Nikon D 7000 Viewfinder: I have some problems manual focusing my D7000, consistently. I am thinking of changing the viewfinder screen for a third party Split Image, like my old Minolta...

Bruce M. Loc: Longueuil, Quebec, CANADA

I have some problems manual focusing my D7000, consistently. I am thinking of changing the viewfinder screen for a third party Split Image, like my old Minolta XKM, which was far more accurate. I realize there is 1/3 stop penalty but can live with that. Has anyone actually performed the Surgery, and is it as easy as their images show it to be?????

edgorm Loc: Rockaway, New York

Do you focus by eye or rely on the rangefinder? I find that, in most instances, the rangefinder works well. Other times, if it's not too critical, I let DOF take care of the focus. If I have the time, I sometimes focus manually and chimp each shot then make adjustments till I get it right. I didn't know that you can replace the screen. I guess the penalty would be a matter of personal choice. I like mine the way it is.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Look at the Brightscreen option from Katz Eye, no light loss and maybe even some light gain using it.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I'm waiting on one now....and should be here in a week or so.
This is instillation for a D5100...not sure about the D7000.
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/files/install_13.pdf

HEART Loc: God's Country - COLORADO

Katz Eye for the D7000:
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Nikon-D7000-Focusing-Screen--prod_D7000.html

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

Bruce M. wrote:

I have some problems manual focusing my D7000, consistently. I am thinking of changing the viewfinder screen for a third party Split Image, like my old Minolta XKM, which was far more accurate. I realize there is 1/3 stop penalty but can live with that. Has anyone actually performed the Surgery, and is it as easy as their images show it to be?????

I have installed a KatzEye screen on mine.
Not that hard to do- once you get over how really small it is compared to a full frame camera. (or RB 67 screen)
I wish the rangefinder & microprism collar were a bit bigger, but it does seem to help. Haven't noticed ANY exposure compensation being needed.
Need to remember to turn off the focus points- they get distracting.

I really want one for the D800!

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

GoofyNewfie wrote:

Bruce M. wrote:

I have some problems manual focusing my D7000, consistently. I am thinking of changing the viewfinder screen for a third party Split Image, like my old Minolta XKM, which was far more accurate. I realize there is 1/3 stop penalty but can live with that. Has anyone actually performed the Surgery, and is it as easy as their images show it to be?????

Need to remember to turn off the focus points- they get distracting.

Exactly why I manually focus.

RTR Loc: West Central Alabama

Bret, please report back on your experience after you install and begin using the katzeye.

paulevy Loc: Lawrenceville, NJ USA

MT--
Did you install this yourself? Did you get the brightscreen option or just the focusing screen?

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

paulevy wrote:

MT--
Did you install this yourself? Did you get the brightscreen option or just the focusing screen?

I installed one in my Nikon F5, but have not bought one for any of my DSLRs. GoofyNewfie installed his own. The screens come with a tool and instructions to install them yourself though.

GoofyNewfie Loc: Kansas City

I got the brighscreen version.
I don't know how it compares to the standard version, but the literature said it would be beneficial in low light.

Had to make sure my glasses were clean and lots of light to work with to make the swap. That puppy is really small!

Florida Shooter Loc: Lake Worth, FL

I replaced my original with one from Katzeye. It took 8 minutes.

It's not hard. Just stay calm.

bdo Loc: Colorado

MT Shooter wrote:

Look at the Brightscreen option from Katz Eye, no light loss and maybe even some light gain using it.

MT,

If I'm not mistaken, Katz Eye and Brightscreen are two different companies, offering different products.

For one discussion of the two (different forum):

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/29367509

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

bdo wrote:

MT Shooter wrote:

Look at the Brightscreen option from Katz Eye, no light loss and maybe even some light gain using it.

MT,

If I'm not mistaken, Katz Eye and Brightscreen are two different companies, offering different products.

For one discussion of the two (different forum):

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/post/29367509

You are right, Katzeye calls their bright screen option "OptiBright".
I heard the owner of Brightscreen has died and the continuation of the company is in question.

Waxhouse Loc: Tampa Via Philadelphia

Bret,
If you could, please post here as to how the install went,

Thanks,
AL