Viewfinder Markings

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D80 and D90 has NO effect on existing viewfinder information. All viewfinder markings, including focusing points and on-demand grid lines will still function normally.

Live View & Movie Modes

Live View and movie modes in the D90 model continue to function normally with the installation of the KatzEye screen. No changes will occur.

Metering Information

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D80/D90 shows only a very minimal effect on light metering. In our testing, the KatzEye™ screen tested within +/- 1/3 stop of nominal (factory tolerance). 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 center weighted 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. Please note that metering testing was performed with the D80 model, and while D90 results are reasonably expected to be similar, users of the D90 are strongly encouraged to check the histogram of a test shot before beginning any critical work.

The “Plus” Prism

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D80 and D90 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. The installation requires no special tools or skills, but it does require working in tight spaces. If you are not confident in your vision or dexterity, professional installation might be advisable. 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 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 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 D80/D90 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 Nikon D80 in our testing. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.

Composition Aids

Although the Nikon D80 and D90 have very nice on-demand grid lines 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 grid lines and crop guides 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 grid lines. Click here for more information about our grid line and crop guide options.