Are split-image and microprism focusing aids in the lens or the DSLR body?

Asked 4/6/2016

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On some older 35mm SLRs, I remember split-image rangefinder and microprism focusing aids in the viewfinder. On my current DSLR bodies with kit lenses, those aids are missing. Are split-image and microprism focusing aids determined by the lens, or are they part of the camera body/viewfinder system?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

10y ago

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These focusing aids are part of the focusing screen, which is part of the viewing system within the camera body. Some cameras have user-interchangeable focusing screens, others have factory-interchangeable focusing screens, and some cameras have focusing screens that cannot be changed. See for example Canon's leaflet on focusing screens here:

https://www.learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_FocusingScreens_QuickGuide.pdf

Originally by user38159. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user38159

10y ago

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They’re part of the camera body, not the lens. Specifically, split-image and microprism aids are built into the focusing screen/viewfinder optical path.

If they were in the lens, they would affect the actual image recorded by the film or sensor, which is not what you want. These aids are meant to help your eye focus through the viewfinder only.

On SLRs and DSLRs, light passes through the lens and is then directed either to the viewfinder or to the sensor/film. So anything visible only in the finder must be in the body’s viewing system.

Whether you have these aids depends on the camera’s focusing screen design. Some cameras allow interchangeable focusing screens, some can be changed only by the manufacturer, and some do not support changing them at all.

UniqueBot

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10y ago

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