The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Canon 30D has no effect on existing viewfinder information. All active viewfinder information, including the focusing points will still function normally.

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Canon 30D has little to no effect on light metering in Evaluative or Center Weighted metering modes. Partial and Spot metering modes are somewhat more affected, depending on conditions. Test results for each of the four metering modes are as follows:

• Evaluative Metering Mode: Our testing showed evaluative mode to be within factory tolerance for all AF lenses having a maximum aperture of f5.6 or larger (lower f number).
• Center Weighted Average (CWA) Metering Mode: Our testing showed CWA metering mode to be within factory tolerance for all AF lenses having a maximum aperture of f5.6 or larger (lower f number).
• Partial Metering Mode: Our testing showed partial metering mode to be within factory tolerance for all AF lenses having a maximum aperture of f2.0 or larger (lower f number). Lenses having a maximum aperture smaller than f2.0 (lager f number) will show a shift toward increased exposure. The shift will be greater for lenses with smaller maximum apertures. When using partial metering mode, it is advisable to first take a test shot, check the histogram, and adjust exposure compensation as required.
• Spot Metering Mode: Our testing showed spot metering mode to be within factory tolerance for all AF lenses having a maximum aperture of f2.0 or larger (lower f number). Lenses having a maximum aperture smaller than f2.0 (lager f number) will show a significant shift toward increased exposure, with the shift increasing for lenses with smaller maximum apertures. Spot metering mode is NOT RECOMMENDED when using a split prism focusing screen. However, if spot mode must be used, it is strongly advised to first take a test shot, check the histogram, and adjust exposure compensation as required.

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Canon 30D is available exclusively in the KatzEye™ “Plus” version. The “Plus” version has a unique prism design which delays the prism ‘blackout’ phenomenon until well after f11. Ordinary split prisms will black out by about f5.6, rendering them difficult to use with slower zoom lenses, teleconverters, or in extreme macro photography... but not the KatzEye™ “Plus”. More information about the KatzEye™ “Plus” can be found here.

Installation

The KatzEye™ screen is a direct replacement for the original and no modifications to the camera are required. The installation requires no special tools or skills, but it does require working in tight spaces. If you are not confident in your vision or dexterity, professional installation might be advisable. For those users installing the screen themselves or for those taking the camera to a local shop, a detailed installation guide, with plenty of high resolution photos, is available for download here.

If you don’t feel confident installing the KatzEye screen, your local camera shop should be able to complete the installation for you. Since the KatzEye screen is a direct replacement for the original, any competent shop should be able to handle the installation and the original screen can be reinstalled at any time, should you so desire. If you want us to install it at KatzEye Optics, we would be more than happy to perform the installation for you. Please see the Installation Service page to order installation with your focusing screen. Installation service at KatzEye™ Optics costs $65, plus the cost of return shipping of your camera.

Brightness Enhancement

Like all screens made by KatzEye Optics, the 30D screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.

Composition Aids

All KatzEye™ focusing screens are available with optional guide patterns to aid in proper composition. We have a variety of standard patterns of grid lines and crop guides available or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information about our composition aid patterns.