Which focusing screen is best: plain matte, single split-image, or double 45° split with microprism?
Asked 3/20/2013
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2 answers
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I need to replace a scratched focusing screen in my camera. The options I’m considering are:
- plain matte replacement
- split-image screen (single split)
- double 45° split screen with microprism
I often use relatively slow zoom lenses up to f/5.6, and I switch between portrait and landscape orientation. In what situations is a single split-image screen preferable to a 45° or double 45° split design, and would either split-prism option be practical with lenses as slow as f/5.6?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
3
I'm not exactly sure what you mean, I am guessing that by 180 you mean a single split, perhaps horizontally framed and the double 45 is really an X shaped dual split.
The reason that the old SLRs had so many different screens is that its very much a personal preference, there is no one answer, it varies by photographer by what they are shooting.
I personally never liked microprisms. I liked the simple horizontal (single) split. I rarely had a problem finding something vertical or horizontal to focus with even when switching from portrait to landscape.
But F5.6 is simply not going to work with a split prism. It will be black. So people have problems with the prisms going black even with F2.8.
My eyes are no longer good enough to get a proper focus using just a matte screen.
Originally by user8620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user8620
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For focusing screens, there isn’t one universally “best” choice—it’s largely personal preference.
A split-image screen helps when you have clear lines to align. A single horizontal split is liked by some photographers for its simplicity, while a 45° or double-45° split can be easier because it works well with both vertical and horizontal subjects, regardless of camera orientation. A microprism ring can also help when there isn’t a good line for the split-image to lock onto.
The big limitation is lens speed: with lenses around f/5.6, split prisms often become dim or black out, and some users report problems even at f/2.8. So if your main lenses are relatively slow zooms, a split-image screen may be frustrating or unusable much of the time.
Based on the answers, if you want the safest practical option for f/5.6 lenses, choose the plain matte screen. If you still want focusing aids and accept the risk of blackout, a 45° split with microprism is generally more versatile than a single split.
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AI13y ago
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