Changing Canon focusing screens...

[rpcrowe]

Apparently, on some Canon DSLR camera models you can replace the focusing screen with a precision matte screen which is touted to allow better or easier manual focusing capability over the standard screen. Especially with lenses of f/2.8 and brighter apertures. With the advent of some really excellent manual focus lenses such as the Samyang 85mm f/1.2, this might be a help.

Has anyone used one of these screens on a Canon DSLR.

I noticed that the screens can be changed on the 7Dii and the 6D but, not on the 6D2...

[Ken MT]

Have you seen tthis article?
https://support.usa.canon.com/kb/ind...70209&actp=RSS

[rpcrowe]

That is the information that I was looking for.

Unfortunately this is another indication of the morphodited evolution Canon 6D Mark 2. The 5D series (even an old 5D2), the 7D2, and the 6D have interchangeable screens. Not so, the 6D2... A Mark-2 "SHOULD" be an improvement to a Mark-1... That seems reasonable, doesn't it... Not so in the case of the Canon 6D Mark-2... This is why I am gradually swinging over to Sony!

[inkista]

Apparently, on some Canon DSLR camera models you can replace the focusing screen with a precision matte screen which is touted to allow better or easier manual focusing capability over the standard screen. Especially with lenses of f/2.8 and brighter apertures. With the advent of some really excellent manual focus lenses such as the Samyang 85mm f/1.2, this might be a help.

Has anyone used one of these screens on a Canon DSLR.

I use the super-precision matte screen on my 5DMkII for my adapted Oly Zuiko OM 50/1.2. It does indeed help and is excellent and rendering more accurate DoF for the super-wide apertures.

I noticed that the screens can be changed on the 7Dii and the 6D but, not on the 6D2...

Interchangeable focus screens started getting phased out when LCD overlays (for things like electronic levels and on/off grid lines, etc.) in the viewfinder started coming (first on Nikon then on Canon bodies). Given that an LCD overlay probably has to have power supplied to it, as well as signals to change what it's displaying, it may or may not be swappable, depending on how separate from the focus screen/delicate the overlay is.

[rpcrowe]

I use the super-precision matte screen on my 5DMkII for my adapted Oly Zuiko OM 50/1.2. It does indeed help and is excellent and rendering more accurate DoF for the super-wide apertures.



Interchangeable focus screens started getting phased out when LCD overlays (for things like electronic levels and on/off grid lines, etc.) in the viewfinder started coming (first on Nikon then on Canon bodies). Given that an LCD overlay probably has to have power supplied to it, as well as signals to change what it's displaying, it may or may not be swappable, depending on how separate from the focus screen/delicate the overlay is.

That just goes to prove that change is not always progress. Sometimes it just gives the illusion of progress...

[pschlute]

With my first two DSLRs I swapped out the focus screen for a split prism/ micro prism one to aid manual focus.

My current camera Pentax K1 has the gizmos mentioned in previous posts and is not interchangeable. I don’t find this too much of a disadvantage as the bigger and brighter FF image in the viewfinder makes focus quite easy. In addition the Live View when zoomed 100% beats any focus tool

[apersson850]

It depends on what you mean by "change" and "progress". When I used my 40D, I exchanged the focusing screen with one with some cross lines. Then I switched to a 7D, which doesn't allow simple change of the focus screen. But the grid in the viewfinder can be turned on electronically instead.

Top of the line cameras have both extensive overlays and foucs screens which are simple to replace. The 1DX Mark II is one example.