Katz Eye™ Focusing Screen for thePentax K10D & K20D
Summer Sale - 10% Off Storewide!Use Discount Code summer10
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax K10D and K20D is a laser matte with a horizontal split prism circle and a microprism collar, very similar to the one you’d 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 K10D/K20D Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring (Simulated)
The standard Katz Eye™ screen for the Pentax K10D/K20D 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 arcs cannot be shown due to their coincidence with the prism, but that area corresponds roughly to the diameter of the split prism. All other viewfinder information is unaffected by the installation of the Katz Eye™ screen and the red AF indicator squares light in the normal fashion.
Because of the presence of the prisms, the Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax K10D/K20D will have some effect on the camera’s light metering. Test results for each of the three metering modes are as follows:
Please note that Katz Eye testing was performed on the K10D and while it is expected that the K20D results will be similar, K20D users are strongly advised to confirm metering results with a test photo prior to beginning critical work.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax K10D/K20D 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.
Since the Pentax K10D and K20D were designed with user-changeable focusing screens, installation is very straightforward and a suitable installation tool will be included with your purchase. No modifications or calibration are required. The installation procedure is identical to the procedure to install the replacement screens sold by Pentax. You may use Pentax’s instructions if you have them available or you may use the Katz Eye™ Optics instructions which are available 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 can, though it’s not the normal procedure. 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 K10D/K20D screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. The OptiBrite treatment showed no effect on the light metering of the K10D 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 K10D/K20D is 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 patters. Please note, that if you choose the AF Area Brackets AND an additional gridline 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 07/03/2009 production is operating normally and orders are being completed in 2-4 business days from the date they were placed.
HOLIDAY NOTICE - Katz Eye™ Optics is currently closed through Tuesday July 7, 2009 in observance of our summer holiday. Web orders may be placed during this time, but phone orders and support will not be available. Email support will be provided to the extent possible, but please excuse any response delays during our vacation. There will be minimal impact on delivery times as a result of the break and normal operations will resume on Wednesday July 8, 2009.
