackCam** · 03-26-2017, 03:15 AM

With the lens removed, looking inside the mirror box, it should look a little like this (photo is of my K-5, but it should be similar)...

Bikerjeff · 03-26-2017, 03:30 AM - **1 Like**

I have looked in through the lens mount, and it does indeed look as if the focussing screen is missing. I have done the same with my K-X, and the screen is clearly visible, but not on the K20D.
I have already ordered a screen off eBay.
Thank you to all of you for your help.

03-25-2017, 07:56 AM	#1
Bikerjeff New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 4	Vignetting in K20D viewfinder I have just acquired a K20D. When I look through the viewfinder I see a vignette with a circular central image and black border all around. I see this with the 18-55mm lens without a hood, and also with 35mm format lenses. Thinking it might be an in-camera effect, I have looked through the menu and the manual for a way to turn it off, but to no avail.This effect is not visible on images in playback. Can anybody make any useful suggestions?

03-26-2017, 03:15 AM	#6
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,669	With the lens removed, looking inside the mirror box, it should look a little like this (photo is of my K-5, but it should be similar)... Attached Images

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03-25-2017, 08:07 AM	#2
BigMackCam Digitiser of Film Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: North East of England Posts: 20,669	Welcome to the forums. Is there, by chance, a viewfinder magnifying eye-piece fitted? Some of those can create the circular viewfinder image you describe. I would try removing the eye-piece and see if that solves the problem. Do let us know?

03-25-2017, 08:42 AM	#3
photoptimist Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2016 Photos: Albums Posts: 5,122	Hmm... The camera may be be missing the focusing screen. With the lens off and looking into the camera at the mirror, does the mirror reflect a milky-frosted surface or is there more of a clear glass view of what ever the eye piece is pointed at?

03-26-2017, 02:33 AM	#4
Bikerjeff New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by BigMackCam Welcome to the forums. Is there, by chance, a viewfinder magnifying eye-piece fitted? Some of those can create the circular viewfinder image you describe. I would try removing the eye-piece and see if that solves the problem. Do let us know? Hi. I cannot find a magnifying eyepiece. There is a rubber eye cushion, but the vignette is there with or without it.

03-26-2017, 02:37 AM	#5
Bikerjeff New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 4 Original Poster	Originally posted by photoptimist Hmm... The camera may be be missing the focusing screen. With the lens off and looking into the camera at the mirror, does the mirror reflect a milky-frosted surface or is there more of a clear glass view of what ever the eye piece is pointed at? Hi. Looking in through the lens mount you can see a clear rectangular image of what the eyepiece is pointed at.

03-26-2017, 03:30 AM - 1 Like	#7
Bikerjeff New Member Join Date: Mar 2017 Posts: 4 Original Poster	I have looked in through the lens mount, and it does indeed look as if the focussing screen is missing. I have done the same with my K-X, and the screen is clearly visible, but not on the K20D. I have already ordered a screen off eBay. Thank you to all of you for your help.

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