The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D40, D40x, & D60 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 and will be particularly helpful when using the D40 with non-AFS lenses. The Katz Eye screen will have NO effect on the functioning of the autofocus sensors of the camera and it is a direct replacement for the original.
Viewfinder Appearance
Nikon D40 Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring
The Katz Eye™ 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 Katz Eye™ 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:
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 Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D40, D40x, & D60 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. Complete instructions, with plenty of photos, are available for download and the link will be included with your purchase. We will also include an installation tool to assist in the manipulation of the screen retaining wire, but the installer should still expect 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 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.
All Katz Eye™ focusing screens are available with grid patterns 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 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.
