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Sigma SD10 Focusing Screen Katz Eye™ Focusing Screen for the
Sigma SD9/SD10

General Information

The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Sigma SD9/SD10 is a laser matte with a 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 in either the SD9 or SD10.

Viewfinder Appearance

Sigma SD10 Split Prism Viewfinder
Sigma SD10Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring

Viewfinder Markings

The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Sigma SD9/10 has a neutral density mask to denote the Sigma "Sports Finder" much like the original Sigma screen. The texture of the Katz Eye™ mask appears slightly different than the original Sigma screen, but the "Sports Finder" area is properly and permanently marked, readily visible, and the area outside the image to be captured is partially grayed out to a similar degree as the original screen. A photo of the viewfinder appearance is shown above.

Metering Information

Installation of the Katz Eye™ focusing screen doesn’t seem to have any significant effect on metering with the Sigma SD10. However, when the Katz Eye screen is used in the Sigma SD9, it is possible there will be a significant effect on metering. Users have reported a shift of 1EV to 1.5EV with previous versions of the Katz Eye screen which lacked the "Sports Finder" masking. It is unknown if the application of the full "Sports Finder" mask, as present on the current screens, will correct this issue in the SD9, as additional metering tests have not been done since development of the full masking. If metering errors do present with the SD9, on-camera exposure correction can be used to offset the error. To be safe, it is always advisable to take a test shot and check the histogram before beginning any critical work.

The “Plus” Prism

The Katz Eye™ focusing screen for the Sigma SD9/SD10 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.

Installation

Installation is not terribly difficult, but it does require care, a few basic tools, and a moderate amount of hand-eye coordination. Complete instructions, with plenty of photos, will be included with your purchase.

Please Note: Installation of the Katz Eye focusing screen for the Sigma SD9/SD10 requires slightly modifying the focusing screen retainer clip. The modification only involves bending two tabs and is not very difficult, but you will not be able to remount your original focusing screen once the modification is completed without purchasing a new retainer clip from Sigma. If you do not wish to modify the retainer clip yourself or want to keep your original retainer clip intact for future use, you may purchase a pre-modified clip from Katz Eye Optics for $10USD with the purchase of a focusing screen.

If you don’t feel confident installing the Katz Eye screen, we would be happy to advise your local camera shop or complete the installation for you. With the purchase of a pre-modified screen retainer clip , the installation is no different than installing a factory Sigma screen, so any competent shop should be able to handle the installation. 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.

Brightness Enhancement

Like all screens made by Katz Eye Optics, the Sigma SD9/SD10 screen can be OptiBrite brightness enhanced for the ultimate appearance. Click here for more information about the OptiBrite treatment.

Grid/Crop Lines

The Katz Eye™ focusing screens for the Sigma SD9/SD10 come with the "Sports Finder" area marked with bold crop lines, as described above. But if you need additional composition aids, the screens are available with a variety of standard designs of grid patterns or crop lines. We can also provide a custom pattern to your design. Click here for more information about our grid/crop line patterns.


Prism Type

Katz Eye “Plus” Split Prism w/Microprism Collar
OptiBrite Treatment

OptiBrite Brightness Enhancement Treatment

No
Yes - Add $55.00
Grid/Crop Lines

Click here to read more about our various composition aid patterns.

Retainer Clip

Pre-Modified Screen Retainer Clip

Include - Add $10.00
Special Terms & Conditions *

Unfortunately, continued problems with the construction quality of the Sigma cameras have made support for this screen difficult. While the Foveon sensor has excellent imaging properties, the opto-mechanical assemblies of the SD9/SD10 camera (mirror and such) do not seem to be of similar quality. There have been several cases where installation of a precision focusing screen revealed defects in the camera function, such as mirrors that don’t return consistently and focal plane misalignments. Because these problems kept recurring on a regular basis, it was our intention to discontinue the SD9/10 Katz Eye screens. However, due to customer demand, we have agreed to continue producing SD9/10 screens, but only under the following conditions:
  1. Our normal 100% satisfaction guarantee policy does not apply. The SD9/10 Katz Eye screen is only returnable if it is defective and if it is completely undamaged. Focus miscalibration will not be taken as evidence of a defective screen.
  2. Our technical support is limited - we can provide assistance with the installation, but we cannot support any issues related to camera function, alignment, or focus calibration.
In order to purchase a Katz Eye screen for the Sigma SD9/10, you must agree to these terms & conditions before adding the screen to your shopping cart.


I accept the SD9/10 Purchase Terms & Conditions
Quantity *

  Price: $130.00 /ea.

Manufacturing Time

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.



Supported Models
Canon DSLRs

Fuji DSLRs

Kodak DSLRs

Leica DSLRs

Nikon DSLRs

Olympus DSLRs

Panasonic DSLRs

Pentax DSLRs

Sigma DSLRs

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Specials & Closeouts

Installation Service
Policies & Info
The Katz Eye™ “Plus”

Grid/Crop Lines

OptiBrite - Brightness Enhancement

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