Katz Eye™ Focusing Screen for theCanon 350D (Rebel XT, Kiss Dig. N)
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Canon 350D is a laser matte with a split prism circle and a microprism collar, very similar to the one you would find in many classic SLRs. It is a direct replacement with no modifications required to the camera at all. The split prism with microprism ring is a great combination for focusing in a variety of situations and the screen will have no effect on the functioning of the autofocus sensors of the camera.
Viewfinder Appearance
Canon 350D Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring
The standard Katz Eye™ screen for the Canon 350D 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 is 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.
Installation of the Katz Eye™ focusing screen doesn’t seem to have any significant effect on metering with the 350D. In evaluative or center weighted modes, it tested dead on. In the partial mode, it appeared to overexpose a bit, but it is well within the range of exposure compensation available on the camera. To be on the safe side, it is always good practice to take a test shot and check the histogram before any critical work.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Canon 350D is available exclusively in the Katz Eye™ “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 Katz Eye™ “Plus”. More information about the Katz Eye™ “Plus” can be found here.
The Katz Eye™ 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 Katz Eye™ 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 Katz Eye™ 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 Katz Eye™ Optics costs $65, plus the cost of return shipping of your camera.
Like all screens made by Katz Eye Optics, the Canon 350D screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.
All Katz Eye™ focusing screens are available with optional guide patterns to aid in proper composition. We have a variety of standard patterns of gridlines and croplines available or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information about our composition aid patterns.
All Katz Eye™ focusing screens are custom made to order and are usually not available to ship the day the order is placed. As of 02/09/2010 production is operating normally and orders are being completed in 2-4 business days from the date they were placed.
