The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 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. All other viewfinder information functions as normal and the three red focus indicator lights function normally.
Live View Mode Live View mode continues to function normally with the installation of the KatzEye screen. No changes will occur and assist patterns function normally. The KatzEye prisms will not be visible in Live View mode.
Metering Information In our testing, the KatzEye™ focusing screen has only a very slight effect on light metering with the DMC-L1. In Multiple or center weighted modes, metering tested within factory tolerances. Spot metering mode showed a very slight tendency to underexpose - an exposure compensation of +1/2EV is recommended in spot metering mode. In all critical shooting situations, it is recommended to confirm correct exposures by taking a test shot and reading the histogram.
The “Plus” Prism The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 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 Panasonic SLR 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 DMC-L1 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 DMC-L1.
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.
