The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-400 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 rectangular focus point brackets 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 focus point indicator lights also will not light when using the Katz Eye™ focusing screen. This does not present a major problem, as the focus point may be selected using the LCD on the back of the camera and the green light to the right of the viewfinder will still indicate when focus lock is achieved. All other viewfinder information displays function as intended.
Metering Information Detailed metering testing has not been conducted on the Olympus E-400. Based on our experience with other Olympus models, it is expected that installation of the Katz Eye™ focusing screen will have only a very slight effect on light metering in the E-400. Nonetheless, it is strongly suggested that the user take a test shot and check the histogram before proceeding with critical work.
The “Plus” Prism The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-400 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 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 completely 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, a detailed installation guide, with plenty of high resolution photos, is available for download and the link will be included with your purchase.
Since the Katz Eye™ screen is a direct replacement for the original, any camera repair shop that works on Olypus 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 do so. 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-400 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-400.
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.
