DIY Precision Focus Screen

Sliver-Surfer · 01-08-2015, 08:06 PM

I made a DIY Video on how to forge your own Focus Screen from a Canon 5D EE-S to Pentax K5 K7 50 K30
Make a Super precision focusing screen for your apc-s Dslr Camera, with simple tools so you can accurately manual focus with lenses Faster than F2.8
Template works for Pentax K-7 K-5 K-50 K-30
This method can be used for any Dslr be it Pentax or the othe guys You just have to mock up your own template
Shot with Zoom Q3HD
http://youtu.be/zxtMSoRPZuM?list=PLaL4R7EgSIKJyKLeJKw_ynzMNJCKHVYlQ
template

Last edited by Sliver-Surfer; 01-09-2015 at 07:37 AM.

VisualDarkness · 01-09-2015, 04:29 AM

Nice videos!

Sliver-Surfer · 01-09-2015, 07:33 AM

Thanks, The Upgrade is as good as everyone states. I think I may fall in love with my K5 now.

promacjoe · 01-09-2015, 11:47 AM

Nice video, but I have two comments.

1: Place a microfiber cloth over the mirror before you release the latch for the focus screen. This is a first surface mirror and can easily be scratched. Any damage to the mirror can affect light metering and focusing.

2: Never wear gloves when using power tools. It's a safety issue. If the glove gets caught in the power tool, it can pull your hand into it and cause more damage than it would with your bare hand.

Now that I have said that, I have one question. Does the new focusing screen affect light metering.

Steve.Ledger · 01-09-2015, 11:56 AM

Originally posted by promacjoe

2: Never wear gloves when using power tools. It's a safety issue. If the glove gets caught in the power tool, it can pull your hand into it and cause more damage than it would with your bare hand..

Yet gloves are worn in many industrial work places on assembly lines where power tools are handled, especially in Japan.

VisualDarkness · 01-09-2015, 12:03 PM

Gloves has always been standard at the factories I've been at.

mrNewt · 01-09-2015, 12:14 PM

Loose sleeves are more of a hazard than gloves.
Gloves are always STRONGLY recommended - as long you use the proper glove for the proper job!!!

wildlifephotog · 01-09-2015, 01:14 PM

Excellent instructions. I've been using Pentax MX and ME Super screens for all my DSLRs.
They are the same thickness as current screens.
I've never had a problem with standard metering. Spot metering may or may not be bothered by the split screen.
Good to know there are still DIY folks around.

Sliver-Surfer · 01-09-2015, 01:41 PM

Originally posted by promacjoe

Nice video, but I have two comments.

1: Place a microfiber cloth over the mirror before you release the latch for the focus screen. This is a first surface mirror and can easily be scratched. Any damage to the mirror can affect light metering and focusing.

2: Never wear gloves when using power tools. It's a safety issue. If the glove gets caught in the power tool, it can pull your hand into it and cause more damage than it would with your bare hand.

Now that I have said that, I have one question. Does the new focusing screen affect light metering.

You could put a cloth there to be safe but you would have to do a lot of damage to the focus screen to affect focus and metering. I just avoid touching it.

There are instances where gloves are not recommended, like table saws and lathes and other powerful rotary tools. But dremels and smaller hand power tools are fine and recommended with gloves.

Metering is more even from what I have read. Haven't had time to test. I did my KX and have no problems.

Thanks for watching and commenting.

---------- Post added 01-09-15 at 03:44 PM ----------

Originally posted by wildlifephotog

Excellent instructions. I've been using Pentax MX and ME Super screens for all my DSLRs.
They are the same thickness as current screens.
I've never had a problem with standard metering. Spot metering may or may not be bothered by the split screen.
Good to know there are still DIY folks around.

My kx has a Minolta maxxum 7000 screen in it..love it and buying an old Minolta body is cheaper than a new focus screen.
Thanks for watching

arkav · 01-10-2015, 10:14 AM

Originally posted by wildlifephotog

Excellent instructions. I've been using Pentax MX and ME Super screens for all my DSLRs.
They are the same thickness as current screens.
I've never had a problem with standard metering. Spot metering may or may not be bothered by the split screen.
Good to know there are still DIY folks around.

I've got an old MX screen I've considered modding to fit my K30. Any tips for getting the split screen in the centre, or did you
just follow more or less the same procedure posted here, and eyeball it ?

Or maybe it would be better to have the split screen off to one side, so it doesn't interfere with spot metering?

wildlifephotog · 01-10-2015, 11:37 AM

I use frosted scotch tape on screen. I lightly put tape on both sides. I then measure with a dial caliper to get the split screen dead center. I draw very light pencil lines to define edges to be cut. When done, carefully peel away tape. All dust and crud will come away with it. I also wear latex, non powdered gloves while working.
Never tried using a split screen off center. Course I don't use spot metering either.

Sliver-Surfer · 01-10-2015, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by arkav

I've got an old MX screen I've considered modding to fit my K30. Any tips for getting the split screen in the centre, or did you
just follow more or less the same procedure posted here, and eyeball it ?

Or maybe it would be better to have the split screen off to one side, so it doesn't interfere with spot metering?

split screen is fine. Use a fine sharpie and draw diagonal lines with a ruler from corner to corner on the tape and make sure the template corners are all line up with the marker lines.

arkav · 01-10-2015, 12:13 PM

Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer

split screen is fine. Use a fine sharpie and draw diagonal lines with a ruler from corner to corner on the tape and make sure the template corners are all line up with the marker lines.

Great suggestion - why didn't I think of that?! Thanks.

Any suggestions for cleaning an old screen like this? ( I'm under the impression that they're easy to scratch. )

Would alcohol and a microfiber cloth be safe? Or lens cleaning solution?

Sliver-Surfer · 01-10-2015, 12:35 PM

Originally posted by arkav

Great suggestion - why didn't I think of that?! Thanks.

Any suggestions for cleaning an old screen like this? ( I'm under the impression that they're easy to scratch. )

Would alcohol and a microfiber cloth be safe? Or lens cleaning solution?

I steal my wifes eyeglass cleaning spray and just saturate it then wait a bit spray it again and then gently wipe and dab with microfibre cloth

01-08-2015, 08:06 PM	#1
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558	DIY Precision Focus Screen I made a DIY Video on how to forge your own Focus Screen from a Canon 5D EE-S to Pentax K5 K7 50 K30 Make a Super precision focusing screen for your apc-s Dslr Camera, with simple tools so you can accurately manual focus with lenses Faster than F2.8 Template works for Pentax K-7 K-5 K-50 K-30 This method can be used for any Dslr be it Pentax or the othe guys You just have to mock up your own template Shot with Zoom Q3HD http://youtu.be/zxtMSoRPZuM?list=PLaL4R7EgSIKJyKLeJKw_ynzMNJCKHVYlQ template Last edited by Sliver-Surfer; 01-09-2015 at 07:37 AM.

01-09-2015, 01:41 PM	#9
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558 Original Poster	Originally posted by promacjoe Nice video, but I have two comments. 1: Place a microfiber cloth over the mirror before you release the latch for the focus screen. This is a first surface mirror and can easily be scratched. Any damage to the mirror can affect light metering and focusing. 2: Never wear gloves when using power tools. It's a safety issue. If the glove gets caught in the power tool, it can pull your hand into it and cause more damage than it would with your bare hand. Now that I have said that, I have one question. Does the new focusing screen affect light metering. You could put a cloth there to be safe but you would have to do a lot of damage to the focus screen to affect focus and metering. I just avoid touching it. There are instances where gloves are not recommended, like table saws and lathes and other powerful rotary tools. But dremels and smaller hand power tools are fine and recommended with gloves. Metering is more even from what I have read. Haven't had time to test. I did my KX and have no problems. Thanks for watching and commenting. ---------- Post added 01-09-15 at 03:44 PM ---------- Originally posted by wildlifephotog Excellent instructions. I've been using Pentax MX and ME Super screens for all my DSLRs. They are the same thickness as current screens. I've never had a problem with standard metering. Spot metering may or may not be bothered by the split screen. Good to know there are still DIY folks around. My kx has a Minolta maxxum 7000 screen in it..love it and buying an old Minolta body is cheaper than a new focus screen. Thanks for watching Last edited by Sliver-Surfer; 01-09-2015 at 01:47 PM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
55 SDM - focus precision	zapp	Pentax SLR Lens Discussion	4	09-11-2013 11:29 AM
K-x focus screen drawing & Travor focus screen issue	xjx	Pentax DSLR and Camera Articles	2	06-06-2012 10:13 PM
For Sale - Sold: K-5 with precision matte focusing screen and 18-55 WR	montman	Sold Items	7	03-14-2012 09:43 AM
DIY K200D Focus Screen	wildlifephotog	Photographic Technique	2	09-17-2009 05:21 PM
DIY Split screen from ZX-m screen	dlacouture	Pentax DSLR Discussion	12	04-15-2009 04:28 AM

01-09-2015, 04:29 AM	#2
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Nice videos!

01-09-2015, 07:33 AM	#3
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558 Original Poster	Thanks, The Upgrade is as good as everyone states. I think I may fall in love with my K5 now.

01-09-2015, 11:47 AM	#4
promacjoe Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Posts: 340	Nice video, but I have two comments. 1: Place a microfiber cloth over the mirror before you release the latch for the focus screen. This is a first surface mirror and can easily be scratched. Any damage to the mirror can affect light metering and focusing. 2: Never wear gloves when using power tools. It's a safety issue. If the glove gets caught in the power tool, it can pull your hand into it and cause more damage than it would with your bare hand. Now that I have said that, I have one question. Does the new focusing screen affect light metering.

01-09-2015, 11:56 AM	#5
Steve.Ledger Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Far North Qld Posts: 3,301	Originally posted by promacjoe 2: Never wear gloves when using power tools. It's a safety issue. If the glove gets caught in the power tool, it can pull your hand into it and cause more damage than it would with your bare hand.. Yet gloves are worn in many industrial work places on assembly lines where power tools are handled, especially in Japan.

01-09-2015, 12:03 PM	#6
VisualDarkness Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Uppsala, Sweden Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,439	Gloves has always been standard at the factories I've been at.

01-09-2015, 12:14 PM	#7
mrNewt Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: ON, RH Posts: 2,181	Loose sleeves are more of a hazard than gloves. Gloves are always STRONGLY recommended - as long you use the proper glove for the proper job!!!

01-09-2015, 01:14 PM	#8
wildlifephotog Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 924	Excellent instructions. I've been using Pentax MX and ME Super screens for all my DSLRs. They are the same thickness as current screens. I've never had a problem with standard metering. Spot metering may or may not be bothered by the split screen. Good to know there are still DIY folks around.

01-10-2015, 10:14 AM	#10
arkav Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 366	Originally posted by wildlifephotog Excellent instructions. I've been using Pentax MX and ME Super screens for all my DSLRs. They are the same thickness as current screens. I've never had a problem with standard metering. Spot metering may or may not be bothered by the split screen. Good to know there are still DIY folks around. I've got an old MX screen I've considered modding to fit my K30. Any tips for getting the split screen in the centre, or did you just follow more or less the same procedure posted here, and eyeball it ? Or maybe it would be better to have the split screen off to one side, so it doesn't interfere with spot metering?

01-10-2015, 11:37 AM	#11
wildlifephotog Inactive Account Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA Posts: 924	I use frosted scotch tape on screen. I lightly put tape on both sides. I then measure with a dial caliper to get the split screen dead center. I draw very light pencil lines to define edges to be cut. When done, carefully peel away tape. All dust and crud will come away with it. I also wear latex, non powdered gloves while working. Never tried using a split screen off center. Course I don't use spot metering either.

01-10-2015, 12:02 PM	#12
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558 Original Poster	Originally posted by arkav I've got an old MX screen I've considered modding to fit my K30. Any tips for getting the split screen in the centre, or did you just follow more or less the same procedure posted here, and eyeball it ? Or maybe it would be better to have the split screen off to one side, so it doesn't interfere with spot metering? split screen is fine. Use a fine sharpie and draw diagonal lines with a ruler from corner to corner on the tape and make sure the template corners are all line up with the marker lines.

01-10-2015, 12:13 PM	#13
arkav Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 366	Originally posted by Sliver-Surfer split screen is fine. Use a fine sharpie and draw diagonal lines with a ruler from corner to corner on the tape and make sure the template corners are all line up with the marker lines. Great suggestion - why didn't I think of that?! Thanks. Any suggestions for cleaning an old screen like this? ( I'm under the impression that they're easy to scratch. ) Would alcohol and a microfiber cloth be safe? Or lens cleaning solution?

01-10-2015, 12:35 PM	#14
Sliver-Surfer Pentaxian Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 1,558 Original Poster	Originally posted by arkav Great suggestion - why didn't I think of that?! Thanks. Any suggestions for cleaning an old screen like this? ( I'm under the impression that they're easy to scratch. ) Would alcohol and a microfiber cloth be safe? Or lens cleaning solution? I steal my wifes eyeglass cleaning spray and just saturate it then wait a bit spray it again and then gently wipe and dab with microfibre cloth