The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax *istD Series 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. The Katz Eye™ focusing screen is fully compatible with the *istD, *istDs, & *istDs2 cameras.
Viewfinder Appearance
Pentax *istD Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring
The red focus point indicators will continue to function as they always have with the Katz Eye™ focusing screen installed. The split prism is designed to align to the center focus point indicator for best aesthetics. The standard Katz Eye™ screen for the Pentax *istD series does not have the focus area brackets marked, however - 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 Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax *istD Series shows only a minimal effect on metering with the *istD. Based on an analysis of the histograms, centerweighted average metering mode can be expected to be within 1/3 f-stops when using any AF lens. In full frame evaluative mode, the standard Katz Eye™ screen will also be within 1/3 stops; the OptiBrite version may shift 2/3 stops toward overexposure in this mode when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f4.5 or slower. Spot metering mode will also be accurate, within 1/3 f-stops, when using lenses with a maximum aperture of f3.5 or faster. Slower lenses will not perform well in spot metering mode, however, and when using slow lenses we recommend the use of either evaluative or CWA metering modes.
The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax *istD Series 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 *istD Series was 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 will be provided with your order.
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 *istD screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.
In addition to the AF area brackets, the Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Pentax *istD Series 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 07/09/2008 production is backlogged due to very heavy order volume and most orders are being completed in approximately 2 weeks from the date the order is placed.
