The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the D40, D40x, & D60 has NO effect on existing viewfinder information. All viewfinder markings, including focusing points, will still function normally.

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D40, D40x, & D60 shows only a very minimal effect on light metering. 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 lenses having a maximum aperture of f5.6 or larger (lower f number).
• Matrix Metering Mode: Our testing showed matrix metering mode to be within factory tolerance for all lenses having a maximum aperture of f5.6 or larger (lower f number).
• Spot Metering Mode: Our testing showed spot metering mode to be within factory tolerance for all lenses having a maximum aperture of f3.5 or larger (lower f number). Slower lenses will show a slight increase in exposure values. When using f4.0 or slower lenses with spot metering, take a test shot, read the histogram and apply exposure compensation as required. An f5.6 lens will require an exposure compensation of approximately -1.3EV.

Note: Light meter testing was performed on the D40 model only. While it is expected that results for the D40x And D60 will be very similar, users of these models are strongly encouraged to check the histogram of a test shot before beginning critical work.

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D40, D40x, & D60 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

Installation is straightforward. It does require care and a steady hand, but NO modifications to the camera are required. Complete instructions, with plenty of photos, are available for download here. We will also include an installation tool to assist in the manipulation of the screen retaining wire, but the installer should still expect to provide their own tweezers, gloves, lens tissue, and other common items.

If you don’t feel confident installing the KatzEye™ screen, your local camera shop should be able do it for around $65. 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 D40, D40x, & D60 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. OptiBrite enhancement will not change the light metering affects noted above. 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 can meet your needs with a variety of standard patterns of grid lines and crop guides or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information.