I couldn't wait for a focusing screen, so I tried a Contax screen. I had to modify it to fit, but focus is right on. I used the FV-1, which has a split plus microprism collar. You need to take off the little tab on the front and file down the side edges. You might want to compare the screen to your R9 screen. If they are the exact same thickness, that may work. The focusing screen for 5D doesn't have those little protrusions on the bottom that the 1 series screens have, so the R9 screen may work. I know the Contax FV-1 didn't work in 1DII, but it does on the 5D. That is if you decide to keep the 5D. I think it's a nice little camera. But I definitely need the vertical grip. It just doesn't balance right with heavier lenses.
semorg wrote:
Peter,
Very useful report. I love contax screens the split is very thin and makes for a very precise focusing.
Thanks,
Salim
I also find this very useful info, Peter.
At present I use the Contax Fu-4 screen (split+microprism) on the 10D and it solved all my manual focus problems. Very precise focusing as Salim says. I have another new one spare and I am glad to hear that it will probably work on the 5D.
When Guy typed "i bought the damm thing , I want it to work, it doesn't", that is complaining in my opinion. How is it Guy bashing when I start my reply with "Don't take this the wrong way Guy, I think a lot of you..."? What part exactly of my reply is BS? Why do you think you need to take up for Guy?
guy can take care of himself, i'm just tired of the so many people that take a dump on his threads - he's a cutting-edge sort of fellow, who provides a lot of valuable info. i respect him for that. to me, he's not complaining one bit here - please reread his first post in this thread..it's reportage, not complaining. not until he was already pooped on did he say what you quoted above here - and i still don't think that's complaining. guy mancuso's smart enough to know that he's spending $3K on something that might not actually work for him.
My post was after his second post that I quoted. If you read them in order, it makes more sense than taken out of context. Guy is one of the most experianced technical minded photographers / best contributors to this forum and as I said, I think a lot of him.
I didn't realize there was an Pro-Guy / Anti-Guy war going on here. EEEXXXCCUUSSEE me if I got in the middle of it.
Edited by John Ferguson on Oct 10, 2005 at 08:46 PM GMT
I don't have any Leica lenses or a 5D, but I'm always intrigued to read up on the latest developments. Guy is one of those folks, like Andy said is a "cutting-edge sort of fellow". I like reading about things I could possibly do in the future and perhaps in this case, something I may not be able to do. If there is a modification, these folks will figure it out.
I'm getting somewhat exasperated by level of offensive and personal posts on the forum of late, and this thread is no exception. If you absolutely must convey something personal to someone, take it to PM. By attacking someone personally on the forums you are breaking forum rules.
Let's get it together folks, it's really quite simple.
I just wasted a Leica grounded screen. It is not any brighter than the OEM screen so I took it off and switched back. I am surprised by how small and dark/yellowish the 5D's view finder compared to my Leica R4.
It's sad when people can't find anything better to do than to FIND something to complain about...It's like those people that try their damndest to find some sort of sexual innuendo in a Disney movie or whatever...blah.
Anyways...Thanks for the info Guy. Even though I know this is something that I would probably never be able to do anything like this myself, it's always fun to read threads like this. It's like watching Top Gear and cursing Clarkson for having the best job in the whole world.
Did have a quick question for you Guy. You said you had a 20D as well? Just wondering if you had changed the focusing screen out on that, and if you had, what you were using? Also, this is probably a pretty dumb question, but are the AF point "squares" actually on the OEM focusing screen, so you would lose them if you switched out? Thanks!
Okay... got done reading thru all the rants and the puns and the shots... now to what the forum and maybe the post is about....
Directed to Guy or other rich dudes with leica glass: Too bad the 5D does not use the Leica glass. It seems like a very nice camera (one worthy of the Leica jewels most of us only wish we could afford). A couple of guys I know who have bought and used the 5D are quite happy with the results. Even though it is no 1Ds Mk II, seems to hold it's own.
On a different note:
I was diizzy with joy when I heard that Leica was planning on releasing a digital version of their wonderful Leica M system (probably the digital M7). I still miss my M7 which was sold earlier this year. After the joy came the depression from thinking how I am going to save up for this new system. I know there are quite a few here with the cool Leica glass. So how about sharing some of the info you guys already have on this.
Does anyone know of the actual release date for the Digital Leica M7.
Also, for those with the Leica R system glass, any ideas if any new Leica glass may be soon to be released specifically for the Leica M digital. Probably won't be cheap anyway Moderator reading this post: Is there a Leica forum going to be made available on FM soon - also Leica reviews for both glass and DMR/Cameras. I personally participate in the Canon Forum but am interested in Leica gear as well and it would benefit me or others like me if there was a Leica forum and review post were made available
chrisrstout wrote:
...It's like those people that try their damndest to find some sort of sexual innuendo in a Disney movie or whatever...blah.
Guilty as charged.
On a serious note, I think a Leica forum would keep the forum organized a little better, and provide some well needed info to people who are interested in Leica gear . Heck, maybe throw in a medium format digital forum as well. This community is really growing larger and larger...
Guy Mancuso wrote:
Yes Cinstance but did it work because not so much the bright that i would like but the split with a BIG microprism around it that the leica screen has. i sent the body to Kurt so I can't try mine but will try that or the Contax need to get that number for that
Guy, the one I know works is Contax FV-1. I also have a used FS-1 and the Leica screen you tried before on order. The FS-1 is just a microprism. The one you like (split + microprism collar) is FS-4, but I haven't found one floating around. I will just try the FS-1 and see if it works. If it does and the FS screens are easier to modify than the FV, then I'll use the FS-4. The reason I'm still looking is because I messed up the FV-1 trying to get it to work with 1DII so it actually looks pretty bad at the edges.
John Ferguson wrote:
Don't take this wrong Guy, as I think a lot of you but the 5D _does_ work as designed. It was _designed_ to work with every Canon EF (not EF-S) lens, and it does. You are attempting to do something the 5D was never designed for, don't complain when it doesn't work. Canon does not promise compatibility with every lens made by every manufacturer nor does Leica promise its lenses will work with every other manufacturers' bodies. Who is to blame more, Leica, Canon, or the third party adapter manufacturer? None of the above ... you are to blame for trying to put Ferrari wheels on a Porsche, don't be surprised when they don't fit. ...Show more →
It just doesn't have the added bonus of being able to use other brand lenses like all other Canon dslr's. To many, that's a reason in itself to choose a Canon body. I still don't understand why it doesn't work. Maybe the 5D mirror is bigger for a reason? I imagine it can be trimmed down.
I couldn't wait for a focusing screen, so I tried a Contax screen. I had to modify it to fit, but focus is right on. I used the FV-1, which has a split plus microprism collar. You need to take off the little tab on the front and file down the side edges. You might want to compare the screen to your R9 screen. If they are the exact same thickness, that may work. The focusing screen for 5D doesn't have those little protrusions on the bottom that the 1 series screens have, so the R9 screen may work. I know the Contax FV-1 didn't work in 1DII, but it does on the 5D. That is if you decide to keep the 5D. I think it's a nice little camera. But I definitely need the vertical grip. It just doesn't balance right with heavier lenses.
Peter
Peter,
Very useful report. I love contax screens the split is very thin and makes for a very precise focusing.
Peter and Salim,
Becareful though that it may appear that you are getting focus but you are not. The focusing screen thickness is different for different brand of camera. I do not have the 5D so I am not sure that it has the same thickness as the Contax' focusing screen. If the thickness is not the same what you see is not what you get. From my experiences, the focusing screen of the Contax RTS when put on a Canon 1D mark II is left of the split screen focusing point.
-Son
Guy,
It is too bad that the 5D seems to not complement your great Leica R lens systems. I know you love these lens thus do not have the heart to shave them down especially the 5D is your backup/autofocus/high ISO camera. The only way to make it work is just modify the mirror box. After modifying the mirror you will not see the effect of the cutting part in the viewfinder because that section is not inclusive in the viewfinder. Kurt done this before and I am sure he can do it properly for you.
Guy - have seen the crazy 1Ds prices?!?! Christina just listed one for $2800... I know it feels slow compared to the newer 1-series bodies, but that could be a good low cost, high quality Canon option for you. Pick up a nice used 28-70L for around $700... you get the idea.
Pham Minh Son wrote:
Becareful though that it may appear that you are getting focus but you are not. The focusing screen thickness is different for different brand of camera. I do not have the 5D so I am not sure that it has the same thickness as the Contax' focusing screen. If the thickness is not the same what you see is not what you get. From my experiences, the focusing screen of the Contax RTS when put on a Canon 1D mark II is left of the split screen focusing point.
-Son
Thanks for the words of caution, Son. I do think the Contax screen does work. Here's a shot using the Leica 100 APO Macro + 1:1 Elpro on the 5D, using the Contax screen. It's 100% crop of my son's science experiment ... bread mold ... exactly as seen in the viewfinder. As you know, the DOF can't get much narrower than on a macro lens at 1:1.
The price on the 1Ds is very attractive considering the build and image quality it brings to the table. Despite these great characteristic of the 1Ds I feel that the 5D noise handling especially at high ISO would make it a very attractive to complement the Leica R system.
Guy as you know there are many alternative now for us to go and it is up to every individual to decide which lens will meet their needs. Thus, like you say for these price it makes more sense to modify the mirror if you have to in order to use the lens that you like to use.
guy can take care of himself, i'm just tired of the so many people that take a dump on his threads - he's a cutting-edge sort of fellow, who provides a lot of valuable info. i respect him for that. to me, he's not complaining one bit here - please reread his first post in this thread..it's reportage, not complaining. not until he was already pooped on did he say what you quoted above here - and i still don't think that's complaining. guy mancuso's smart enough to know that he's spending $3K on something that might not actually work for him. 
