40D Focus Screens

Has anyone changed the focus screen on the 40D? I was just wondering how easy it is and how "dangerous" it would be to cause damage. Also, if anyone has used the EF-S screen does it make focusing significantly easier? In other words, is it worth it? I can see where the EF-D screen (grid) would be beneficial for architecture and landscape photography. I just don't know how much better the EF-S screen would be.

I have changed screens and I'm using the EF-S screen currently. The screens are very easy to replace as long as you pay attention to the instructions that come with the new screens. It's a matter of a minute to change them out.

The EF-S screen is worth it in low light conditions and with a fast lens (f/2.8 or better).

Mark

I changed mine for a Katz Eye split image screen. The screen came with a tool, which made it a doddle to change, and the 40D is designed to have its focus screen changed, so the whole thing was ridiculously easy.

wintoid wrote in post #4388024
I changed mine for a Katz Eye split image screen. The screen came with a tool, which made it a doddle to change, and the 40D is designed to have its focus screen changed, so the whole thing was ridiculously easy.

could you link me a web site with this screen?

thanks

I have quite dodgy eyes, and even with autofocus im not sure if the focus is correct, so I am also wondering if another focus screen will be of help to me. (Canon 40D)

If so, which would be better for me, the Katz Eye Split screen or the Canon EF-S screen?
Thanks
Ben

Mark_Cohran wrote in post #4387352
I have changed screens and I'm using the EF-S screen currently. The screens are very easy to replace as long as you pay attention to the instructions that come with the new screens. It's a matter of a minute to change them out.

The EF-S screen is worth it in low light conditions and with a fast lens (f/2.8 or better).

Mark

I have the EF-S screen too, but I couldn't see the effect other than the darkened viewfinder so I reinstalled the original screen back on.

Btw, I have 2-3 small spots inside the viewfinder (the screen was clean). I used a flashlight to check and sure enough that the dust spots were in the inside of the prism. Can canon clean this when I send it for annual cleaning?

ChucklesKY wrote in post #4387348
Has anyone changed the focus screen on the 40D? I was just wondering how easy it is and how "dangerous" it would be to cause damage. Also, if anyone has used the EF-S screen does it make focusing significantly easier? In other words, is it worth it? I can see where the EF-D screen (grid) would be beneficial for architecture and landscape photography. I just don't know how much better the EF-S screen would be.

I've changed them on my 5D and it was quite easy. The screen comes with a tool you use to just slip the old one out and the new one in. Don't know about the EF-S, I use the grid screen myself. I plan on getting one for the 40D shortly.

Ron

Okay, I think I'm going to go ahead and order an EF-S screen. But before I do I too would like to know a little about this Katz Eye Split Image screen.

S2000 wrote in post #4388213
could you link me a web site with this screen?

thanks

http://www.katzeyeopti​cs.com/

how will the EF-S make the focusin easier though? The only effect I could see was the darkened viewfinder

Here's the Katz Eye Opticswebsite. Those are some pricey focus screens. They're made to order. You can get various optional grids added and brightness enhancement. The split image one with added brightness enhancement and "rule of thirds" grid would be sweet. But at $195 I don't know. Of course the "basic" split image one is $95. Still, Canon's EF-S screen is $35 at B&H. Those Katz Eye screens must be high quality. I would love to hear from some who have used them.

Edit: Sorry, didn't notice that the website was posted two posts earlier. I just googled it and found it. I guess if I would pay attention I could've saved myself some time.:o

Its been along time since i've used slr's. The one thing that i've really missed is those old school focus rings in the viewfinder. My old K1000 had them and I was wondering if i could see them on the 40D.

So you can just buy something that does that and install it in a 40D?

Here is another one, Haoda focusing screen:

http://home.kc.rr.com/​educ/screen/index.html

http://tech.groups.yah​oo.com/group/screen4DS​LR/

carianoff wrote in post #4389469
Its been along time since i've used slr's. The one thing that i've really missed is those old school focus rings in the viewfinder. My old K1000 had them and I was wondering if i could see them on the 40D.

So you can just buy something that does that and install it in a 40D?

Yeah, check out my link above. Some of the grids they offer are identical to the old Pentax screens. Looking at them reminds me of the good ol' days! Check it out here.

Hmmmmm, according to the 40D manual the EF-S screen is dark if the lens used is slower than f/2.8 and it is recommended if most of your focusing is done manually. The Katz Eye Optics screens have all kinds of exposure compensation depending on what f-stop you're shooting. Sometimes it may be up and sometimes it may be down depending on what aperature setting and what method of metering. Also, "spot metering is not recommended when using a split prism focusing screen except with very fast prime lenses." On second thought, I think I may just stick with the OEM screen for now.

It disturbs me when I post most of the replies to my own thread!