Canon 5D MKII - custom split screen focusing screen

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Nando

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Hi Guys,

Interested to know about any experiences in using Split image focusing screens in a Canon 5D MKII and any effects in exposure metering.

I'm thinking about buying one but would like to know if anyone had the experience before on what impact does it or it doesn't have on exposure metering, especially using central point metering.

All my lenses are 2.8 or faster, and I know some focusing screens stop light a lot, but my concerns are on EV metering, as far as I understand, Exposure Metering System comes after the focusing screen on the 5DII.
 
I use them on a 5D3 and 1Dx. Evaluative metering doesn't suffer much change but centre needs +2/3 to +1 EC.

Bob
 
I've ordered one, it will arrive in 1 or 2 weeks. Let's hope I do not regret my money.
Compensating only the centre is not possible, so if it makes a big change I'll struggle to use multi-zone metering... will see.

If anyone interested, ask me in a few weeks.
 
Nando said:
Compensating only the centre is not possible, so if it makes a big change I'll struggle to use multi-zone metering... will see.
Click to expand...
I didn't mean to imply that the centre of the image needs more EC than the edges but if you meter from the centre then you'll need to add some EC.....which is possible.

Bob
 
OK, got it. Thanks for the reply Bob.

I'll feedback here the outcome of my purchase.
 
Hi Guys,

As promised, some feedback on my new Focusing Screen.

Bought it on eBay from a Shanghai seller, (if anyone requires details I can share on a PM) took a bit less than 2 weeks to arrive (UK-Lon).

It really makes the difference when focusing, whether you're using Manual Focus or you're using Auto but want to check the focus. Not only the split screen helps but also the micro-prism around it.

Main concern was the metering as it is heavily influenced by the focusing screen, my feedback is the following:
When using spot centre metering: no influence at all, just set your focusing screen in the camera settings to EG-A and metering will be as usual.
When using matrix metering: that's when you experience issues, meter will measure a lot more light coming in the centre of the image compared to the surroundings, and because the screen blocks a lot of light on the borders, it measures less light overall. Photos end up being over-exposed.

I'm sure you can compensate but then it all comes down to what you're photographing... for me this brings no impact as I use Manual mode and centre metering but this focusing screen is probably not a always on for most of the people.

It's a good focusing screen anyway as it helps so much on achieve perfect focus.
 
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