Viewfinder Markings

The standard KatzEye™ screen for the Samsung GS-1S 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 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 KatzEye™ screen and the red AF indicator squares light in the normal fashion.

Metering Information

Detailed metering testing has not been completed on this model. However, because of the presence of the prisms, the KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Samsung GS-1S is likely to have some effect on the camera’s light metering. In most cameras, the use of a prism screen will cause overexposure in spot metering mode and full frame or center weighted metering modes are recommended with prism screens. Spot metering mode can be used, but may require use of exposure compensation. Users are strongly advised to confirm metering results by examining the histogram of a test photo prior to beginning critical work.

The “Plus” Prism

The KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Samsung GS-1S 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

Since the Samsung GS-1S 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 Samsung. You may use Samsung’s instructions if you have them available or you may use the KatzEye™ Optics instructions which are available here.

If you dont feel confident installing the KatzEye™ screen, your local camera shop should be able do it for you. Since the KatzEye™ 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 KatzEye™ 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 KatzEye™ Optics costs $65, plus the cost of return shipping of your camera.

Brightness Enhancement

Like all screens made by KatzEye™ Optics, the Samsung GS-1S screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.

Composition Aids

In addition to the AF area brackets, the KatzEye™ focusing screen for the Samsung GS-1S is 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 grid line and crop guide 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.