Viewfinder Markings

The standard KatzEye™ screen for the Canon 400D does not have the focus area rectangles marked like the original screen. In addition, the red dots in the viewfinder will not light when the AF points are activated. For those users that wish to have the focus area rectangles marked, this available as an option. If you want the AF area rectangles, please be sure to select the appropriate option below when adding the screen to your cart. Please be aware though, that even with the rectangles marked, the red dots will still not light. All other viewfinder information displays function as intended. The lack of the indicator dots and/or rectangles has no effect on the camera’s ability to autofocus. In addition, the LCD on the back will allow you to select your focusing point and the green light in the viewfinder will blink for focus confirmation.

Metering Information

Installation of the KatzEye™ focusing screen has no significant effect on light metering in the 400D. Test results for each of the three metering modes are as follows:

• 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).
• Evaluative Metering Mode: Our testing showed evaluative metering mode to be within factory tolerance for all AF lenses having a maximum aperture of f4.0 or larger (lower f number). Slower lenses will show a slight increase in exposure values. When using f5.6 or slower lenses with evaluative metering, take a test shot, read the histogram and apply exposure compensation as required.
• Partial Metering Mode: Our testing showed partial metering mode to be within factory tolerance for all AF lenses having a maximum aperture of f4.0 or larger (lower f number). Slower lenses will show a slight increase in exposure values. When using f5.6 or slower lenses with partial metering, take a test shot, read the histogram and apply exposure compensation as required.

The “Plus” Prism

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Canon 400D 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.

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 can, though it’s not the normal procedure. 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 Canon 400D screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. The OptiBrite treatment has no significant effect on light metering in the Canon 400D. 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.