5D: ee-s screen and metering

Moderated by: Fred Miranda

Visit the FM Store · Image Upload · Buy & Sell
FM Forum Rules
Canon SLRs, primes, and zooms lenses reviews

FM Forums | Canon-mount SLRs | Join Image Upload

2 end

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #1 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

What effect would changing the focus screen from standard ee-a to ee-s have on the metering system? My understanding is as follows:

1. The ee-s lets in less light than the ee-a.
2. The metering system meters through the focusing screen.
3. Images captured by the sensor does not go through the focusing screen.

So changing from the ee-a to ee-s screen without changing custom function 00 will cause the metering to be fooled into thinking the scene is darker than it really is and lead to overexposed photos.

The point of custom function 00 to select the corresponding screen is to tell the metering system to compensate for the light changes caused by the different focusing screens.

Is my understanding correct? Thanks!

Edited on Jul 02, 2009 at 01:13 AM · View previous versions

Jul 02, 2009 at 12:57 AM

Future Man
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #2 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

I believe everything you said is correct.

Jul 02, 2009 at 01:02 AM

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #3 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Future Man wrote:
I believe everything you said is correct.

Thanks Future Man.

I have a follow up question: Has anyone bought an ee-s screen that does NOT have the identifying "S" on the removal tab?

I guess what leads me to these questions is: I have two focusing screens. One that came with my camera, the other supposedly an ee-s screen. But I'm having a hard time distinguishing the two. I'm trying to find ways to prove one way or the other whether one of them is in fact the ee-s screen and the other the ee-a screen.

Thanks!

Jul 02, 2009 at 01:07 AM

Zara
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #4 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

javanutsy wrote:
Future Man wrote:
I believe everything you said is correct.

Thanks Future Man.

I have a follow up question: Has anyone bought an ee-s screen that does NOT have the identifying "S" on the removal tab?

I guess what leads me to these questions is: I have two focusing screens. One that came with my camera, the other supposedly an ee-s screen. But I'm having a hard time distinguishing the two. I'm trying to find ways to prove one way or the other whether one of them is in fact the ee-s screen and the other the ee-a screen.

Thanks!

If you use the Es-s screen with a large aperture lens, the shallow DoF should be very apparent in the viewfinder when focusing on close subjects compared to the stock screen. Even better, if you stop down to f/4 or f/5.6 and press your DOF Preview button the viewfinder image with an Ee-s screen will be significantly darker than with a stock screen.

If you don't see these differences with your Ee-s screen, then it's not an Ee-s screen.

Jul 02, 2009 at 02:54 AM

Pixel Perfect
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #5 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

CAn anyone tell me the effect with the ee-d screen as regards metering, VF brightness, and manual focusing. I once saw a claim the ee-d screen was intermediate between ee-a and ee-s, allowing for better manual focusing than the standard screen, and not affecting VF brightness as much with slower lenses. Or is the ee-d just an ee-a with grid lines?

Edited on Jul 02, 2009 at 03:04 AM · View previous versions

Jul 02, 2009 at 03:00 AM

Zara
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #6 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Pixel Perfect wrote:
CAn anyone tell me the effect with the ee-d screen as regards metering, VF brightness, and manual focusing. I once saw a claim the ee-d screen was intermediate between ee-a and ee-s, allowing for better maula focusing than the standard screen, and not affecting VF brightness as much with slower lenses. Or is the ee-d just an ee-a with grid lines?

I've never done a direct comparison, but have used both and haven't noticed any difference between the ee-d and the ee-a except for the grid lines

Jul 02, 2009 at 03:02 AM

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #7 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Zara wrote:
If you use the Es-s screen with a large aperture lens, the shallow DoF should be very apparent in the viewfinder when focusing on close subjects compared to the stock screen. Even better, if you stop down to f/4 or f/5.6 and press your DOF Preview button the viewfinder image with an Ee-s screen will be significantly darker than with a stock screen.

If you don't see these differences with your Ee-s screen, then it's not an Ee-s screen.

Thanks Zara. You are confirming my understanding.

Jul 02, 2009 at 03:06 PM

KamilRakyta
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #8 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Pixel: I've got both EG-S and EG-D... EG-D have same perceptuall brightness as EG-A only have additional grid lines - for me, there is no difference in metering (you have to change settings on camera of course). Now I'm using EG-S and I'm very pleased with it - finally I can see focusing plane (which was impossible for me with EG-A) and can focus manually when needed.

Jul 02, 2009 at 08:36 PM

KINGOFKNGS
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #9 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

javanutsy wrote:
Future Man wrote:
I believe everything you said is correct.

Thanks Future Man.

I have a follow up question: Has anyone bought an ee-s screen that does NOT have the identifying "S" on the removal tab?

I guess what leads me to these questions is: I have two focusing screens. One that came with my camera, the other supposedly an ee-s screen. But I'm having a hard time distinguishing the two. I'm trying to find ways to prove one way or the other whether one of them is in fact the ee-s screen and the other the ee-a screen.

Thanks!

If I remember correctly, the standard screen will not show any change in DOF below 2.8 (could be wrong on this number). The Ee-S will. So, I'm assuming that you have a wider lens than 2.8 since you purchased this screen. Anyway, put on the wider lens and press the DOF preview button. If the DOF changes when you move around below 2.8, you have an "S" screen.

Jul 02, 2009 at 08:57 PM

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #10 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

KINGOFKNGS wrote:
If I remember correctly, the standard screen will not show any change in DOF below 2.8 (could be wrong on this number). The Ee-S will. So, I'm assuming that you have a wider lens than 2.8 since you purchased this screen. Anyway, put on the wider lens and press the DOF preview button. If the DOF changes when you move around below 2.8, you have an "S" screen.

OK, I can check that again... I did some tests last night and I'm 100% sure the screen I received is identical to the one I had. Swapping between the 2 screens, testing at F2.8, F4, F8, F11, looking through the viewfinder with the DOF button pressed, and metering. I am getting the same exact results with the 2 screens. The dimness of the viewfinder is the same. When in AV mode and in the above F stops, the shutter speed determined by the camera is the exact same...

I'm trying to give the guy the benefit of the doubt, but at this point, I'm losing hope of recovering my money. It comes down to his word against mine. I might try to post this ee-a screen up for sale to attempt to recoup some of my losses...

Jul 02, 2009 at 09:13 PM

KamilRakyta
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #11 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

javanutsy: you don't have to check it that way... EG-S is visibly (maybe 1-2 stops) darker, not only little bit... it can be seen at first glance through viewfinder.

Jul 02, 2009 at 09:16 PM

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #12 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

KamilRakyta wrote:
javanutsy: you don't have to check it that way... EG-S is visibly (maybe 1-2 stops) darker, not only little bit... it can be seen at first glance through viewfinder.

That's the thing... It should look apparent right away. The fact that it didn't led me to run all the other tests, just to be sure... But even after doing all this, the seller does not believe me, even when I am now 100% positive I have received the ee-a instead of the ee-s.

Jul 02, 2009 at 09:25 PM

Zara
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #13 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

I just checked. My Ee-s screen definitely has an "S" etched into the little transfer tab that you grip to mount the screen. My Ee-d does not have any markings but the grid lines are readily apparent.

Jul 02, 2009 at 09:36 PM

Pixel Perfect
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #14 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Thanks Kamil for the heads up. That's a shame about the EG-D, as I would rather a grid screen than the EG-S, as I use a lot of slower lenses as well as fast ones. I was hoping the EG-D was better for manual focus. However, I don't have much trouble using the standard screen, only in low light.

Jul 03, 2009 at 02:05 AM

KINGOFKNGS
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #15 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

KamilRakyta wrote:
javanutsy: you don't have to check it that way... EG-S is visibly (maybe 1-2 stops) darker, not only little bit... it can be seen at first glance through viewfinder.

This is only so on slower lenses. If you put an 85L up with either of them, they'll be equally bright. Even a 70-200 2.8 should be the same. I think it's at f4 where they start to differ.

My Ee-S is clearly marked with the S.

Also, you mentioned the 2.8, 4, 5.6 series. The Ee-S and the stock screen should both display changing DOF here. Try using it at 1.8 to 2.0, or better yet, 1.2 to 1.4 to 1.8!

I purchased mine after I bought the 85L and couldn't even manually focus a sharp shot the majority of the time. The Ee-S was a great improvement over the stock screen.

Ryan

Jul 03, 2009 at 03:27 AM

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #16 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

The one I received does not have have the S mark. It has something that looks like a circle, exactly like the screen I had in my 5D.

I just tried going from 1.2, 1.4, 1.8... 2.8. I don't see any changes in DOF while pressing the DOF preview button. The VF gets slightly darker at 2.5 and 2.8 on, just like my original screen.

I get the same exact meter readings with both screens at all apertures in Av mode. The camera determined shutter speeds are exactly the same with both screens.

Clearly, I did not receive the ee-s screen as advertised. I think I have given up hope in working out a return/refund with the seller since he is adamant that he sent me the ee-s.

Anybody want a prestine ee-a focusing screen for the 5D? Comes with ee-s box, instructions, and the removal tool. $25 PP and shipped!

Jul 03, 2009 at 05:03 AM

KINGOFKNGS
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #17 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Sorry to hear! I hope things work out for you.

I would try and find the Ee-S screen still if you can. It's definitely worth it.

Jul 03, 2009 at 05:06 AM

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #18 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Yeah, I'll still try to find the ee-s screen. Every store I check is out of stock

Jul 03, 2009 at 05:21 AM

snooked123
Online
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #19 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

I am interested in installing the ee-s screen but I have two f4 lenses and I do use the DOF preview on them for hyperfocal distance etc. Can I use the ee-s screen or should I just put it in and see how it feels?

Jul 03, 2009 at 05:49 AM

KINGOFKNGS
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #20 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Snook--do you have ONLY f4 maximum lenses? If so, there is no need for the Ee-S screen. If you're worried about installing it and using it with f4 lenses, let me point out that it literally takes about 15 seconds to switch back to the Ee-A screen. I hope this helps.

Java--try Robertsimaging.com in Indianapolis. I walked in and bought one (last year). Nice people and good service, though I've never had anything shipped from them.

Jul 03, 2009 at 06:22 AM

javanutsy
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #21 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

King: just checked robertsimaging.com... they have the eg-s for the 5D2, but not the ee-s for the 5D. Thanks for the suggestion though

Jul 03, 2009 at 06:29 AM

snooked123
Online
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #22 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

I would like to try some manual focus primes but I cannot manually focus using 5d's current screen so I was hoping ee-s will help there.

Jul 03, 2009 at 07:14 AM

Don Clary
Offline
Buy and Sell: On

p.1 #23 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Has anyone bought an ee-s screen that does NOT have the identifying "S" on the removal tab?

Mine is a Canon screen and it has the "s" on the tab.

I would like to try some manual focus primes but I cannot manually focus using 5d's current screen so I was hoping ee-s will help there.

It definitely will help. I use it with my 3 Zeiss f2.8 lenses and one Zuiko f3.5 lens.

I have two f4 lenses... Can I use the ee-s screen?

Yes

Snook--do you have ONLY f4 maximum lenses? If so, there is no need for the Ee-S screen

There is a common misconception that the Ee-s screen will not work at all with lenses more closed than f2.8 (i.e f4). That is not true at all. It will work even at f5.6 because I used it to also focus a Canon 400mm f5.6 at near dusk (EV 6). It was quite difficult to focus and I didn't like the darkness of the screen, but it did work.

My own personal preference is it is O.K. with f4, but too dark for my liking at 5.6. And yes it is very easy and fast to change back to the normal screen.

Jul 03, 2009 at 06:30 PM

Mark Zwiesler
Offline
Image Upload: On

p.1 #24 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

javanutsy;
I've been waiting for the ee-s screen to become available, and can confirm no one has it in stock at the moment. It is even on back order at the Canon E-store. B&H will e-mail me when they have it in stock again, but they don't know when they will (I asked).

Mark

Jul 03, 2009 at 06:47 PM

KINGOFKNGS
Offline
Image Upload: Off

p.1 #25 · 5D: ee-s screen and metering

Snook--do you have ONLY f4 maximum lenses? If so, there is no need for the Ee-S screen

There is a common misconception that the Ee-s screen will not work at all with lenses more closed than f2.8 (i.e f4). That is not true at all. It will work even at f5.6 because I used it to also focus a Canon 400mm f5.6 at near dusk (EV 6). It was quite difficult to focus and I didn't like the darkness of the screen, but it did work.

My own personal preference is it is O.K. with f4, but too dark for my liking at 5.6. And yes it is very easy and fast to change back to the normal screen.

I don't disagree with this statement--the screen absolutely works with all lenses, it's just a matter of how dark the image gets through the viewfinder. I still stand by my statement though that there is no need for an Ee-S screen if you're only using lenses with maximum apertures of 2.8 or smaller.

Jul 03, 2009 at 06:51 PM


FM Forums \| Canon-mount SLRs \| Join Image Upload 1 2 end