The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D2H/D2Hs 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 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 AF point indicators will continue to function as normal.
Viewfinder Markings The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D2H/D2Hs has no effect on existing viewfinder information. All active viewfinder information, including the focusing points will still function normally.
Metering Information The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D2H/D2Hs shows only a very minimal effect on light metering. In our testing, the Katz Eye™ screen tested within +/- 1/3 stop of nominal. The only exception is when using spot metering mode with lenses having a maximum aperture slower than f3.5 (higher numerical f-stop). With lenses slower than f3.5, 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, it is advisable to set an appropriate exposure compensation by reading the histogram of a test shot.
The “Plus” Prism The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D2H/D2Hs 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
The Katz Eye™ screen is a direct replacement for the original and no modifications to the camera are required. Because the D2H/D2Hs was designed with user replaceable focusing screens, the installation is quite straightforward. The correct installation tool will be provided with your purchaase and installation instructions can be found in your factory owners manual.
If you do not wish to perform the installation yourself and you do not have a trusted local shop, we’d be happy to install your new focusing screen for you here at Katz Eye™ Optics. 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.
Brightness Enhancement
Like all screens made by Katz Eye Optics, the D2H/D2Hs screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. The OptiBrite treatment affects only the matte portion of the screen; it does not change the prism in any way and it will have no significant effect on light metering in the D2X. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.
Grid/Crop Lines
All Katz Eye™ focusing screens are available with grid patterns or crop lines. We have a variety of standard patterns available or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information about our grid/crop line options.
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 07/09/2008 production is backlogged due to very heavy order volume and most orders are being completed in approximately 2 weeks from the date the order is placed.