I'm actually in the process of replacing all my split-prism screens with plain screens, where possible. I find split-prisms annoying as they're never where you need them, and focus and recompose introduces errors with close subjects and wide-open fast glass, which is a common situation for me.
The M645 and F3 have plain microprism screens, the LX has a grid screen (my preference), while the MX and FA await new screens (going to put an Pentax grid screen in the LX and move the Beattie grid to the MX, and get a K3 screen for the FA), my other bodies all lack interchangable screens (As a list, this includes my Chinon CM-3 and Spotmatic SP Screwmount bodies, the latter of which also lacks the annoying split-screen, the Chinon CP-6 and Ricoh KR-5sv K mount bodies and the Nikon EM and F601m. Only the Chinon's and the EM see regular use though) -Adam Shel Belinkoff wrote: > <SIGH> & <LOL> > > First of all, the newer auto focus cameras, including the DSLR's, don't > have split image finders as standard. I'm not even sure that you can get > one other than custom made. Had you ever used a new camera you'd know > this. In addition, the screens, even the standard screens, are much > brighter than the screens on older cameras, like the Spotties, K1000's, > KX's, and so on. So, it's pretty easy to see through the viewfinder at > smaller apertures compared to the earlier cameras. Your lack of experience > with contemporary Pentax cameras is showing. You are speaking from a > position of ignorance - which is not a very strong position ;-)) > > Just for grins, I attached a ST 105/2.8 to my istDS, set the aperture to > F/8.0, and discovered that I had absolutely no difficulty focusing quickly > and easily. All the more interesting is that it's a dull grey, overcast > morning here and I was focusing on the tree in front of my office through > window glass as well. > > Shel > > >> J. C. O'Connell wrote: > >> Yes but its harder to focus which makes it slower not quicker >> Especially at smaller fstops. Most split image and other focus aids >> In the viewfinders don't even work at F5.6 or slower so what >> You are saying makes no sense. Focus will be slower and less >> Accurate, and in low light your be making it harder to compose >> Too. > > > -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net
