Viewfinder Markings

The KatzEye™ 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 KatzEye™ focusing screen. The AF system still functions normally - the red lights are just not displayed. In practice, this does not present a very significant 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

Installation of the KatzEye™ focusing screen will have only a very slight effect on light metering in the E-410 & E-420. In our testing with the KatzEye™ screen in place, metering tested within factory tolerances in almost all situations. The only exception is when using spot metering mode with lenses having a maximum aperture slower than f3.5 (higher numerical f-stop). With lenses slower than f3.5, it is advisable to use either centerweighted average metering or ESP metering to preserve accurate meter response. In the event that spot metering mode must be used with a slow lens, it is advisable to set an appropriate exposure compensation by reading the histogram of a test shot. Please note that all metering testing was done using Zuiko Digital (ZD) lenses. Meter performance may vary significantly when using non-ZD lenses with a mount adapter. Please also note that light metering testing was performed on the E-410 and while it is expected that the E-420 results will be similar, E-420 users are strongly advised to confirm metering results with a test photo prior to beginning critical work.

Live View Mode

Live View mode continues to function normally with the installation of the KatzEye screen. No changes will occur and the KatzEye screen will not be visible on the LCD during Live View.

The “Plus” Prism

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-410 & E-420 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 KatzEye™ 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 here.

Since the KatzEye™ 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 KatzEye™ Optics, we would be happy to do so. 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-410/420 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment. The OptiBrite treatment has no additional affect on light metering in the E-410 or E-420 beyond the effect caused by the prisms (described under Metering Information).

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.