The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-300 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 KatzEye™ screen will have NO effect on the functioning of the autofocus sensors of the camera.
Viewfinder Markings The KatzEye™ focusing screen does not have the focus points marked. 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. The red dots indicating activation of the AF point will continue to light when active.
Metering Information Because of the presence of the split prism, the KatzEye™ focusing screen has a slight effect on light metering with the E-300. In ESP or centerweighted modes, we suggest an exposure compensation of +2/3 when using lenses having a maximum aperture of f3.5 or faster. We suggest an exposure compensation of +1 when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f4.0 or slower. In our testing, results appeared similar with ZD and non-ZD lenses. Spot metering mode is unaffected by the focusing screen with all lenses.
The “Plus” Prism The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-300 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 focusing screen in the Olympus E-300 can NOT be changed by the user. Although the KatzEye™ screen is a direct replacement for the original and no modifications or calibration are required, the actual procedure to change the screen is very difficult and should not be attempted by the average user. Because of this, installation instructions will NOT be provided.
Since the KatzEye™ 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 KatzEye™ Optics, we would be happy to. 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 E-300 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment. The OptiBrite treatment has no significant affect on light metering in the E-300.
Composition Aids
All KatzEye™ focusing screens are available with optional guide patterns to aid in proper composition. We have a variety of standard patterns of grid lines and crop guides available or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information about our composition aid patterns.
All KatzEye™ focusing screens are custom made to order and are usually not available to ship the day the order is placed.
As of 09/02/2010 production is running normally and orders are being completed in 1-3 business days from the date they were placed.
