The red focus point indicators will continue to function as they always have with the KatzEye™ focusing screen installed. The split prism is designed to align to the center focus point indicator for best aesthetics. The standard KatzEye™ screen for the Pentax *istD series does not have the focus area brackets marked, however - we prefer the clean look on the screen. For those users that wish to have the focus area brackets marked, this available as an option. If you want the AF area markings, please be sure to select the focus area bracket pattern when adding the screen to your cart.

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Pentax *istD Series shows only a minimal effect on metering with the *istD. Based on an analysis of the histograms, centerweighted average metering mode can be expected to be within 1/3 f-stops when using any AF lens. In full frame evaluative mode, the standard KatzEye™ screen will also be within 1/3 stops; the OptiBrite version may shift 2/3 stops toward overexposure in this mode when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f4.5 or slower. Spot metering mode will also be accurate, within 1/3 f-stops, when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f3.5 or faster. Slower lenses will not perform well in spot metering mode, however, and when using slow lenses we recommend the use of either evaluative or CWA metering modes.

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Pentax *istD Series 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

Since the Pentax *istD Series was designed with user-changeable focusing screens, installation is very straightforward and a suitable installation tool will be included with your purchase. No modifications or calibration are required. The installation procedure is identical to the procedure to install the replacement screens sold by Pentax. You may use Pentax’s instructions if you have them available or you may use the KatzEye™ Optics instructions which are available here.

If you don’t feel confident installing the KatzEye™ screen, your local camera shop should be able do it 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 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 Pentax *istD screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.

Composition Aids

In addition to the AF area brackets, the KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Pentax *istD Series is 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 grid line and crop guide patterns. Please note, that if you choose the AF Area Brackets AND an additional composition aid pattern, the two will be combined in an aesthetically pleasing way and will appear different than the drawings shown.