Katz eye's are the Katz arse

**rparmar** · 05-26-2008, 07:08 PM

Originally posted by WMBP

I know, if you have not done this before, it sounds a bit like brain surgery or at least gall bladder surgery on the camera.

Surely it's more like eye surgery?

TourDeForce · 05-26-2008, 07:49 PM

Originally posted by woodyga

I did some research on those imported screens and wasn’t impressed. They are thinner and require shims to install, sounds kind of cheep, low grade to me. Some people would be ok with them I guess. But in my years of experience I’ve learned the hard expensive way, that you usually get what you pay for.
So I will stick with my Katz Eyes. They really are great in my humble opinion.

Gotta add a little perspective here.

I have a cheapie. Cost about $30 shipped to me. It is in my K100 and I am lovin' life with it. Have not had a single problem, did not use any goofy shim.

Today I removed lenses and looked through the viewfinder of a P30 and my K100D for comparison. The difference was STRIKING, and I wish I had gotten a Katz Eye just to begin to approach the quality of the P30 screen.

In short, if you want first rate service and a top notch product with every confidence that the company will stand behind the product, Katz Eye is for you. The level of service and confidence inspiring testimonials are enough to have my business if I could spare the cabbage. Add the availability of options such as a grid and you've got a very desirable product.

Unfortunately, I run a single income household and am putting two daughters through college, so daddy's little toys get budget accessories. The cheap screen was a nice upgrade for me, I'm happy with it. The Katz Eye would have been even better, but I just can't get there from here.

dancheng · 05-26-2008, 08:35 PM

Originally posted by TourDeForce

Gotta add a little perspective here.

Here is my personal perspective.

My orginal intention was to try out manual focusing lens. I was not sure if I could live with MF lens or not. The focusing screen is a tool to help me make a decision to go the MF lens route or not. Owing to this uncertainty about MF or not MF, the cheapo focusing screen is the natural economical choice. For less than $90 (1 MF lens + 1 focusing split screen), I was already equiped to test out a Takuma 50mm lens using a cheapo split screen as the focusing tool.

As it turns out, I love using MF lens and the cheapo focusing screen is a wonderful tool with no problem at all. I did not use the shim that came with the screen and focusing was spot on. Hence there is no need for me to purchase the premiere tool - Katz Eye - and thus avoid paying a premium.

**rparmar** · 05-27-2008, 05:05 AM

This thread reminds me I need one of these. I am encouraged to try one out.

BBear · 05-27-2008, 08:57 AM

Originally posted by rparmar

This thread reminds me I need one of these. I am encouraged to try one out.

Same thing here!

I have 4 manual lenses and 1 AF... def need the split screen!

**kmccanta** · 05-27-2008, 11:22 AM

Originally posted by TourDeForce

Gotta add a little perspective here.

I have a cheapie. Cost about $30 shipped to me. It is in my K100 and I am lovin' life with it. Have not had a single problem, did not use any goofy shim.

Today I removed lenses and looked through the viewfinder of a P30 and my K100D for comparison. The difference was STRIKING, and I wish I had gotten a Katz Eye just to begin to approach the quality of the P30 screen.

You say the P30 screen is better than the "cheapie". What does this have to do with the Katz Eye? You dont have the Katz Eye. How can you say it is better or worse than the cheapie?

**David** · 05-28-2008, 08:41 PM

Have you noticed any FF or BF issues with the Katz and K20D? I have and they range from + and - 5 for various Pentax lenses. My 43mm Ltd is a -10!

Igilligan · 05-28-2008, 08:51 PM

Originally posted by raider

Sorry I am not too good at this. Will the katz eye limit the AF to centre AF only? Can you still use k20D's 11 point AF points?

I would love to know the answer to this too... It may not limit but is the area where the off-center AF points are blurry?

MikeH · 05-28-2008, 09:01 PM

The AF sensors are not affected by the focus screen. Only metering is affected by the focus screen, as the light meter is behind it. The AF sensors are below the mirror.

ChrisN · 05-29-2008, 03:26 AM

I believe the expression should be "The cat's whiskers"

Meanwhile, I seem to be the only person not happy with the KatzEye (standard model) screen on my K10D. It made the metering inconsistent. (And not in spot-metering mode, either. I never use it.)

**rparmar** · 05-29-2008, 04:19 AM

I "bit the bullet" or should that be "pulled the trigger" or can't we have a non-violent metaphor for "went ahead and bought the damned thing". Got the Chinese version with toolkit as mentioned above from same EBay seller.

Can't wait to see how this changes things. For the better I hope! Thanks for all the help here. Hope this doesn't become a case of the dreaded FBA.

jonboy · 05-29-2008, 04:41 AM

I look forward to seeing what you think of it, as I really fancy a split prism screen. I tried a quick experiment yesterday, I swapped over old SMC lenses with my very old ME Super and my K10, and the spilt prism was so superior. Couple that with the dioptre correction on the K10 and I think it's likely to be a winning formula.

**rparmar** · 05-29-2008, 05:01 AM

I won't tell you how long it's been since I used a split screen on a film camera... it would surely date me. But I figure that for € 21 delivered I am not risking much. Just now I followed up with a different vendor and grabbed the Nikon DK-21M magnifying eyepiece for € 22. Everything I read says it works as well as the Pentax branded item and it's lots cheaper. I wear glasses so we'll see how that goes. I often take them off when using the camera; together with the +2 diopter correction I see better.

lbam · 05-29-2008, 05:39 AM

It's great to read someone's opinion based on usage of BOTH the Katz eye, and another cheaper brand... (noting the service difference also).

I'm tempted to use an old Pentax zoom lens for a wedding (I'm not the prime shooter), and my only concern was not the resolution/sharpness, but the ability to focus quickly to get the shot before the subject moves or changes expression.
This discussion seems to make me think old manual lens are now a more viable solution in this scenario.
I realise back in the day, people only had manual focus, but back then I'd imagine people were also more at one with the technique. If it's something I only try every now and then, I'd need all the help I could get.

Now my mind is considering what detrimental affect the alternate screen has on using my auto focus lens usage... are the red focus indicators kinda blurred by the circle assist aids? Once installed, am I gonna be cursing whilst using AF lenses?

These replacement screens obviously seem great for manual focus, but what's the full story?

dancheng · 05-29-2008, 05:46 AM

Originally posted by rparmar

I "bit the bullet" or should that be "pulled the trigger" or can't we have a non-violent metaphor for "went ahead and bought the damned thing". Got the Chinese version with toolkit as mentioned above from same EBay seller.

Can't wait to see how this changes things. For the better I hope! Thanks for all the help here. Hope this doesn't become a case of the dreaded FBA.

Note that you own a k100d super from your signature.

This pictorial guide will be handy, although it is not in English.

Good luck!

05-26-2008, 08:35 PM	#33
dancheng Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 68	Originally posted by TourDeForce Gotta add a little perspective here. Here is my personal perspective. My orginal intention was to try out manual focusing lens. I was not sure if I could live with MF lens or not. The focusing screen is a tool to help me make a decision to go the MF lens route or not. Owing to this uncertainty about MF or not MF, the cheapo focusing screen is the natural economical choice. For less than $90 (1 MF lens + 1 focusing split screen), I was already equiped to test out a Takuma 50mm lens using a cheapo split screen as the focusing tool. As it turns out, I love using MF lens and the cheapo focusing screen is a wonderful tool with no problem at all. I did not use the shim that came with the screen and focusing was spot on. Hence there is no need for me to purchase the premiere tool - Katz Eye - and thus avoid paying a premium. Last edited by dancheng; 05-27-2008 at 03:07 AM.

05-28-2008, 08:51 PM	#38
Igilligan Guest	Did anyone answer Raiders question? Originally posted by raider Sorry I am not too good at this. Will the katz eye limit the AF to centre AF only? Can you still use k20D's 11 point AF points? I would love to know the answer to this too... It may not limit but is the area where the off-center AF points are blurry?

05-29-2008, 04:19 AM	#41
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,817	bought one I "bit the bullet" or should that be "pulled the trigger" or can't we have a non-violent metaphor for "went ahead and bought the damned thing". Got the Chinese version with toolkit as mentioned above from same EBay seller. Can't wait to see how this changes things. For the better I hope! Thanks for all the help here. Hope this doesn't become a case of the dreaded FBA.

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05-26-2008, 07:08 PM	#31
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,817	Originally posted by WMBP I know, if you have not done this before, it sounds a bit like brain surgery or at least gall bladder surgery on the camera. Surely it's more like eye surgery?

05-26-2008, 07:49 PM	#32
TourDeForce Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Florida Photos: Gallery Posts: 514	Originally posted by woodyga I did some research on those imported screens and wasn’t impressed. They are thinner and require shims to install, sounds kind of cheep, low grade to me. Some people would be ok with them I guess. But in my years of experience I’ve learned the hard expensive way, that you usually get what you pay for. So I will stick with my Katz Eyes. They really are great in my humble opinion. Gotta add a little perspective here. I have a cheapie. Cost about $30 shipped to me. It is in my K100 and I am lovin' life with it. Have not had a single problem, did not use any goofy shim. Today I removed lenses and looked through the viewfinder of a P30 and my K100D for comparison. The difference was STRIKING, and I wish I had gotten a Katz Eye just to begin to approach the quality of the P30 screen. In short, if you want first rate service and a top notch product with every confidence that the company will stand behind the product, Katz Eye is for you. The level of service and confidence inspiring testimonials are enough to have my business if I could spare the cabbage. Add the availability of options such as a grid and you've got a very desirable product. Unfortunately, I run a single income household and am putting two daughters through college, so daddy's little toys get budget accessories. The cheap screen was a nice upgrade for me, I'm happy with it. The Katz Eye would have been even better, but I just can't get there from here.

05-27-2008, 05:05 AM	#34
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,817	This thread reminds me I need one of these. I am encouraged to try one out.

05-27-2008, 08:57 AM	#35
BBear Veteran Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: CT / NY Photos: Gallery Posts: 822	Originally posted by rparmar This thread reminds me I need one of these. I am encouraged to try one out. Same thing here! I have 4 manual lenses and 1 AF... def need the split screen!

05-27-2008, 11:22 AM	#36
kmccanta Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Portland, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 218	Originally posted by TourDeForce Gotta add a little perspective here. I have a cheapie. Cost about $30 shipped to me. It is in my K100 and I am lovin' life with it. Have not had a single problem, did not use any goofy shim. Today I removed lenses and looked through the viewfinder of a P30 and my K100D for comparison. The difference was STRIKING, and I wish I had gotten a Katz Eye just to begin to approach the quality of the P30 screen. You say the P30 screen is better than the "cheapie". What does this have to do with the Katz Eye? You dont have the Katz Eye. How can you say it is better or worse than the cheapie?

05-28-2008, 08:41 PM	#37
David Site Supporter Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 347	Have you noticed any FF or BF issues with the Katz and K20D? I have and they range from + and - 5 for various Pentax lenses. My 43mm Ltd is a -10!

05-28-2008, 09:01 PM	#39
MikeH Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Edmonton, Alberta Photos: Albums Posts: 273	The AF sensors are not affected by the focus screen. Only metering is affected by the focus screen, as the light meter is behind it. The AF sensors are below the mirror.

05-29-2008, 03:26 AM	#40
ChrisN Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Downunda Photos: Gallery Posts: 212	I believe the expression should be "The cat's whiskers" Meanwhile, I seem to be the only person not happy with the KatzEye (standard model) screen on my K10D. It made the metering inconsistent. (And not in spot-metering mode, either. I never use it.)

05-29-2008, 04:41 AM	#42
jonboy New Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Cambridge, UK Posts: 9	I look forward to seeing what you think of it, as I really fancy a split prism screen. I tried a quick experiment yesterday, I swapped over old SMC lenses with my very old ME Super and my K10, and the spilt prism was so superior. Couple that with the dioptre correction on the K10 and I think it's likely to be a winning formula.

05-29-2008, 05:01 AM	#43
rparmar Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2008 Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,817	I won't tell you how long it's been since I used a split screen on a film camera... it would surely date me. But I figure that for € 21 delivered I am not risking much. Just now I followed up with a different vendor and grabbed the Nikon DK-21M magnifying eyepiece for € 22. Everything I read says it works as well as the Pentax branded item and it's lots cheaper. I wear glasses so we'll see how that goes. I often take them off when using the camera; together with the +2 diopter correction I see better.

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05-29-2008, 05:39 AM	#44
lbam Veteran Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto Photos: Gallery Posts: 442	It's great to read someone's opinion based on usage of BOTH the Katz eye, and another cheaper brand... (noting the service difference also). I'm tempted to use an old Pentax zoom lens for a wedding (I'm not the prime shooter), and my only concern was not the resolution/sharpness, but the ability to focus quickly to get the shot before the subject moves or changes expression. This discussion seems to make me think old manual lens are now a more viable solution in this scenario. I realise back in the day, people only had manual focus, but back then I'd imagine people were also more at one with the technique. If it's something I only try every now and then, I'd need all the help I could get. Now my mind is considering what detrimental affect the alternate screen has on using my auto focus lens usage... are the red focus indicators kinda blurred by the circle assist aids? Once installed, am I gonna be cursing whilst using AF lenses? These replacement screens obviously seem great for manual focus, but what's the full story?

05-29-2008, 05:46 AM	#45
dancheng Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 68	Originally posted by rparmar I "bit the bullet" or should that be "pulled the trigger" or can't we have a non-violent metaphor for "went ahead and bought the damned thing". Got the Chinese version with toolkit as mentioned above from same EBay seller. Can't wait to see how this changes things. For the better I hope! Thanks for all the help here. Hope this doesn't become a case of the dreaded FBA. Note that you own a k100d super from your signature. This pictorial guide will be handy, although it is not in English. Good luck!