Katz Eye™ Focusing Screen for thePentax K100D, K100D Super, K110D, & K200D
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax K100D, K100D Super, K110D, & K200D is a laser matte with a horizontal split prism circle and a microprism collar, very similar to the one you would find in many classic SLRs. The split prism with microprism ring is a great combination for focusing in a variety of situations. The screen will have NO effect on the functioning of the autofocus sensors of the camera and it is a direct replacement for the original.
Viewfinder Appearance
Pentax K100D Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring (Simulated)
The standard Katz Eye™ screen for the Pentax K100D/K110D/K200D does not have the focus area brackets marked like the original screen - we prefer the clean look on the screen. For those users that wish to have the focus area brackets marked, this is available as an option. If you want the AF area markings, please be sure to select the focus area bracket pattern when adding the screen to your cart. The original spot metering circle cannot be shown due to its coincidence with the prism, but corresponds roughly to the diameter of the split prism. All other viewfinder information is unaffected by the installation of the Katz Eye™ screen.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax K100D/K110D/K200D shows no significant effect on metering. Based on an analysis of the histograms, all AF lenses metered within factory tolerances. Please note that metering tests were conducted on the K100D and while results for the K100D Super, K110D, & K200D are expected to be similar, users should still be sure to take a test shot before beginning any critical work.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax K100D/K110D/K200D 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.
While the Pentax K100D, K100D Super, K110D, & K200D are not advertised as having interchangeable focusing screens, the screen can be changed by most users and the process is not very involved - no modifications or calibration are required and a tool for handling the screen will be included with your purchase. A detailed insruction guide with high resolution color images is available for download here.
If you don’t feel confident installing the Katz Eye™ screen, your local camera shop should be able do it for you. Since the Katz Eye™ screen is a direct replacement for the original, any competent shop 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 more than 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.
Like all screens made by Katz Eye™ Optics, the Pentax K100D/K110D/K200D screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. The OptiBrite treatment showed no effect on the light metering of the K100D in our testing. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.
In addition to the AF area brackets, the Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax K100D/K110D/K200D is available with optional guide patterns to aid in proper composition. We have a variety of standard patterns of gridlines and croplines available or we can provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information about our gridline and cropline patterns. Please note, that if you choose the AF Area Brackets AND an additional composition aid pattern, the two will be combined in an aesthetically pleasing way and will appear different than the drawings shown.
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 02/09/2010 production is operating normally and orders are being completed in 2-4 business days from the date they were placed.
