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Archive 2004Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
p.1 #1Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
I have been contacted by at least half a dozen people of this forum on how to change 10D screen. Not all split screen works for 10D, at least those made by Canon will show back focus. I use screens for Contax 167MT camera, and it works perfectly.
Here is a link on how to change screens for 300D. The procedure should be similar for 10D/D30/D60. It is in traditional chinese, but one really does not need to read the text. I am too busy to translate it. Those pictures are enough to tell the story. I am not responsible for any accident that may occur during the process. Do it at your own risk!
http://mulder.nchc.org.tw/ckmax/Camra/DIYFocusingScreen01.htm
Good luck,
Cinstance
Here is a link on how to change screens for 300D. The procedure should be similar for 10D/D30/D60. It is in traditional chinese, but one really does not need to read the text. I am too busy to translate it. Those pictures are enough to tell the story. I am not responsible for any accident that may occur during the process. Do it at your own risk!
http://mulder.nchc.org.tw/ckmax/Camra/DIYFocusingScreen01.htm
Good luck,
Cinstance
Jul 05, 2004 at 09:15 PM
p.1 #2Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
What is the benefit of doing this to your camera?
Jul 05, 2004 at 09:45 PM
p.1 #3Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
chrisutley wrote:
What is the benefit of doing this to your camera?
Manual focus, especially if you do a lot of macro.
Jeff
What is the benefit of doing this to your camera?
Manual focus, especially if you do a lot of macro.
Jeff
Jul 05, 2004 at 09:53 PM
Ricardo Maui
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p.1 #4Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
uhhh is much easier with a 1D...1Ds or MKII.......
)
)Jul 05, 2004 at 10:28 PM
p.1 #5Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
here's another DIY but using old Nikon focus screen:
http://www.dchome.net/viewtopic.php?t=73507
http://www.dchome.net/viewtopic.php?t=73507
Jul 06, 2004 at 02:10 AM
p.1 #6Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
Ricardo Maui wrote:
uhhh is much easier with a 1D...1Ds or MKII.......)
True, but if I want to lug around a bulky, heavy camera I'll get a Contax 645 with a Phase One P25 back (22mp) and really go to town.
Otherwise I prefer to keep things smaller & lighter. I really like the prospect of using the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 on my 10D and actually being able to accurately focus.
-Dave-
uhhh is much easier with a 1D...1Ds or MKII.......
)True, but if I want to lug around a bulky, heavy camera I'll get a Contax 645 with a Phase One P25 back (22mp) and really go to town.
Otherwise I prefer to keep things smaller & lighter. I really like the prospect of using the Zeiss 85mm f/1.4 on my 10D and actually being able to accurately focus.-Dave-
Jul 06, 2004 at 12:52 PM
p.1 #7Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
I don't know what you guys are joking about but if this can be pulled off it is a dream come true for those that have inconsistent focusing on the 10D. It's either live with the inconsistent focusing or get a MKII.
With a split screen you can see in a second if it is in focus or not and you can just focus yourself.
I no longer have a 10D so I can't look, is there a simple release latch on the 10D to just get the focus screen out? It looks like that in the picture, no screws or anything else to remove? It seems just too easy.
~Peter
With a split screen you can see in a second if it is in focus or not and you can just focus yourself.
I no longer have a 10D so I can't look, is there a simple release latch on the 10D to just get the focus screen out? It looks like that in the picture, no screws or anything else to remove? It seems just too easy.
~Peter
Jul 06, 2004 at 05:12 PM
p.1 #8Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
Peter Gregg wrote:
I no longer have a 10D so I can't look, is there a simple release latch on the 10D to just get the focus screen out? It looks like that in the picture, no screws or anything else to remove? It seems just too easy.
~Peter
You are correct. It is super easy to remove. I can actually do it by two fingers without any tool. The picture in the link shows 300D's screen. The screen frame for the 10D actually is a little different. Instead of one latch, there are two on 10D. But they work in the same way.
Cinstance
I no longer have a 10D so I can't look, is there a simple release latch on the 10D to just get the focus screen out? It looks like that in the picture, no screws or anything else to remove? It seems just too easy.
~Peter
You are correct. It is super easy to remove. I can actually do it by two fingers without any tool. The picture in the link shows 300D's screen. The screen frame for the 10D actually is a little different. Instead of one latch, there are two on 10D. But they work in the same way.
Cinstance
Jul 06, 2004 at 07:39 PM
p.1 #9Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
Cinstance wrote:
I have been contacted by at least half a dozen people of this forum on how to change 10D screen. Not all split screen works for 10D, at least those made by Canon will show back focus. I use screens for Contax 167MT camera, and it works perfectly.
You think the Contax 167MT screen will also work for D30 ? What is it made of ? Plastic that can be cut with a cutter ?
I have been contacted by at least half a dozen people of this forum on how to change 10D screen. Not all split screen works for 10D, at least those made by Canon will show back focus. I use screens for Contax 167MT camera, and it works perfectly.
You think the Contax 167MT screen will also work for D30 ? What is it made of ? Plastic that can be cut with a cutter ?
Jul 06, 2004 at 08:21 PM
p.1 #10Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
I'd really like to have something like that on my 10D.
But I have two questions, does this have any effect on the 7 autofocus points that light up when it gets a valid lock, and is there aynone that does this modification for a fee (I don't trust myself to do it)?
Ian
But I have two questions, does this have any effect on the 7 autofocus points that light up when it gets a valid lock, and is there aynone that does this modification for a fee (I don't trust myself to do it)?
Ian
Jul 06, 2004 at 08:28 PM
p.1 #11Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
Pondria wrote:
You think the Contax 167MT screen will also work for D30 ? What is it made of ? Plastic that can be cut with a cutter ?
It is plastic. I cut it using a kitchen scissor
Cinstance wrote
I have been contacted by at least half a dozen people of this forum on how to change 10D screen. Not all split screen works for 10D, at least those made by Canon will show back focus. I use screens for Contax 167MT camera, and it works perfectly.It is plastic. I cut it using a kitchen scissor
Jul 06, 2004 at 08:46 PM
p.1 #12Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
OK, just ordered the Contax FU-4 screen. I'll report the progress. Please, pray for me. 
Jul 06, 2004 at 11:52 PM
p.1 #13Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
IanP wrote:
I'd really like to have something like that on my 10D.
But I have two questions, does this have any effect on the 7 autofocus points that light up when it gets a valid lock, and is there aynone that does this modification for a fee (I don't trust myself to do it)?
Ian
No, the AF points will no longer light up.
I'd really like to have something like that on my 10D.
But I have two questions, does this have any effect on the 7 autofocus points that light up when it gets a valid lock, and is there aynone that does this modification for a fee (I don't trust myself to do it)?
Ian
No, the AF points will no longer light up.
Jul 07, 2004 at 07:03 AM
p.1 #14Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
RE: AF points
I think every AF function should work independent of the Mod except that you will lose the engraved marks. The focus screen is just a dummy projection screen. The AF sensors are actually located behind the mirror at the bottom of the chamber ( I kind of remember the diagram of the cameras ). The mirror is half coated.
I think every AF function should work independent of the Mod except that you will lose the engraved marks. The focus screen is just a dummy projection screen. The AF sensors are actually located behind the mirror at the bottom of the chamber ( I kind of remember the diagram of the cameras ). The mirror is half coated.
Jul 07, 2004 at 07:50 AM
p.1 #15Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
hmm.. that would be interesting...
too bad I don't feel confident enough to do it myself... Maybe I'll hack my D60 when I get a new camera...
too bad I don't feel confident enough to do it myself... Maybe I'll hack my D60 when I get a new camera...
Jul 07, 2004 at 08:53 AM
p.1 #16Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
Hello !! Please can you explain what is split screan and how does it work?
thanks Davor
thanks Davor
Jul 07, 2004 at 12:02 PM
p.1 #17Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
I DID IT !!!
I have replaced the D30's focusing screen with Split-microprism one. Special thanks to Ndukes and Cinstance for the instructions.
In addition to the already-great instructions, I would like to add some more.
Last night, I ordered the Contax FU-4 screen from Adorama. Well, this morning, they said it's backorder. I came back home and dug out the 18 years old Minolta XD-5 body. Sure it had the Split-Micro-prism screen. I took it out.
Now, here is fun part. Taking out the D30's screen and putting it back is a piece of cake. It can be done VERY easily. So, I am very mad at Canon that they don't make stock screen's for D30/D60/10D. But the tough part is to cut the plastic screen to the right size. The matt ground surface is very soft. You have to be gentle and strong at the same time. I did it with X-acto knife and sand-paper. Important-tip - you don't cut it through the plastic. That is alomost impossible. Just cut about 20% depth. Then use long-nose plier to break it off. ( I know you would be scared to do that.)
We are not done yet !
It didn't take long to find that the AF and the split screen MF didn't agree. There was some offset. And I figured out that the seam brass pieces that came off with the original screen made the situation worse. In other words, the screen has to be thined to get closer to the Penta prism. Again with Sandpaper, I made the edges thiner so that the inner portion will get pushed out a little further. That was it !
From playing with the new focus screen, I learned that my 180/3.5L doesn't have enough helical steps left for the far distances ( all the steps were concentrated for Macro range ). So the AF can be slightly off for the far distance. It was delightful to regain the accurate focus that I used to lose Zeiss D 28/2.8 cannot be happier. Now, I'm hunting for the Planar 85/1.4 
I have replaced the D30's focusing screen with Split-microprism one. Special thanks to Ndukes and Cinstance for the instructions.
In addition to the already-great instructions, I would like to add some more.
Last night, I ordered the Contax FU-4 screen from Adorama. Well, this morning, they said it's backorder. I came back home and dug out the 18 years old Minolta XD-5 body. Sure it had the Split-Micro-prism screen. I took it out.
Now, here is fun part. Taking out the D30's screen and putting it back is a piece of cake. It can be done VERY easily. So, I am very mad at Canon that they don't make stock screen's for D30/D60/10D. But the tough part is to cut the plastic screen to the right size. The matt ground surface is very soft. You have to be gentle and strong at the same time. I did it with X-acto knife and sand-paper. Important-tip - you don't cut it through the plastic. That is alomost impossible. Just cut about 20% depth. Then use long-nose plier to break it off. ( I know you would be scared to do that.
)We are not done yet !
It didn't take long to find that the AF and the split screen MF didn't agree. There was some offset. And I figured out that the seam brass pieces that came off with the original screen made the situation worse. In other words, the screen has to be thined to get closer to the Penta prism. Again with Sandpaper, I made the edges thiner so that the inner portion will get pushed out a little further. That was it !
From playing with the new focus screen, I learned that my 180/3.5L doesn't have enough helical steps left for the far distances ( all the steps were concentrated for Macro range ). So the AF can be slightly off for the far distance. It was delightful to regain the accurate focus that I used to lose
Zeiss D 28/2.8 cannot be happier. Now, I'm hunting for the Planar 85/1.4 Jul 08, 2004 at 03:02 AM
p.1 #18Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
Strangely enough, most people that own camera's that come with splitscreens change them to full matte screens for macro and long lenses..........
The reason for this is that the splitscreen will not work at any aperture smaller than 5.6 or 8 depending on the angle of the wedges, and those apertures are easily reached using extension tubes or a TC.
The reason for this is that the splitscreen will not work at any aperture smaller than 5.6 or 8 depending on the angle of the wedges, and those apertures are easily reached using extension tubes or a TC.
Jul 08, 2004 at 03:51 AM
p.1 #19Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
jaapv wrote:
Strangely enough, most people that own camera's that come with splitscreens change them to full matte screens for macro and long lenses..........
The reason for this is that the splitscreen will not work at any aperture smaller than 5.6 or 8 depending on the angle of the wedges, and those apertures are easily reached using extension tubes or a TC.
I agree that split-microprism has limitatation. It becomes useful for certain cases, especially with full manual lens. EF lens is always wide open during the focusing. And the outside of the microprism area are still matt that you can use for focusing. This and AF complement each other.
Strangely enough, most people that own camera's that come with splitscreens change them to full matte screens for macro and long lenses..........
The reason for this is that the splitscreen will not work at any aperture smaller than 5.6 or 8 depending on the angle of the wedges, and those apertures are easily reached using extension tubes or a TC.
I agree that split-microprism has limitatation. It becomes useful for certain cases, especially with full manual lens. EF lens is always wide open during the focusing. And the outside of the microprism area are still matt that you can use for focusing. This and AF complement each other.
Jul 08, 2004 at 09:14 AM
p.1 #20Instruction: Split-screen for 10D, 300D etc
has anyone put the orig screen back in to make sure it still lights up?
what about filing down or modifying a eos 1 screen? (and maybe keeping the lightup squares)
what about filing down or modifying a eos 1 screen? (and maybe keeping the lightup squares)
Jul 08, 2004 at 10:31 AM