Changing KX Focusing Screen?

Tony Evans · 03-10-2010, 03:10 PM

Can anyone tell me whether it is possible to replace the Microprism Screen in the KX with a Micro/Split-Image Screen? Could one be salvaged from an old ME for instance? If possible, where could it be done? Preferably Canada.

GoremanX · 03-10-2010, 03:21 PM

If it's anything like my K-7, you can do it yourself. But no existing focusing screen with a split prism will fit your K-x. You'll need to either modify an existing one or buy an aftermarket one. I got mine from focusingscreen.com

**ChipB** · 03-10-2010, 03:37 PM

Since this is the FILM SLR subforum, I suspect he's talking about the KX, not the K-x.

Tony, if your KX is the same as my KM (don't know for sure) then it sure doesn't look like it would be an easy thing to do.

Perhaps an email to Eric Henderson pentaxrepairs@aol.com would get you some good info.

GoremanX · 03-10-2010, 03:38 PM

Originally posted by ChipB

Since this is the FILM SLR subforum, I suspect he's talking about the KX, not the K-x.

Tony, if your KX is the same as my KM (don't know for sure) then it sure doesn't look like it would be an easy thing to do.

Perhaps an email to Eric Henderson pentaxrepairs@aol.com would get you some good info.

oops, my bad. Didn't bother to check what forum this was posted in.

stevebrot · 03-10-2010, 06:58 PM

The KX came both ways, either with a split-image or with a microprism. As a result, a replacement may well be available. Eric would know.

Steve

**gofour3** · 03-10-2010, 09:13 PM

Ditto for sending it to Eric. I would also assume that as the ME is a smaller sized body the screen may be a different size than the one in the KX. A screen from another K series film body would be your best bet.

Phil.

frank · 03-11-2010, 02:18 AM

Originally posted by gofour3

Ditto for sending it to Eric. I would also assume that as the ME is a smaller sized body the screen may be a different size than the one in the KX. A screen from another K series film body would be your best bet.

Phil.

ME has a smaller body, but it has a bigger screen than the KX, right?

Anyway, it's not easy to change screens for cameras like KX/KM/K1000, definitely not for guys who never opened up any old film camera.

Vranx · 03-11-2010, 06:21 AM

Hi,

according to an old German Pentax technical information brochure, it was possible to have the screens for the KX replaced (5 or 6 different screens available, I'll post if someone is interested), but this needed to be done at the nationwide Pentax repair center in Hamburg.

No do-it-yourself!!! You need to calibrate the exact position of the screen, thus requiring sophisticated (electronical) tools and good knowledge of camera repair!

Due to the different viewfinder size and magnification and the differences in light metering calibration, a ME-MX or whatsoever screen will not fit, I suppose.

The drawback is: how to find such a KX screen?

Good luck,

Vranx

**gofour3** · 03-11-2010, 09:41 AM

I found this page in one of my K series brochures. Unfortunately it does not mention how to get the screen changed.

Frank I’m not sure on the K screen sizes compared to other series bodies, other than they would be different?

Phil.

frank · 03-11-2010, 05:16 PM

Originally posted by gofour3

I found this page in one of my K series brochures. Unfortunately it does not mention how to get the screen changed.

Frank I’m not sure on the K screen sizes compared to other series bodies, other than they would be different?

Phil.

KX has viewfinder of 0.88 x [93%], while ME/ME Super has a slightly bigger viewfinder at 0.95 x [92%]. I guess their screens are not interchangeable. But don't really know for sure. I changed my MZ-5n's screen (0.8 x [92%]) to an MZ-M one (0.77 x [92%]) w/o any problem

**ChrisPlatt** · 03-11-2010, 06:45 PM

Yes, the KX was sold with microprism or split-image focusing screen.
IIRC the split-image focusing aid DOES NOT have a microprism collar.

AFAIK the screen is not interchangeable with those for M- or any later series bodies.

Years ago I bought a used KX that came with the split-image screen.
I had Eric Hendrickson replace it with the microprism screen I prefer.

Chris

Tony Evans · 03-13-2010, 11:09 AM

Many thanks to all for input. Looks like I should talk to Eric. Just got it back from him after CLA but didn't ask about the screen. Oh Well!!
Tony

03-10-2010, 03:10 PM	#1
Tony Evans Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Edmonton Photos: Gallery Posts: 61	Changing KX Focusing Screen? Can anyone tell me whether it is possible to replace the Microprism Screen in the KX with a Micro/Split-Image Screen? Could one be salvaged from an old ME for instance? If possible, where could it be done? Preferably Canada.

03-11-2010, 06:21 AM	#8
Vranx Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Beautiful Bavaria :-) Posts: 123	KX screen change only by service technician Hi, according to an old German Pentax technical information brochure, it was possible to have the screens for the KX replaced (5 or 6 different screens available, I'll post if someone is interested), but this needed to be done at the nationwide Pentax repair center in Hamburg. No do-it-yourself!!! You need to calibrate the exact position of the screen, thus requiring sophisticated (electronical) tools and good knowledge of camera repair! Due to the different viewfinder size and magnification and the differences in light metering calibration, a ME-MX or whatsoever screen will not fit, I suppose. The drawback is: how to find such a KX screen? Good luck, Vranx

03-11-2010, 09:41 AM	#9
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,089	I found this page in one of my K series brochures. Unfortunately it does not mention how to get the screen changed. Frank I’m not sure on the K screen sizes compared to other series bodies, other than they would be different? Phil. Attached Images

03-13-2010, 11:09 AM	#12
Tony Evans Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Edmonton Photos: Gallery Posts: 61 Original Poster	Changing KX Focusing Screen Many thanks to all for input. Looks like I should talk to Eric. Just got it back from him after CLA but didn't ask about the screen. Oh Well!! Tony

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03-10-2010, 03:21 PM	#2
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	If it's anything like my K-7, you can do it yourself. But no existing focusing screen with a split prism will fit your K-x. You'll need to either modify an existing one or buy an aftermarket one. I got mine from focusingscreen.com

03-10-2010, 03:37 PM	#3
ChipB Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Eau Claire, WI Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 2,701	Since this is the FILM SLR subforum, I suspect he's talking about the KX, not the K-x. Tony, if your KX is the same as my KM (don't know for sure) then it sure doesn't look like it would be an easy thing to do. Perhaps an email to Eric Henderson pentaxrepairs@aol.com would get you some good info.

03-10-2010, 03:38 PM	#4
GoremanX Veteran Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Georgia, VT Photos: Albums Posts: 1,657	Originally posted by ChipB Since this is the FILM SLR subforum, I suspect he's talking about the KX, not the K-x. Tony, if your KX is the same as my KM (don't know for sure) then it sure doesn't look like it would be an easy thing to do. Perhaps an email to Eric Henderson pentaxrepairs@aol.com would get you some good info. oops, my bad. Didn't bother to check what forum this was posted in.

03-10-2010, 06:58 PM	#5
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	The KX came both ways, either with a split-image or with a microprism. As a result, a replacement may well be available. Eric would know. Steve

03-10-2010, 09:13 PM	#6
gofour3 Site Supporter Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 8,089	Ditto for sending it to Eric. I would also assume that as the ME is a smaller sized body the screen may be a different size than the one in the KX. A screen from another K series film body would be your best bet. Phil.

03-11-2010, 02:18 AM	#7
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by gofour3 Ditto for sending it to Eric. I would also assume that as the ME is a smaller sized body the screen may be a different size than the one in the KX. A screen from another K series film body would be your best bet. Phil. ME has a smaller body, but it has a bigger screen than the KX, right? Anyway, it's not easy to change screens for cameras like KX/KM/K1000, definitely not for guys who never opened up any old film camera.

03-11-2010, 05:16 PM	#10
frank Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Singapore Photos: Gallery Posts: 3,202	Originally posted by gofour3 I found this page in one of my K series brochures. Unfortunately it does not mention how to get the screen changed. Frank I’m not sure on the K screen sizes compared to other series bodies, other than they would be different? Phil. KX has viewfinder of 0.88 x [93%], while ME/ME Super has a slightly bigger viewfinder at 0.95 x [92%]. I guess their screens are not interchangeable. But don't really know for sure. I changed my MZ-5n's screen (0.8 x [92%]) to an MZ-M one (0.77 x [92%]) w/o any problem

03-11-2010, 06:45 PM	#11
ChrisPlatt Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Rockaway Beach NYC Posts: 7,692	Yes, the KX was sold with microprism or split-image focusing screen. IIRC the split-image focusing aid DOES NOT have a microprism collar. AFAIK the screen is not interchangeable with those for M- or any later series bodies. Years ago I bought a used KX that came with the split-image screen. I had Eric Hendrickson replace it with the microprism screen I prefer. Chris

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