Viewfinder Markings The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-3 has no effect on existing viewfinder information. All active viewfinder information, including the focusing points will still function normally.
Metering Information Because of the design of the E-3 light metering system, the use of a split prism focusing screen will have noticeable effects on exposure results with this model. The Katz Eye™ focusing screen has been designed to control these effects to the extent possible, but the user should be aware that exposure compensation will be required in some circumstances. Suggested exposure compensation values for each of the metering modes are as follows:
Lens
Aperture | ESP | CWA | Spot | Spot-
Highlight | Spot-
Shadow |
1.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NR |
2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | NR |
2.8 | -0.3(S)
-0.6(O) | 0(S)
-0.3(O) | NR | NR | NR |
4.0 | -1.3(S)
-2(O) | -0.6(S)
-1.6(O) | NR | NR | NR |
5.6 | -1.6(S)
-2.6(O) | -1.3(S)
-2(O) | NR | NR | NR |
(S) = Without OptiBrite Treatment
(O) = With OptiBrite Treatment
0 = No exposure compensation required.
NR = This combination is not recommended. Use an alternate light metering mode or manual exposure settings.
Note: Apertures indicated in the above chart are the lens maximum aperture as indicated on the lens body and are not affected by the actual aperture chosen for a given photo. These exposure compensation suggestions are a recommended starting point only and actual results may vary depending on conditions. Users are advised to take a test photo and check the histogram before beginning any critical work.
The “Plus” Prism The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-3 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
The focusing screen in the Olympus E-3 is not designed to be changed by the user. Although the Katz Eye™ screen is a direct replacement for the original and no modifications or calibration are required, the actual procedure to change the screen is difficult and should not be attempted by the average user. Because of this, installation instructions and tools will NOT be provided.
Since the Katz Eye™ screen is a direct replacement for the original, any camera repair shop that works on Olympus cameras 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 would be happy to. 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-3 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Because of the design of the light meter in the E-3, the OptiBrite treatment will have a noticeable impact on exposure values. Therefore, the OptiBrite treatment is only recommended for E-3 users when low light shooting or use of extremely slow lenses is the primary concern. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.
