K20D/Katz Eye

twinda1 · 02-28-2008, 04:39 AM

Anyone else notice that the K20D and K10D can share focusing screens?!

RiceHigh · 02-28-2008, 04:52 AM

Originally posted by twinda1

Anyone else notice that the K20D and K10D can share focusing screens?!

Every focus screen has a different characteristic and an incorrect and inappropriate screen will greatly affect metering accuracy. Unless there are other users who are willing to try and have tried and reported it is okay OR it is at least official offer by the Katz eye, I won't recommend anyone to take the risk!

For more detailed info on how different focusing screens can match different Pentax DSLR bodies and how the screen can even affect MF accuracy, see my old article on the topic:-

RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: When the Focusing Screen Lies (for Focusing and Metering)

roscot · 02-28-2008, 05:52 AM

While what RH says is true, check the part number on the OEM screen that came with the camera. If it is the same as the K10D then you are probably safe in using a Katz Eye screen from a K10D. If it is different, then you should wait (or you could volunteer your camera to Rachel Katz, and they can then create the proper screen for the K20D

)

Edit: I just checked my K10D manual against the focus screen supplied with the K20D. They both use the same part number. You should be OK with a Katz Eye screen designed for the K10D. Make sure you read the performance notes on their web site though.

RiceHigh · 02-28-2008, 06:22 AM

Originally posted by roscot

While what RH says is true, check the part number on the OEM screen that came with the camera. If it is the same as the K10D then you are probably safe in using a Katz Eye screen from a K10D. If it is different, then you should wait (or you could volunteer your camera to Rachel Katz, and they can then create the proper screen for the K20D

)

Edit: I just checked my K10D manual against the focus screen supplied with the K20D. They both use the same part number. You should be OK with a Katz Eye screen designed for the K10D. Make sure you read the performance notes on their web site though.

Does the DS and the K10D's ones have different part number, then?

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-28-2008, 07:04 AM

Originally posted by RiceHigh

Does the DS and the K10D's ones have different part number, then?

In fact I believe they are different, and I somewhere have an e-mail from pentax stating that metering functions would be impacted if you use the screen from a different camera.

I know there are people who claim using a DS screne in the K10D makes it meter better, but again, someone needs to try this to prove it,

Gooshin · 02-28-2008, 07:29 AM

you guys are funny...

"safe"

like its a freaking bomb or something.

changing these screens is easier than eating a pie, whoever has both cameras should just try it and see, if metering is way off, well then, you have your answer.

WMBP · 02-28-2008, 07:57 AM

Originally posted by RiceHigh

Does the DS and the K10D's ones have different part number, then?

I do not know anything about part numbers, but I have a K10D and an *ist DS, and I have moved my Katz Eye from one to the other, with Rachel Katz's blessing (I asked her first) and with no ill effects.

Rachel K. did tell me that some of the other Pentax models use a different screen. But apparently the K10D and the *ist DS can share the focusing screen.

Will

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-28-2008, 08:13 AM

Originally posted by WMBP

I do not know anything about part numbers, but I have a K10D and an *ist DS, and I have moved my Katz Eye from one to the other, with Rachel Katz's blessing (I asked her first) and with no ill effects.

Rachel K. did tell me that some of the other Pentax models use a different screen. But apparently the K10D and the *ist DS can share the focusing screen.

Will

Will

When you say the DS and K10 share the focusing screen, are you sure about this?

I understand the screens are interchangeable, and for the Katx eye, the screen is the same for both, but what about the pentax screens. As I responded to RH, I have an e-mail from pentax stating that using the DS sdcreen in th eK10 would impact metering (but I think a lot of users say the DS screne is better for metering)

I will do a search on this, and let you know

jeffkrol · 02-28-2008, 08:17 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

In fact I believe they are different, and I somewhere have an e-mail from pentax stating that metering functions would be impacted if you use the screen from a different camera.

I know there are people who claim using a DS screne in the K10D makes it meter better, but again, someone needs to try this to prove it,

There are at least 5-10 "tests" of the 60 vs 80 screen in regards to green button manual metering.
DS screen...: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review
Too lazy to find them for you but Blend8 had a good series of photos that were posted on a german forum showing the "night and day" difference between the 2....
The $50 is a pretty cheap investment if you use manual lenses... Get a different one other than the "standard" one and you could probably dump it on e-bay for a minimal loss IF it didn't improve manual metering for you, but I bet it does.........

WMBP · 02-28-2008, 08:32 AM

Originally posted by Lowell Goudge

When you say the DS and K10 share the focusing screen, are you sure about this?

I understand the screens are interchangeable, and for the Katx eye, the screen is the same for both, but what about the pentax screens.

Did I misunderstand the question? If so, I apologize. The thread is titled "K20D/Katz Eye" and I thought it was the Katz Eye screens that were being discussed.

So to be clear: I have two cameras (*ist DS and K10D), and at the moment only 1 Katz Eye focusing screen. I have NOT moved the original Pentax focusing screens from one camera to another and have no opinion about whether this would work or not. But I have moved the Katz Eye screen from one camera to the other. Actually I bought it from Katz Eye Optics for the *ist DS, but I contacted Rachel Katz and she informed me that it's the same screen used in the K10D. It's now in the K10D.

Will

Fl_Gulfer · 02-28-2008, 08:51 AM

I have a Kat in my K100D and like it much better for manual focus lenses. but it isn't as easy to put in as people say. If you have the correct tools it would be easier. I put mine in with tweesers as it says and scratched the dam thing up, now it looks like hair is around the edges of the viewer. Also everything is not level when I shoot, so it isn't in exactly level. Now I'm afraid to mess with it.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-28-2008, 08:56 AM

Originally posted by WMBP

Did I misunderstand the question? If so, I apologize. The thread is titled "K20D/Katz Eye" and I thought it was the Katz Eye screens that were being discussed.

So to be clear: I have two cameras (*ist DS and K10D), and at the moment only 1 Katz Eye focusing screen. I have NOT moved the original Pentax focusing screens from one camera to another and have no opinion about whether this would work or not. But I have moved the Katz Eye screen from one camera to the other. Actually I bought it from Katz Eye Optics for the *ist DS, but I contacted Rachel Katz and she informed me that it's the same screen used in the K10D. It's now in the K10D.

Will

Will

Sorry about the divergence. it is just from my interest in the metering performance of different focusing screens.

Gooshin · 02-28-2008, 10:09 AM

the thing about metering performance...

if a screen causes you to consistently under or overexpose, you can fix that by consistently using the EV adjust!

roscot · 02-28-2008, 10:47 AM

Yes. The ist Dx series uses a different focus screen, and transferring an older screen to a K series will effect metering.

**Lowell Goudge** · 02-28-2008, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by Gooshin

the thing about metering performance...

if a screen causes you to consistently under or overexpose, you can fix that by consistently using the EV adjust!

Yes, in principle if the error in exposure is consistent with all f-stops. the problem I have encounteded on the K10D is that exposure error changes as a function of fstop.

02-28-2008, 04:39 AM	#1
twinda1 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Boston Posts: 142	K20D/Katz Eye Anyone else notice that the K20D and K10D can share focusing screens?!

02-28-2008, 04:52 AM	#2
RiceHigh Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,934	Don't take the risk! Originally posted by twinda1 Anyone else notice that the K20D and K10D can share focusing screens?! Every focus screen has a different characteristic and an incorrect and inappropriate screen will greatly affect metering accuracy. Unless there are other users who are willing to try and have tried and reported it is okay OR it is at least official offer by the Katz eye, I won't recommend anyone to take the risk! For more detailed info on how different focusing screens can match different Pentax DSLR bodies and how the screen can even affect MF accuracy, see my old article on the topic:- RiceHigh's Pentax Blog: When the Focusing Screen Lies (for Focusing and Metering)

02-28-2008, 05:52 AM	#3
roscot Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Beach VA USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,363	While what RH says is true, check the part number on the OEM screen that came with the camera. If it is the same as the K10D then you are probably safe in using a Katz Eye screen from a K10D. If it is different, then you should wait (or you could volunteer your camera to Rachel Katz, and they can then create the proper screen for the K20D) Edit: I just checked my K10D manual against the focus screen supplied with the K20D. They both use the same part number. You should be OK with a Katz Eye screen designed for the K10D. Make sure you read the performance notes on their web site though. Last edited by roscot; 02-28-2008 at 06:00 AM.

02-28-2008, 06:22 AM	#4
RiceHigh Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 1,934	Originally posted by roscot While what RH says is true, check the part number on the OEM screen that came with the camera. If it is the same as the K10D then you are probably safe in using a Katz Eye screen from a K10D. If it is different, then you should wait (or you could volunteer your camera to Rachel Katz, and they can then create the proper screen for the K20D) Edit: I just checked my K10D manual against the focus screen supplied with the K20D. They both use the same part number. You should be OK with a Katz Eye screen designed for the K10D. Make sure you read the performance notes on their web site though. Does the DS and the K10D's ones have different part number, then?

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02-28-2008, 07:04 AM	#5
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by RiceHigh Does the DS and the K10D's ones have different part number, then? In fact I believe they are different, and I somewhere have an e-mail from pentax stating that metering functions would be impacted if you use the screen from a different camera. I know there are people who claim using a DS screne in the K10D makes it meter better, but again, someone needs to try this to prove it,

02-28-2008, 07:29 AM	#6
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	you guys are funny... "safe" like its a freaking bomb or something. changing these screens is easier than eating a pie, whoever has both cameras should just try it and see, if metering is way off, well then, you have your answer.

02-28-2008, 07:57 AM	#7
WMBP Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,482	Originally posted by RiceHigh Does the DS and the K10D's ones have different part number, then? I do not know anything about part numbers, but I have a K10D and an ist DS, and I have moved my Katz Eye from one to the other, with Rachel Katz's blessing (I asked her first) and with no ill effects. Rachel K. did tell me that some of the other Pentax models use a different screen. But apparently the K10D and the ist DS can share the focusing screen. Will

02-28-2008, 08:13 AM	#8
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by WMBP I do not know anything about part numbers, but I have a K10D and an ist DS, and I have moved my Katz Eye from one to the other, with Rachel Katz's blessing (I asked her first) and with no ill effects. Rachel K. did tell me that some of the other Pentax models use a different screen. But apparently the K10D and the ist DS can share the focusing screen. Will Will When you say the DS and K10 share the focusing screen, are you sure about this? I understand the screens are interchangeable, and for the Katx eye, the screen is the same for both, but what about the pentax screens. As I responded to RH, I have an e-mail from pentax stating that using the DS sdcreen in th eK10 would impact metering (but I think a lot of users say the DS screne is better for metering) I will do a search on this, and let you know

02-28-2008, 08:17 AM	#9
jeffkrol Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Wisconsin USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,434	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge In fact I believe they are different, and I somewhere have an e-mail from pentax stating that metering functions would be impacted if you use the screen from a different camera. I know there are people who claim using a DS screne in the K10D makes it meter better, but again, someone needs to try this to prove it, There are at least 5-10 "tests" of the 60 vs 80 screen in regards to green button manual metering. DS screen...: Pentax SLR Talk Forum: Digital Photography Review Too lazy to find them for you but Blend8 had a good series of photos that were posted on a german forum showing the "night and day" difference between the 2.... The $50 is a pretty cheap investment if you use manual lenses... Get a different one other than the "standard" one and you could probably dump it on e-bay for a minimal loss IF it didn't improve manual metering for you, but I bet it does.........

02-28-2008, 08:32 AM	#10
WMBP Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,482	Originally posted by Lowell Goudge When you say the DS and K10 share the focusing screen, are you sure about this? I understand the screens are interchangeable, and for the Katx eye, the screen is the same for both, but what about the pentax screens. Did I misunderstand the question? If so, I apologize. The thread is titled "K20D/Katz Eye" and I thought it was the Katz Eye screens that were being discussed. So to be clear: I have two cameras (ist DS and K10D), and at the moment only 1 Katz Eye focusing screen. I have NOT moved the original Pentax focusing screens from one camera to another and have no opinion about whether this would work or not. But I have moved the Katz Eye screen from one camera to the other. Actually I bought it from Katz Eye Optics for the ist DS, but I contacted Rachel Katz and she informed me that it's the same screen used in the K10D. It's now in the K10D. Will

02-28-2008, 08:51 AM	#11
Fl_Gulfer Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Florida Gulfer Photos: Albums Posts: 3,054	I have a Kat in my K100D and like it much better for manual focus lenses. but it isn't as easy to put in as people say. If you have the correct tools it would be easier. I put mine in with tweesers as it says and scratched the dam thing up, now it looks like hair is around the edges of the viewer. Also everything is not level when I shoot, so it isn't in exactly level. Now I'm afraid to mess with it.

02-28-2008, 08:56 AM	#12
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by WMBP Did I misunderstand the question? If so, I apologize. The thread is titled "K20D/Katz Eye" and I thought it was the Katz Eye screens that were being discussed. So to be clear: I have two cameras (ist DS and K10D), and at the moment only 1 Katz Eye focusing screen. I have NOT moved the original Pentax focusing screens from one camera to another and have no opinion about whether this would work or not. But I have moved the Katz Eye screen from one camera to the other. Actually I bought it from Katz Eye Optics for the ist DS, but I contacted Rachel Katz and she informed me that it's the same screen used in the K10D. It's now in the K10D. Will Will Sorry about the divergence. it is just from my interest in the metering performance of different focusing screens.

02-28-2008, 10:09 AM	#13
Gooshin Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Toronto, the one in Canada. Posts: 5,610	the thing about metering performance... if a screen causes you to consistently under or overexpose, you can fix that by consistently using the EV adjust!

02-28-2008, 10:47 AM	#14
roscot Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Virginia Beach VA USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,363	Yes. The ist Dx series uses a different focus screen, and transferring an older screen to a K series will effect metering.

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02-28-2008, 10:56 AM	#15
Lowell Goudge Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 17,886	Originally posted by Gooshin the thing about metering performance... if a screen causes you to consistently under or overexpose, you can fix that by consistently using the EV adjust! Yes, in principle if the error in exposure is consistent with all f-stops. the problem I have encounteded on the K10D is that exposure error changes as a function of fstop.