The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-1 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 the Katz Eye™ screen will have NO effect on the functioning of the autofocus sensors of the camera.
Viewfinder Markings The Katz Eye™ focusing screen does not have the focus points marked, like the FS1 or FS2. The center point is quite obvious because of the split prism and the outer two points are approximately at the edge of the microprism ring. All other viewfinder information is unaffected.
Metering Information The Katz Eye™ focusing screen has only a minimal effect on metering with the E-1 when using Zuiko Digital lenses. In ESP or centerweighted modes, it showed no effect on the meter with ZD lenses f2.8 or faster. Lenses with a maximum aperture of f3.5 or slower may show metering shifts of 1/2 to 1.5 f-stops toward over-exposure when using ESP or centerweighted modes. With non-ZD lenses, such as OM lenses on an adapter, larger metering changes can be seen, particularly at small apertures. Spot metering mode is unaffected by the focusing screen with all lenses. So if your lens combination is showing unacceptable metering shifts, we suggest use of spot metering mode.
The “Plus” Prism The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-1 is 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
Since the Olympus E-1 was designed with user-replaceable focusing screens, installation is very straightforward. No modifications or calibration are required. The installation procedure is identical to the procedure to install the FS-2 grid screen sold by Olympus. A PDF version of the installation instructions for the FS-1 and FS-2 screens can be downloaded from Olympus here.
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 E-1 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment. The OptiBrite treatment will add 1/2 stop shift toward overexposure in ESP and average metering modes, when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f3.5 or slower. The OptiBrite treatment will not affect the spot metering mode or any mode with a lens f2.8 or faster.
Grid/Crop Lines
All Katz Eye™ focusing screens are available with grid patterns or crop lines. We have a variety of standard patterns available or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information about our grid/crop line patterns. Please note that because of the 4/3 aspect ratio of the E-1 sensor, 5x7 crop lines are horizontal in this model, and not vertical as shown on our grid line page.
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 05/13/2008 production is running smoothly and orders are being completed in 5-7 business days from the date the order is placed.
