The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D100 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 for the original, 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 have NO effect on the functioning of the autofocus sensors of the camera and the on-demand grid lines will continue to function as intended.
Viewfinder Markings The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D100 has no effect on existing viewfinder information. All viewfinder markings, including focusing points and on-demand gridlines will still function normally.
Metering Information The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D100 shows only a very minimal effect on light metering. In our testing, whether OptiBrite treated or not, the KatzEye™ screen tested within +/- 1/3 stop of nominal. The only exception is when using spot metering mode with lenses having a maximum aperture of f4.0 or slower. In this case, the metering shift will be approximately +2/3 to +1 f-stop. With lenses f4.0 or slower, it is advisable to use either centerweighted average metering or matrix metering to preserve accurate meter response. In the event that spot metering mode must be used with a slow lens, an exposure compensation of -1 is advised as a starting point, with exact amount to be determined by reading the histogram of a test shot.
The “Plus” Prism The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D100 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. For the convenience of the installer, the KatzEye™ screen has several features added (outside of the viewable area) to ease handling and alignment of the screen - these features can be seen in the drawing of the screen on the category page. However, even with the addition of these features, professional installation is advised due to the delicate screen retention mechanism in these models. For those users installing the screen themselves or for those taking the camera to a local shop, complete installation 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 do not have a trusted local shop, we’d be happy to install your new focusing screen for you here at KatzEye™ Optics. 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 Nikon D100 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information. The OptiBrite treatment has no significant affect on light metering in these cameras.
Composition Aids
Although the Nikon D100 has very nice on-demand gridlines which remain functional with the KatzEye™ focusing screen, additional patterns can be added to the focusing screen if you require different composition aids. We can meet your needs with a variety of standard patterns of gridlines and croplines or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Please be aware that composition aid patterns added to the KatzEye™ focusing screen will be permanent and will not turn off like the in-camera gridlines. Click here for more information about our gridline and cropline options.
All KatzEye™ focusing screens are custom made to order and are usually not available to ship the day the order is placed.
As of 03/13/2010 production is operating normally and orders are being completed in 2-4 business days from the date they were placed.
