20D split focusing screens

loupgarou · 6th April 2005

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canond...g/message/5149

FYI:

I've got some great news - after considerable R&D, I finally have
improved focusing screens available for the Canon 20D - laser matte
with a split prism and a microprism collar, very similar to the one
you'd find in the Nikon FM3A and many other SLR's. They are a
direct replacement with no modifications required to the camera at
all. The split prism with microprism ring is a great combination and
it doesn't seem to have any significant effect on metering with
the 20D. In evaluative or centerweighted modes, it tested dead on.
In the partial mode, it appeared to overexpose by about 1 stop, which
is well within the range of exposure compensation available on the
camera. And to be honest, I didn't fully test this camera's
meter with the original screen , so it might not actually be different
at all (I did my development on a borrowed camera and I was a bit
pressed for time). In any case, centerweighted and evaluative modes
appear to work perfectly, so the screen should be very satisfying.
Another nice bonus with the 20D is that unlike the Rebel, the focus
indicator rectangles and the composition circle are on a separate
screen right behind the focusing screen, so the new screen will have
no effect on the focus indicator lights. The focus indicator
rectangles and original composition circle will show on top of the
focusing aids of the new screen.

The price for the screen is $110USD, which includes USPS Priority Mail
shipping in the USA. If you're outside the US, let me know where
and I'll get you a shipping quote. I handle my payments through
PayPal(www.paypal.com) to the account rachael7(at)comcast.net. You can
use your choice of payment methods, including credit cards. Be sure to
note what you are ordering and provide a complete shipping address
with phone number. Screens are made to order - I typically make a
batch each weekend and ship on Mondays.

The screen looks excellent as it is (it's a very smooth laser
matte outside the focus aid), but if you want the ultimate appearance
I can have it treated to improve its brightness. I use a process
called Hi-Lux which is provided by Maxwell Precision Optics. The
treatment will increase the apparent brightness by about 2 stops or
more and is particularly useful for slower lenses or low light. The
difference is only barely noticeable with a fast lens (f2 or better)
and bright light, but the Hi-Lux treatment helps more and more as
things get dimmer; it's like night and day at f5.6+. If you want
the Hi-Lux treatment, it will cost an additional $50USD and add about
10 days to the shipping time (for the roundtrip to Maxwell).

In case you're wondering, I'm still making screens for the 300D as
well - drop me a line and I'd be happy to send you some information.
I'd also very much like to add the 10D to my lineup, but as yet I
haven't had access to one to do my reverse engineering. If you have
one you'd be willing to lend me for a few weeks, I'll happily send it
back with a new focusing screen installed for your trouble.

If you need more information or have any questions, feel free to drop
me an email.

Take care,
Rachael :-)

agape01 · 6th April 2005

Actually, if you all are looking for such screens, the best screen available is the Beattie Screen.

That is a Grid lined split screen. What this means that it is a grid screen and split screen at the same time.

You can look for this in B&H website.

At the same time and if loupgarou knows, I am not sure whether would the 20D be able to change focusing screens.

Xpose · 6th April 2005

heard abt this racheal person from other forums, their comment is that the price is a bit way too steep, might as well f care the af comfirmation mark and do the mod, cheaper and easy on your wallet too. Anyway, the mod I did did not totally lose the af mark loh, can ask pq23 too, I just help him with the mod recently

Feinwerkbau · 7th April 2005

Hmm, does anyone know how to contact 'Rachel'?

I've dug up an old Mamiya screen and am willing to explore with my 10D.

denniskee · 7th April 2005

Any idea if 20D screen is the same size as D60? Thanks.

loupgarou · 7th April 2005

Originally Posted by Feinwerkbau

Hmm, does anyone know how to contact 'Rachel'?

I've dug up an old Mamiya screen and am willing to explore with my 10D.

join the yahoogroup and you can email her.

6th April 2005	#1
loupgarou Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 1,794	20D split focusing screens http://groups.yahoo.com/group/canond...g/message/5149 FYI: I've got some great news - after considerable R&D, I finally have improved focusing screens available for the Canon 20D - laser matte with a split prism and a microprism collar, very similar to the one you'd find in the Nikon FM3A and many other SLR's. They are a direct replacement with no modifications required to the camera at all. The split prism with microprism ring is a great combination and it doesn't seem to have any significant effect on metering with the 20D. In evaluative or centerweighted modes, it tested dead on. In the partial mode, it appeared to overexpose by about 1 stop, which is well within the range of exposure compensation available on the camera. And to be honest, I didn't fully test this camera's meter with the original screen , so it might not actually be different at all (I did my development on a borrowed camera and I was a bit pressed for time). In any case, centerweighted and evaluative modes appear to work perfectly, so the screen should be very satisfying. Another nice bonus with the 20D is that unlike the Rebel, the focus indicator rectangles and the composition circle are on a separate screen right behind the focusing screen, so the new screen will have no effect on the focus indicator lights. The focus indicator rectangles and original composition circle will show on top of the focusing aids of the new screen. The price for the screen is $110USD, which includes USPS Priority Mail shipping in the USA. If you're outside the US, let me know where and I'll get you a shipping quote. I handle my payments through PayPal(www.paypal.com) to the account rachael7(at)comcast.net. You can use your choice of payment methods, including credit cards. Be sure to note what you are ordering and provide a complete shipping address with phone number. Screens are made to order - I typically make a batch each weekend and ship on Mondays. The screen looks excellent as it is (it's a very smooth laser matte outside the focus aid), but if you want the ultimate appearance I can have it treated to improve its brightness. I use a process called Hi-Lux which is provided by Maxwell Precision Optics. The treatment will increase the apparent brightness by about 2 stops or more and is particularly useful for slower lenses or low light. The difference is only barely noticeable with a fast lens (f2 or better) and bright light, but the Hi-Lux treatment helps more and more as things get dimmer; it's like night and day at f5.6+. If you want the Hi-Lux treatment, it will cost an additional $50USD and add about 10 days to the shipping time (for the roundtrip to Maxwell). In case you're wondering, I'm still making screens for the 300D as well - drop me a line and I'd be happy to send you some information. I'd also very much like to add the 10D to my lineup, but as yet I haven't had access to one to do my reverse engineering. If you have one you'd be willing to lend me for a few weeks, I'll happily send it back with a new focusing screen installed for your trouble. If you need more information or have any questions, feel free to drop me an email. Take care, Rachael :-)

7th April 2005	#5
denniskee Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: bukit batok Posts: 4,211	Any idea if 20D screen is the same size as D60? Thanks. __________________ photography makes one sees things from all angles.

6th April 2005	#2
agape01 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Somewhere Out There Posts: 2,255	Actually, if you all are looking for such screens, the best screen available is the Beattie Screen. That is a Grid lined split screen. What this means that it is a grid screen and split screen at the same time. You can look for this in B&H website. At the same time and if loupgarou knows, I am not sure whether would the 20D be able to change focusing screens.

6th April 2005	#3
Xpose Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Posts: 259	heard abt this racheal person from other forums, their comment is that the price is a bit way too steep, might as well f care the af comfirmation mark and do the mod, cheaper and easy on your wallet too. Anyway, the mod I did did not totally lose the af mark loh, can ask pq23 too, I just help him with the mod recently

7th April 2005	#4
Feinwerkbau Deregistered Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 836	Hmm, does anyone know how to contact 'Rachel'? I've dug up an old Mamiya screen and am willing to explore with my 10D.