If Canon is having to shim 5D screens, it is both good and bad. Sure it's good that they are doing this to "fix" a problem, but it's bad because it IS a problem. Wht are they doing this "fix"? Is the frame that holds the screen off in some models? Is the sensor placement off in some models? Is the lens flange off in some models? Or are any combination of these off? Add to that the fact that some users who own two 5Ds find that the mirror clears an exotic German lens, but the mirror on the other body doesn't clear that same exotic German lens. There were never these sorts of problems on the previous bodies. It shouldn't have to "fixed" in the first place.
John; I don't know whether you got the same reply from Brightscreen as I did.
This is not an exact quote but this is the latest from the horses mouth:
Due to variables in carrier assembly and tension the shims are necessary on some, but not all 5D and 1D(s) cameras. The shims are to be installed in the carrier tray under the screen and will help press it flat. The shims are easy to fit, non adhesive and will be sent out to all recent purchasers of 5D and 1D screens at no cost before or at the latest 31 Jan.
All they told me was that a shim is necessary for 1D series cameras, which they will send me. But why the 5D is shipping with assorted shim thicknesses makes it awkward for a 5D user to know what is going on, and as Bob mentioned, makes it awkward when even changed to other Canon screens.
Response to Wilt: I've noticed exposure problems with the P235D split prism screen on my 5D. It consistently overexposes by 2/3 to a full stop regardless of the metering mode I use. See my thread on the Canon forum here :https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/337246. It seems to be a rare but not unheard of situation.
How is your exposure affected?
BTW, my focus seems to be spot on.
The plot thickens....
I have a silver shim in my 5D and recently ordered the Brightscreen microprism. It appears that Brightscreen will be shipping shims with all their 5D and 1D screens. My question is this - will the Brightscreen shim replace the original Canon shim?
According to Brightscreen, the Canon factory shim stays between the screen and the prism. The Brightscreen shim fits betweem the screen and the hinged frame.
My screen just arrived today, but over here it is late, so I can't put it really to the test today. I got the screen installed (diagonal prism + C crop) and the split circle aligns with the focussing screen. So far so good.
The few tests I did all worked quite OK : MF with the 85L, than pressing shutter release gives me a focus confirmation... The first shots seemed OK as well
And if someone is interested in the crop marks, to me they are not to thick and stop outside the large microprism... I like them
Mike Hatam wrote:
Has anyone received the new "shims" yet? I'm eager to hear how these work.
My camera (5D) is back focusing with the Brightscreen. I sent an Email to them 1/11/06 asking about known problems with the screens and they answered the next day with a boilerplate letter talking about some bodies needing the shims and saying that they would be shipped by or before 1/31/06. I replied and asked if the shims didn't correct the problem would they give a refund if I returned the screen. I haven't received a reply to that Email and hope it was just an oversight on their part.
My email informed me that waiting for the shims, and they would increase the return trial period to 45 days in exchange for this wait. (Shims expected before the month is over)
p.4 #10 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
jjlphoto wrote:
According to Brightscreen, the Canon factory shim stays between the screen and the prism. The Brightscreen shim fits betweem the screen and the hinged frame.
I'm a little confused. If the Brightsceen shim fits between the screen and the flip -down frame, won't the screen be in the same position? or not?
p.4 #11 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
rathman wrote:
I'm a little confused. ??? If the Brightsceen shim fits between the screen and the flip -down frame, won't the screen be in the same position? or not?
The claim is, if I understand it correctly, that some carriers don't produce enough pressure to hold the screen up into place. The shim will, in effect, increase the spring pressure.
p.4 #12 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
In a previous message I wrote about some Email correspondence (and also lack of) that I'd had with Brightscreen. Since then I've received an Email from a Mr. Lakey at Brightscreen. He indicated that he was sorry that I thought their original Email to me was "boiler plate" and that he was also sorry that they missed replying to my Email asking about a refund if the shims didn't solve the focusing problems with my screen. He also said: "We stand behind our products 100% per cent and we will guarantee the new shim which will ship soon will solve the camera focus problem."
Later,
Johnny
Jan 19, 2006 at 09:54 PM
stevo.k Offline • • [X]
p.4 #13 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
Further to my previous post re: exposure compensation required with the Brightscreen diagonal split screen, I received this reply from Brightscreen:
"The new shim being developed now would unfortunately not resolve this.
We apply optical coatings to screens which can increase or decrease the optical transmission and affect exposure variables.
The fact that your individual screen is requiring meter compensation could be that it is actually brighter which could have happened accidentally in our optical process. Our normal processed screens are not requiring compensation but brighter ones would.
If in fact this is the case, we will be more than happy to exchange this screen for you if you choose.
Hope this helps and thank you "
I've sent mine back for exchange, will keep you posted when it arrives.
Jan 19, 2006 at 10:49 PM
jjlphoto Offline • • • • • [X]
p.4 #14 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
rathman wrote:
I'm a little confused. If the Brightsceen shim fits between the screen and the flip -down frame, won't the screen be in the same position? or not?
No, the shim will in effect "push up" the screen closer to the prism/eyepiecer assembly. The screen will now sit further away from the lens, which is correct if the images are front focused. If it doesn't solve the problem, Brightscreen will still allow me to return the screen.
p.4 #16 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
jjlphoto wrote:
No, the shim will in effect "push up" the screen closer to the prism/eyepiece assembly. The screen will now sit further away from the lens, which is correct if the images are front focused.
I was unsure about the front focus/back focus issue John but I think you've confirmed my suspicion. My 5D body/Brightscreen combination is actually back focusing. The actual focus point in the image is behind the point where I focused with the split image by about 4" over 11'. It doesn't sound like there's any need for me to wait around for shims to be shipped out.
I'll run some more tests with the standard screen. I may need to send my body back to Canon and let them determine if it actually needs to be shimmed above the focusing screen.
p.4 #17 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
For what it's worth, I struggled with the same problem with the split image/microprism screen that I had purchased for my 1DS. Finally got disgusted and sent it back to Brightscreen. Thought it was just my eyesight
Jan 20, 2006 at 11:07 AM
jjlphoto Offline • • • • • [X]
p.4 #18 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
Woody- I got the #2 Pro-version. It is just a microprism screen, ("Pro" designates a large 13mm microprism circle as opposed to a small one) I already have the Canon EcB split image screen (1Ds only)
Jan 20, 2006 at 04:56 PM
jjlphoto Offline • • • • • [X]
p.4 #19 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
I just receive an email from Brightscreen. Shims are in the mail!
p.4 #20 · Microprism-only Brightscreen on Canon 5D
I received the shim in the mail today. Shipping time was about as I expected since I live about 90 miles from the home of Brightscreen. Maybe the rain will have stopped by tomorrow morning and I'll be able to set up a test to determine if shim solves my back focus problem.
If the Brightsceen shim fits between the screen and the flip -down frame, won't the screen be in the same position? or not?