CHG_CANON wrote:
"Focusing Screen"?
Do you mean the mirror inside the camera body?
There actually was a problem with the mirror coming loose in the original 5D. There was a recall and free fix for it. You can tell if the fix has been done by checking the perimeter of the mirror in the camera. If you see four little clips at the edges, the fix has been done.
I don't believe this was a problem on 5DII.
CHG_CANON wrote:
When I search focusing screen in the EOS 5DII manual, that tool is an electronic menu setting, not something physical. From your description it sounds like the mirror inside the camera, something I've never experienced, but a problem I think the original 5D had. If this is the problem, maybe your EOS 5DII is reaching end of life?
The 5DII manual references the interchangeable focus screens several places. On page 203 are shown the Custom Function settings needed to calibrate the metering system for the screen being used. On page 232 the system of accessories is shown. The Eg-A "standard" screen that comes with the camera is shown there, as well as the Eg-D "grid" screen and Eg-S "high precision" screen. On page 235 in the camera specifications, under "viewfinder" is mentioned "Focus screen: Interchangeable, Eg-A focus screen provided, two other types sold separately." There may be some other mentions of the screens elsewhere in the manual. These are just the ones I found with a quick look.
CHG_CANON wrote:
As said in the Q&A for this product listing on B&H: There is no need for it, 5D Mark ii's view finder has an option for grids....
B&H info is incorrect...
If you want to see a
grid in the viewfinder, you must install interchangeable screen Eg-D. (a 5 x 5 grid). There also is Eg-S which is a high precision screen that I believe is intended for especially large aperture lenses like the 50mm f/1.2 and 85mm f/1.2. I haven't used, so can't say how it works. The camera comes with Eg-A screen, which is slightly brighter than the other two.
I have a 5DII right here and it's got the Eg-D grid focus screen in it. I know because I bought the screen along with the camera and installed it myself. Somewhere I've got the "plain" Eg-A screen that came out of the camera, too.
Yes, I recall having the focus screen come loose once while out with the camera. Don't recall if it happened while shooting or just while carrying the camera. But it wasn't damaged in any way, so I just carefully put it back in place and went back to shooting.
If you want to see a
grid in Live View, that can simply be turned on in the 5DII's menu. This is probably what B&H is referencing. Page 113 of the manual shows how to enable either a 2 x 2 (rule of thirds) or a 5 x 5 grid on the rear LCD during Live View.