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. 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.
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.
Metering Information Installation of the KatzEye™ focusing screen will have only a very slight effect on light metering in the Panasonic DMC-L10. In our testing with the KatzEye™ screen in place, metering tested within factory tolerances in almost all situations. The only exceptions are when using spot metering mode with lenses having a maximum aperture slower than f3.5 (higher numerical f-stop) or when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f5.6 or slower. In these cases, it is advisable to use either centerweighted average or multi-segment metering for the most accurate accurate meter response. Suggested exposure compensation values for each of the metering modes are as follows:
| Aperture | Multi-Segment | Center Weighted | Spot |
1.4 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
2.8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
4.0 | 0 | 0 | -0.3(S), -0.6(O) |
5.6 | 0(S), -0.3(O) | 0(S), -0.3(O) | -1.3(S), -1.6(O) |
6.3 | -0.3(S), -0.6(O) | -0.3(S), -0.6(O) | -2.0(S), NR(O) |
(S) = Without OptiBrite Treatment
(O) = With OptiBrite Treatment
0 = No exposure compensation required.
NR = This combination is not recommended. Use an alternate light metering mode or manual exposure settings.
Note: These exposure compensation suggestions are a recommended starting point only and actual results may vary depending on conditions. Users are advised to take a test photo and check the histogram before beginning any critical work. Apertures indicated in the above chart are the lens maximum aperture as indicated on the lens body and are not affected by the actual aperture chosen for a given photo. All metering testing was done using 4/3 System lenses of modern design and meter performance cannot be guaranteed when using manual lenses with a mount adapter.
The “Plus” Prism The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Panasonic DMC-L10 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 Panasonic 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 DMC-L10 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-L10, but please reference the Metering Information section above for further details.
