Steve'sDigicams

BZChi7d · Dec 18, 2009, 4:07 AM

I need help!

I have a coupld of fast m42 manual lenses and it's a pain to focus thru the small viewfinder of my 400d. So i thought i'd buy one of these ?

do these help ? do you have a better suggestion ? any feedback is appreciated!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Split-Image-Fo...#ht_3254wt_940

TCav · Dec 18, 2009, 6:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BZChi7d

I have a coupld of fast m42 manual lenses and it's a pain to focus thru the small viewfinder of my 400d. So i thought i'd buy one of these ?

A different focusing screen won't make your viewfinder any larger, and the split image/microprism can impede the use of your AF system's center focus point, the most accurate focus point on your camera, limiting the success you currently enjoy with your AF lenses.

JimC · Dec 18, 2009, 8:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCav

A different focusing screen won't make your viewfinder any larger, and the split image/microprism can impede the use of your AF system's center focus point, the most accurate focus point on your camera, limiting the success you currently enjoy with your AF lenses.

A new focusing screen should have no impact on a camera's autofocus performance (the AF sensors are located in the bottom of the mirror box and aren't impacted by the focusing screen). But, metering accuracy can be impacted by a new focusing screen.

BZChi7d · Dec 18, 2009, 9:41 AM

do you have a solution then ?

JimC · Dec 18, 2009, 10:34 AM

Use Exposure Compensation if it throws off your metering. ;-)

Here's a recent thread discussing some of the options from popular manufacturers. I see one member mentioning that the Katz Eye design is a little better. You'll have to dig around to see how they compare.

http://forums.steves-digicams.com/pe...re-lenses.html

RobertDavis · Dec 21, 2009, 8:32 PM

I thought there was a setting or button you can push on the 400D so that the camera beeps when your lens is in focus with a manual lens?

JimC · Dec 23, 2009, 6:51 AM

You can get focus confirmation when using an Autofocus lens with manual focus.

But, not with a lens via an adapter, unless you're using one with a chip built in that fools the camera into thinking it's got an Autofocus lens attached. You'll see those types of adapters advertised as having AF confirmation ability.

Dec 18, 2009, 4:07 AM	#1
BZChi7d Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 30	Focusing Screen 400D I need help! I have a coupld of fast m42 manual lenses and it's a pain to focus thru the small viewfinder of my 400d. So i thought i'd buy one of these ? do these help ? do you have a better suggestion ? any feedback is appreciated! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Split-Image-Fo...#ht_3254wt_940

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Dec 18, 2009, 9:41 AM	#4
BZChi7d Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 30	do you have a solution then ?

Dec 18, 2009, 10:34 AM	#5
JimC Administrator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Savannah, GA (USA) Posts: 22,378	Use Exposure Compensation if it throws off your metering. ;-) Here's a recent thread discussing some of the options from popular manufacturers. I see one member mentioning that the Katz Eye design is a little better. You'll have to dig around to see how they compare. http://forums.steves-digicams.com/pe...re-lenses.html

Dec 21, 2009, 8:32 PM	#6
RobertDavis Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dunmore, PA Posts: 19	I thought there was a setting or button you can push on the 400D so that the camera beeps when your lens is in focus with a manual lens?

Dec 23, 2009, 6:51 AM	#7
JimC Administrator Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Savannah, GA (USA) Posts: 22,378	You can get focus confirmation when using an Autofocus lens with manual focus. But, not with a lens via an adapter, unless you're using one with a chip built in that fools the camera into thinking it's got an Autofocus lens attached. You'll see those types of adapters advertised as having AF confirmation ability.