The KatzEye™ 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 would 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 KatzEye™ 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 KatzEye™ 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 KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D50 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
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 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 don’t feel confident installing the KatzEye™ screen, your local camera shop should be able do it for around $65. 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 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.
Composition Aids
All KatzEye™ focusing screens are available with optional guide patterns to aid in proper composition. 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. Click here for more information.
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.
