Katz Eye™ Focusing Screen for theNikon D80 & D90
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The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D80 and D90 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 on-demand grid lines will continue to function as intended.
Viewfinder Appearance
Nikon D80 Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D80 and D90 has NO effect on existing viewfinder information. All viewfinder markings, including focusing points and on-demand gridlines will still function normally.
Live View and movie modes in the D90 model continue to function normally with the installation of the Katz Eye screen. No changes will occur.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D80/D90 shows only a very minimal effect on light metering. In our testing, the Katz Eye™ 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 Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Nikon D80 and D90 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.
The Katz Eye™ 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 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.
Like all screens made by Katz Eye 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.
Although the Nikon D80 and D90 have very nice on-demand gridlines which remain functional with the Katz Eye™ focusing screen, additional patterns can be added to the focusing screen if you require a different grid pattern or crop lines. We can meet your needs with a variety of standard patterns or a custom pattern to your design. Please be aware that grid/crop line patterns added to the Katz Eye™ focusing screen will be permanent and will not turn off like the in-camera grid lines. 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 07/03/2009 production is operating normally and orders are being completed in 2-4 business days from the date they were placed.
HOLIDAY NOTICE - Katz Eye™ Optics is currently closed through Tuesday July 7, 2009 in observance of our summer holiday. Web orders may be placed during this time, but phone orders and support will not be available. Email support will be provided to the extent possible, but please excuse any response delays during our vacation. There will be minimal impact on delivery times as a result of the break and normal operations will resume on Wednesday July 8, 2009.
