Katz Eye™ Focusing Screen for theNikon D70/D70s
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The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D70/S70s is a laser matte with a split prism circle and a microprism collar, very similar to the one you’d 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. The screen will also have NO effect on the functioning of the autofocus sensors of the camera and it is a direct replacement for the original. According to information available from Nikon, the Katz Eye™ focusing screen should be compatible with both the D70 and D70s. Customer feedback also indicates the screen works perfectly in both models. However, our testing was completed on the D70 and all results stated here are based on that testing.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the D70/D70s has NO effect on existing viewfinder information. All viewfinder markings, including focusing points and on-demand gridlines will still function normally.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D70/S70s shows only a very minimal effect on light metering with the D70. In our testing, the OptiBrite version showed a maximum metering shift of 2/3 f-stops (toward increased exposure) with slow lenses (f5.6). With faster lenses or the standard version, metering shifts can be expected to be 1/3 f-stops or less. The Katz Eye™ screen increases exposures very slightly, which many users have reported actually improves the camera’s natual tendency to underexpose photos.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D70 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.
Installation is straightforward. It does require care and a steady hand, but NO modifications to the camera are required. In order to achieve the precise focus calibration that Katz Eye™ Optics insists upon , we have provided a special calibration shim for use with the Katz Eye™ screen. The silver-colored shim provided with the screen should be used instead of the original (gold-colored) shim. If the original screen is ever re-installed, remember to use the original (gold-colored) shim with the original screen. 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 Katz Eye™ screen, your local camera shop should be able do it for around $65. 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 D70 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information.
Although the Nikon D70 has very nice on-demand gridlines which remain functional with the Katz Eye™ focusing screen, additional patterns can be added to the focusing screen if you require a different grid pattern or crop lines. We can meet your needs with a variety of standard patterns or a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information.
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 11/21/2008 production is running smoothly and most orders are being completed in 2-4 business days from the date the order is placed.
