The Katz Eye™ 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’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. 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. 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 Katz Eye™ 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 Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-300 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-300 can NOT 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 very difficult and should not be attempted by the average user. Because of this, installation instructions 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-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.
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.
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.
