I started a topic about the viewfinder display in my 1D mark III not displaying the spot metering circle. It was suggested that It may have a different focussing screen to the standard one supplied with the camera (by the way I bought it used off Ebay)
here's a couple of pics of the inside bit where you change the focussing screen. Does it look like I have one installed?
Is that tab bit at the top meant to look like that, ive seen a video of the focussing screen getting changed on a 40D and it looks different on that model.
Focusing screens are installed on the top side of that box you're looking into - on the bottom of the pentaprism. All the canon SLRs have focusing screens - what varies however is what kind of screen it is. You can get replacement/different purposed focusing screens for the 1d3 however.
When you buy a new screen it comes with instructions for removing the old screen and installing another.
So, you're going to have to look towards the pentaprism to see what screen you have, and even then you probably wont be able to distinguish it by looking at it. Also I'd give your camera a bit of a clean.
yes, in the second pix it is more obvious... you see that small tab in the middle.. If you buy another focussing screen, you should get a small tool made to remove that screeen. Don't try it without the tool.. You could, but it is risky. At least, for what I can see. you got at least the frame of the focussing screen. May be if you don't want to buy another, go to a camera store and explain your problem.. At worse, you might have to buy one, around 50$ if I remember..
Nope, what you're seeing is a small latch which keeps the focusing screen in place. I wouldn't fiddle with it without the tool or knowing what you're doing though, the screens themselves are sensitive and really difficult to clean if you get them grimy.
I see nothing. If I half press the shutter a focal point will light red. If i move this focal point around by selecting different ones some are bright red others appear more faint.
The focusing screen isn't involved in metering so it shouldn't have anything to do with over exposed images. All it is really used for is focusing and framing; just a visual aid.
redmonkee wrote:
Would this explain why a lot of my shots seem to be overexposing.
Yes, the exposure system is calibrated to the focus screen in use. There should always be a focus screen installed. You can set the camera to match the screen you are using in the custom functions, and it will provide the correct exposure correction.
Fortunately, you can buy one for a fairly low price from most photography sources, but, It sounds pretty strange to get a DSLR without one, it makes one wonder if the owner messed anything else up.
I'd return it, if it did not come with a screen, you may find other problems as well.
Andrew Burnett wrote:
The focusing screen isn't involved in metering so it shouldn't have anything to do with over exposed images. All it is really used for is focusing and framing; just a visual aid.
Since when? How else does a modern SLR meter the areas
Unlike the recommendation of others, it's not a big deal to pop the latch with your fingernail to drop the screen holder and screen down. You don't need to use the special tool, though it helps. This is just to drop the screen holder and screen down so you can visually confirm that there is a screen. I wouldn't recommend you remove the screen from the holder with your fingers. To put it back in place, gently lift the frame back up and with the edge of a fingernail and give it a final push up until the tab clicks back in place, locking in the screen and frame.
At least this way you can confirm whether there is a screen in place and also read the code on the tab to determine which screen is present (if there is one). If there isn't, you should get in touch with your source for the used camera.
Apr 21, 2010 at 11:41 PM
Lars Johnsson Offline • • • • • • • Upload & Sell: Off
rscheffler wrote:
Unlike the recommendation of others, it's not a big deal to pop the latch with your fingernail to drop the screen holder and screen down. You don't need to use the special tool, though it helps. This is just to drop the screen holder and screen down so you can visually confirm that there is a screen. I wouldn't recommend you remove the screen from the holder with your fingers. To put it back in place, gently lift the frame back up and with the edge of a fingernail and give it a final push up until the tab clicks back in place, locking in the screen and frame.
At least this way you can confirm whether there is a screen in place and also read the code on the tab to determine which screen is present (if there is one). If there isn't, you should get in touch with your source for the used camera....Show more →
+1
It's very easy to do with your finger. Especially when you only gonna look at it and not change it.
