What focusing screen for 1D series ?

Hi guys,

I just got myself a Brand new 1D MKII and I already own a 1D.
I'd like to get another focusing screen for these cameras.
Which one should I get ? One of my main concern is to keep the horizon level.
Or to have some lines for rule of thirds is a plus for me.

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search
or
http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …EG&addedTroughT​ype=search

Are those focusing screens foreseen for x1.3 FOV crop cameras ?

Thanks in advance,

MikeG

Those screens will certainly fit the 1D holder, but you will crop out the outer portion of the grid. Its not scaled for thirds anyway, so that shouldn't matter, it will certainly help with horizons.
Other screen manufactures include Beattie (also in the B&H catalogue) and Brightscreen.com both of which have grid line screens with or W/O split screen. The Brightscreen can be gridded for thirds, but some have complained that the lines were too bold and distracting.
Mike K

I replaced my 1DMK2 screen with the split-screen Ec-B and am very happy with it as I manual focus a lot. It sounds like you should be getting Ec-D with the grid lines. It should cost you no more than $30 or so.

any one have an idea how about how the Ec-S works on the 1dmkII? (non-N version).

I'd love to have a split screen EC-B but also love my stocker EC with the 45 point AF highlights. I use center focus a lot, but wonder what is lost when you go to split screen.

Sorry to jack this thread in any way.....but do they sell focusing screens for 300D's or 20D/30D's? If so, where can I find them. I've looked a little and couldn't seem to find them. Thanks.

Actually its written somewhere in the manual, the Ec-B split screen focusing screen CAN give some problems to the cerntral AF point on the 1D2N. Actually I have it and use it a lot, but only when I'm going to manual focus. Otherwise, I'll just pop in the standard screen, just to make sure that my center point won't be messed up.

I know that I should do some serious testing on the matter, and if no big issue arise, just leave the EC-B on, but I need to find the time... Maybe this summer...

That's close but not quite right. It's the exposure spot meter that can be affected because the sensors are behind the focus screen and can be affected by the partial blackout that you get with slow (f/5.6 or smaller) lenses.

The AF sensors are in the bottom of the mirror box and can't be affected by anything that you do to the focus screen.

Foxbat is correct here. AF is never affected by focusing screens, but the 1DmkII manual says not to use Evaluative or Center Spot metering as the spot may affect these. I did many a test with the EcB spot screen and found only very minor differences in exposure in evaluative Vs center weighted (recoomended for EcB) usually the exact same exposure, sometimes + or - 1/3 EV. Tried focusing on all types of subjects and the difference is very little.

Someone also asked about the EcS screen on the non N 1D. Only the most recent 5D and 1dmkIIN have the CF 00 setting for the EcS or EeS screens. The exposure curve is different. You can install the EcS screen fine and as an AF aid it would work great, but you are on your own trial and error method reviewing the histogram to check the exposure. Chuck Westfall indicated that the curve for this screen is non linear transform from the stock one, thus as simple offset would not work.

As for ordering screens, the Canon ones are about $32 at B&H except the new blackout ones which come as a set. B&H also have Beattie. Brightscreen.com sell ones with a very large central area, split screen or microprism only, as they are cut down from MF use. For envious 20D, 350D owners the screens aren't designed to be user replacable, but it can be done. For screens and tutorials on this topic:
http://www.katzeyeopti​cs.com …non-DSLRs--cat_canon.html
http://groups.yahoo.co​m/group/screen4DSLR/
Mike K

You're right, I went to check the manual before going to bed and found that this was the right explanation. Sorry for the misleading info, Mikeg.