Mirrror Lenses

**Ausfree** · 19th July 2013, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by bobslandies

Thanks Martyn,

Here it is for the Nikon D3100, D3200, D5100:

Nikon D3100 D3200 D5100 Focusing Screen - KatzEye Optics $105.00

Pity they did not make the split at 45 degrees though - that would be even better as it works on both horizontal and vertical edge lines.

Bob

Agreed, 45 degrees is easier to work with!!!

**bobslandies** · 19th July 2013, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by Ausfree

Well, thankyou Martyn, I never knew one was made for AF cameras, I will have a closer look at it, would be VERY handy with the Mirror Lens.

I guess it would be easy enough to swap screens in my Nikon D5100???

Trying to focus the mirror lens without a splitimage viewfinder was a major concern, but thanks to you that has eased my mind.

The problem with split prisms is that over f6 or so one half regularly blacks out - so mirror lenses are already maybe f8 and even less light getting to the prisms. Maybe the enhanced screens made by the KatzEye optics company may be better, have a read here:

OptiBrite Brightness Enhancement - KatzEye Optics

Bob

**Ausfree** · 20th July 2013, 06:57 AM

Thanks for that Bob, I do remember (now that you mention it) one half of the split image blacking out. Is a long time since I used a manual focus camera, maybe twenty years.

**Bushie** · 20th July 2013, 10:45 AM

Looked closer at the Katzeye screens, $US105 is a bit exxy, but then they want you to add $US55

for shipping. For a bit of glass/plastic that will probably weigh 5-10 grams.
Errr don't think I'll bother.

Martyn

**Ausfree** · 21st July 2013, 06:37 AM

Originally Posted by Bushie

Looked closer at the Katzeye screens, $US105 is a bit exxy, but then they want you to add $US55

for shipping. For a bit of glass/plastic that will probably weigh 5-10 grams.
Errr don't think I'll bother.

Martyn

Tend to agree with you there. I notice shipping is expensive on all items from US, Have a look at the shipping on the Polaroid lens, I'm looking at. I wonder if you can get a split image screen from other sources??

I'll look around when I get some time.

**Bushie** · 21st July 2013, 10:09 AM

The original ones I were found were through ebay, but are probably just a cheap chinese knock off (~$30).
I'd be a bit concerned how effective they were for fit etc.

Martyn

**Ausfree** · 22nd July 2013, 11:11 AM

Here is a Chinese one with 45 degree split image focusing and free postage.

Dual 45° Split Image Focus Focusing Screen FOR Nikon D5100 D3100 DSLR Camera | eBay

**bobslandies** · 22nd July 2013, 12:09 PM

Originally Posted by Ausfree

Here is a Chinese one with 45 degree split image focusing and free postage.

Dual 45° Split Image Focus Focusing Screen FOR Nikon D5100 D3100 DSLR Camera | eBay

Bulk buy? Looks good - feedback for the seller on this item was very good, went through twelve pages and translated a couple as well. Certainly worth a trial.

Bob

**Ausfree** · 22nd July 2013, 12:18 PM

Yeah, I think for twenty odd bucks you can't go wrong!!!

**superquag** · 22nd July 2013, 12:20 PM

Apart from the previous comments (apologies if I'm doubling up...) mirror lenses as a species, give a slightly flatter or less contrasty result. This can be useful.
Also, the bokeh or the little out-of-focus bright spots look somewhat donut-ish, due to the presence of the secondary mirror. For some folk this is the End of Civilisation.... or 'whatever' to the rest of us.

Don't skimp on the tripod, as too cheap & cheerful will let you down more with a (lighter weight) mirror than an equivalent (heavier & longer) prime lens.

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