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 SD10Viewfinder with Split Prism & Microprism Ring
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
