The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D50 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.
Viewfinder Markings The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the D50 has NO effect on existing viewfinder information. All viewfinder markings, including focusing points, will still function normally.
Metering Information The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D50 shows only a very minimal effect on light metering. In our testing, all metering results were within factory tolerance (+/- 1/3 EV) in matrix and centerweighted metering modes. In spot metering mode, there was no change in light metering when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f3.5 or faster (lower f-stop number). There will be a shift toward overexposure when using spot metering mode with lenses slower than f3.5. If possible, we recommend using matrix or centerweighted metering with slower lenses. But if spot metering mode must be used, we suggest an exposure compensation of -2/3 as a starting point. Always take a test shot and check the histogram before any critical shooting.
The “Plus” Prism The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D50 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
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.
Brightness Enhancement
Like all screens made by Katz Eye™ Optics, the D50 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. OptiBrite enhancement will not change the light metering in the Nikon D50. 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 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.
