Updated 04.11.09
Focusing Screens Ec Series
EOS-1Ds Mark II, 1Ds, 1D Mark II N, 1D Mark II, 1D, D2000, 1VHS, 1V, 1NRS, 1N, 1 and 3
Ec-A: Microprism
This matte field screen with microprism focusing spot in the center is used for general photography with all lenses. It achieves best results when using a lens of f/5.6 or faster.
Ec-B: New Split
This matte field screen with split-image focusing spot in the center is good for general photography with all lenses.
Ec-C III: Laser-Matte
Standard on the EOS-1D series, EOS-1VHS/EOS-1V, and compatible with all EF lenses, this screen includes an Area AF ellipse and spot-metering circle. Manual focus can be checked anywhere on the screen.
Ec-C IV: Laser-Matte
The Laser Matte Ec-C IV uses a shaping method improved over the Ec-C III. It achieves easier focusing and good background blur. Brighter, less grainy, and better balanced.
Ec-D: Laser-Matte with Sections
This is a matte field screen with sections. Grid lines assist in determining accurate picture composition. It is especially well suited for close-up photography or for copy work using EF macro lenses, it can also be used for general photography with all lenses.
Ec-H: Laser-Matte with Scale
A matte field screen with vertical and horizontal scales marked in millimeters, this screen is effective for close-up photography and photo-micrography. Useful in determining magnification ratios and composition, this screen can be used with all lenses.
Ec-I: Laser-Matte with Double Cross-Hair Reticle
This is a matte field screen with a clear center spot containing a double cross-hair reticule. Focusing is possible using the floating image of the central cross hair. This screen is particularly useful for photomicrography and astrophotography. Surrounding matte field can be used with all lenses.
Ec-L: Cross-Split Image
This matte field screen has a cross-split image in the center, which divides the subject in half both vertically and horizontally for accurate manual focusing. Used for general photography with all lenses, best results are obtained when using a lens of f/5.6 or faster.
Ec-N: New Laser-Matte
This is the standard screen for the EOS-3. The outer oval-shaped area defines the coverage of the 45 AF points; the inner circle is for spot and FEL metering. When shooting, the focusing points will be indicated in red LCD markings. Along with the Ec-R screen, it is approximately 1/2 stop brighter than the Laser-Matte series screens.
Ec-R: New Laser-Matte
This is the standard screen provided with the EOS-1n RS. It compensates for decreased viewfinder brightness due to the low reflection factor of the pellicle mirror. It is about 1/2-stop brighter but otherwise similar to Focusing Screen Ec-CII. It can be used in all EOS-1 series cameras, as well as the EOS-3.
Ec-S: Super Precision Matte *
An all-matte focus screen for the EOS-1D Mark II N with finer microlens structure than the standard screens. Out-of-focus areas show more vividly than with the other Ec type screens. It’s ideally suited for use with f/2.8 and faster lenses, especially for manual focusing.
* EOS-1Ds Mark III, 1D Mark III and 1D Mark II N must be set to Custom Function 00-2 for accurate exposure metering when this screen is installed. Manual exposure is required for use with other EOS-1 series cameras.
Note: All focusing screens include a special tool for removing original screen and installing new screen.
EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1D, EOS-1V HS and EOS-1V: If using New Laser Matte Focusing Screen Ec-N and Ec-R, be sure to set Custom Function C.Fn-0 to “0”.
EOS-3: If using Laser Matte Ec-A, Ec-B, Ec-C II, Ec-C III, Ec-D, Ec-I, or Ec-L focusing screens, be sure to set Custion Function C.Fn-0 to “1”. Exposure compensation is required when combining the focusing screen Ec-R with the EOS-1 or EOS-1n, and when combining the focusing screens Ec-A, Ec-B, Ec-C II, D, H, I, and L with the EOS-1n RS.
Focusing Screen Sets for 4×5 and Square Formats
EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D
Ec-1Ds/Ec-1D/Ee: Crop Lines
Ec-1Ds/Ec-1D/Ee: Black Mask
Ideal for the portrait and wedding photographer, the set “Crop Lines” includes two focus screens—one with 4×5 (or 8×10) crop lines etched on the screen, and a second screen with lines for square composition. All exposure metering can be performed normally in camera, and red focus point illumination remains fully active. The other sets “Black Mask” have and opaque black mask outside the picture area. One screen of the set shows the area for 4×5 (or 8×10) cropping, the other shows the area for square cropping. Partial or spot metering is recommended for these screens. E-TTL II flash exposure will definitely require significant compensation. FEL (Flash Exposure Lock) in conjunction with either partial or spot metering is recommended. 3 types are available for both sets respectively, according to the size of the CMOS sensor and viewfinder optics: for full frame 1Ds series*, 1D series and for 5D.
* Can also be attached to 35mm EOS-1 series and EOS-3 cameras.
Focusing Screens Ee Series (5D) and Eg Series (5D Mark II)
EOS 5D or EOS 5D Mark II
Ee-A (5D) / Eg-A (5D Mark II): Precision Matte
Replacement standard focus screen exclusively for the EOS 5D. Matte surface with nine AF points etched on screen. For general photography with all lenses.
Ee-D (5D) / Eg-D (5D Mark II): Precision Matte with Grid Lines
Similar to standard Ee-A screen for EOS 5D, but with horizontal and vertical lines for precise subject placement or alignment. Overall matte surface gives viewing and focusing very similar to standard Ee-A screen. EOS 5D must be set to Custom Function 00-1 for accurate exposure metering.
Ee-S (5D) / Eg-S (5D Mark II): Super-Precision Matte
An all-matte focus screen for the EOS 5D with finer microlens structure than the standard screens. Out-of-focus areas show more vividly than with Ee-A and Ee-D screens. It’s ideally suited for use with f/2.8 and faster lenses, especially for manual focusing. EOS 5D must be set to Custom Function 00-2 for accurate exposure metering.
Focusing Screens Ef Series
EOS 40D & 50D
Ef-A
The standard focus screen for EOS 40D. Standard Precision Matte surface, ideal with most lenses including zooms f/3.5 thru 5.6. All matte surface. Includes a special tool to remove existing screen.
Ef-D
Precision Matte surface, with etched grid lines to assist composition. The EOS 40D’s Af points remain fully visible. Focus characteristics suited to most lenses.
Ef-S
Exclusively for the EOS 40D, this focus screen is optimized for wide-aperture lenses from f/1.8 to f.2.8. Areas that are slightly out of focus appear more out of focus, making it easier to tell when focus is right-on. Ideal for users who frequently manually-focus in dim light with fast lenses.
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has anyone ever custom ground marks in these focusing screens? need to shoot 16×9 as well as a format even wider and need guides. could a optomotrist do this perhaps?
I doubt an optician can do this.
Try Katz Eye Optics. Since they are in the business of making custom screens for DSLRs that do not have interchangeable screens, maybe they can whip out a special order.
Alternatively, you can try scribing a ground glass yourself. This document by ARRI has all the ground glass markings for all motion picture aspects.
Once I had a specialized job to do where everything was aligned to pts on a precisely layed out grid. I sent my Nikon screen to a place in NH called “Klarmann Rulings, INC.”. Seems to me I sent them a CAD file with the precise line layout. The screen came back perfectly etched. Not sure what process they used, whether it was chemical or with a laser, but the lines on the screen were dead on perfect. here is the site
http://www.reticles.com/
603.424.2401
Toll Free: 800. 252.2401
Fax: 603.424.0970
Hope this does the trick!
Dennie
Great tip, Dennie. Thanks for your contribution.
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With the EC-s screen on the EOS-1V, what do you mean by manual exposure is required?
The Ec-S requires Custom Function 0 to be set so that the camera can adjust its metering sensitivity. Since the Ec-S was developed six years after the EOS-1V, the EOS-1V does not have a custom function setting to accomodate the Ec-S, hence the need for manual exposure.
Thanks for the info!
I’m still a little confused on the difference between the Ec-CIV and Ec-N though. Looking at the info, it seems that there’s a benefit of getting the Ec-N as it’s brighter right? Any con when compared to the default focusing screen of 1Ds Mark III (which I think is Ec-CIV)?
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Rendy.
Yes, Ec-N offers half a stop of brightness over the Ec-C IV.
Hey, thanks for getting back. So… no drawbacks to changing my Ec-CIV to Ec-N? I was afraid it may compromise on the difference between focus and the out-of-focus region or something else…
If you have fast lenses, I’m confident you’ll be happy with it. Remember to set custom function accordingly once you’ve switched to the new screen.
Great info, thanks for that!
So, if I have the EOS-3, and need to use a fast manual lenses on it, what screen will be best? I do not like to use any of that has a micro-prism in center, as this will not allow to use spot metering on centre.
Which one will allow the best focusing just on matted screen?
Thanks!
You’ll be fine with either the Ec-N or Ec-R.
Hello. Ec-S on EOS-3. CF-0 set to 0 or 1?
I’m not sure.
For shooting portraiture indoors and outdoors, which screen would you recommend?
Go for the S screen, especially if you have fast lenses.