split focus: I remember, back in the day, having a wonderful split focusing screen for my old timey film SLR. These days, it seems, they have gone out of style. But I found a company...

iosa Loc: Fairbanks, AK

I remember, back in the day, having a wonderful split focusing screen for my old timey film SLR. These days, it seems, they have gone out of style. But I found a company (Katz Eye Optics) that makes split focusing screens for some DSLRs (notably, Canon 7D, which is my particular camera).

Does anyone know if this is worthwhile? Do you loose AF capability? Does it get in the way of any normal functions? What're the pros and cons?

Danilo Loc: Las Vegas

Yeah, I remember those screens. I always found them distracting, and changed either to a grid-screen or just plain ground-glass. And in dim light 1/2 of the little circle would black out if your eye was not lined up on the optical axis of the viewfinder.
I think they're not so popular because 1) the majority of shooters are using autofocus and 2) the viewfinder on crop frame sensor cameras (most cameras today) are not really good enough for convenient manual focusing.
It wouldn't interfere with your autofocus, or any other camera function.
You might have to try one, though, just to see if you like it...

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Split-screen focusing is a real boon for macro-photography, where critical focus is absolute imperative. eBay list several screen which can be installed by photographer or camera technician. I prefer the 45-degree angle split, but have found only horizontal splits for either my Nikon D90 or Nikon D5000.

Mudshark Loc: Illinois

It would seem a large step to the rear. Why would someone want to do this...? And I agree with the above person...I used to do the same thing...dump the split finders and buy plain matt circles...way better...and that was a long time before AF!!!

penguinpete

Let's expand the question: Does anyone make alternative focusing screens of ANY sort (split/grid/matte) for those of us with failing eyesight who would prefer not to use AF all the time, but would allow it when desired?

-- Pete

Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA

Here is my eBay search results for "split screen D90":
http://www.ebay.com/sch/Cameras-Photo-/625/i.html?_kw=split&_kw=screen&_kw=D90&_dmpt=Digital_Camera_Accessories&_trksid=m194&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSRCHX:SRCH

You can search the same for your camera model.

hangman45 Loc: Hueytown Alabama

http://www.focusingscreen.com/

Gidgette Loc: Boerne,Texas

iosa wrote:

I remember, back in the day, having a wonderful split focusing screen for my old timey film SLR. These days, it seems, they have gone out of style. But I found a company (Katz Eye Optics) that makes split focusing screens for some DSLRs (notably, Canon 7D, which is my particular camera).

Does anyone know if this is worthwhile? Do you loose AF capability? Does it get in the way of any normal functions? What're the pros and cons?

MT Shooter uses one, you might PM him and ask him if he doesn't see this forum. They are supposed to come with self installation directions. Mine didn't so I'm waiting to get it installed. You can download the installation directions if need to. I don't trust myself to do it.