d70 manual focusing

Jeff Anderson

Jeff Anderson

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I'd like to get more serious about doing some portrait work (hobby only, for now) and wanted to know how you guys are dealing with manual focusing on these crappy viewfinders. I'm used to manul focusing on an old split screen pentax that made it so easy anyone could do it. I ask because I'd like to pick up a prime lens or two (85mm and 50mm) but if I cant focus them whats the point really. I saw the katz eye screen that might help but see mixed reviews as to how much good it really does. I could really care less if it screws up the metering a little, I dont rely on it all that much anyways. I'm up for any guidance or tips on this - thanks!

Jeff
 
I've actually read only good things about the Katzeye. They also make sure they charge you for that lovely goodness too. There are also a number of screens on ebay as well that can be had for 1/6th the cost of the katzeye, but most people say they have to adjust the backfocus with spacers to make it accurate.

I've thought the same thing as you, but I've recently decided to just blow lots of cash on new FX AF-S lenses after I win the megamillions tonight. :)
 
sweet - good luck with the millions Dan! Well it sounds like I'll just give it a try. Yeah its expensive, but being able to focus would be really nice. The only bad things I read were that the newer viewfinders just arent as bright as the old ones so a focusing screen doesnt solve all the problems for some people. I'll just go for it and see how it turns out :) I still love my 18-200 just for its sheer versatility for shooting candid, but I'm hoping a bit more attractive bokeh and some better contrast can be had with some of the fast nikon primes.
 
One question guys, where does the katzeye go? over the viewfinder I went through the site I just can't quite figure out what it does, I have that Zeiss 1.4 manual prime lens and I think I'm focusing right but when I blow up the image it comes out soft (not sure if that's the right terminology) . But if any of you can explain how this works I'm really considering buying this.
 
Well, I haven't got my check yet. Guess I'll try again tomorrow.

I'm pretty sure Katzeye also makes a brighter version of the screen if you are concerned with the amount of light that will be coming in. I heard the only downside is that metering might be a little off with spot metering under low light. Most well lit situations will not cause the prism to go too dark.

Here is the link to the extra brightness thing they offer.
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/page--OptiBrite-Brightness-Enhancement--optibrite.html
 
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