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. 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 Katz Eye™ focusing screen will have only a very slight effect on light metering in the E-510. In our testing with the Katz Eye™ 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.

Live View Mode

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

The “Plus” Prism

The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Olympus E-510 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-510 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-510.

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.