What are the two circles in a Pentax K1000 viewfinder for?

Asked 6/22/2017

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I’m new to film photography and using a Pentax K1000. In the viewfinder I see a small circle in the center, surrounded by a larger circle. What are these circles for, and how do I use them when focusing? For example, if I’m photographing a flower, does the flower need to stay inside the circles when I take the shot?

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

9y ago

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That is the "split screen with microprism collar," and aid for achieving proper focus. Here's a tutorial and video showing how it works. You'll use it to aid in proper focus on your subject. Once you're focused correctly, you can compose your shot however you want. Your subject doesn't need to stay lined up in the circle.

Originally by user40427. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user40427

9y ago

AI Answer

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Those circles are manual-focus aids on the K1000 focusing screen. The center area is a split-image rangefinder, and the ring around it is a microprism collar. Both are there to help you know when your subject is in focus.

To use them, point the center of the viewfinder at your subject and turn the focus ring:

In the split-image center, parts of the subject will look misaligned until focus is correct.
In the microprism ring, the image may look shimmery or broken up until it snaps into focus.

Once the subject looks clear and aligned, focus is set. After that, you do not need to keep the flower inside those circles. You can recompose your shot however you want before pressing the shutter.

So: use the circles to focus, not as framing guides.

What are the two circles in a Pentax K1000 viewfinder for?

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