Focusing screens & the 6D

[peterisviksna]

Hey everyone. Hope some of you can help me clear this up.

A year ago when I was faced with a dilemma (5D3 vs 6D) I opted for the 6D for several reasons and I've been very, very happy with the results I can achieve with this body. I heard that one of the advantages of 6D over 5D3 is the option of interchangable focusing screens. But what does it really give you? What is the point of changing them? Is there a big difference? I mostly use the center point for 99,9% of my shots and I mostly use fast primes for shooting (135/2, 50/1.4 & 50/1.2 & 16-35/2.8II)



Thanks!

 

[Loswr]

The stock focusing screen shows you the depth of field of approximately f/2.8, even with a faster lens. The Eg-S screen will show you the true DoF of fast lenses, which makes composition easier and manual focusing (if you do that) much easier and more accurate. The trade-off is if you use slower lenses, especially indoors, the viewfinder will be rather dark.

Some people also find the Eg-D replacement screen with grid lines helpful for composition.

 

[e17paul]

I have the eg-s ultra matt screen in my 6D and it is a significant improvement on the standard screen. As well as fast primes (Canon and adapted). I also use it with an f/4-5.6 zoom and have no problem with the viewfinder being dark, as sometimes cautioned. I mainly use the zoom outdoors in good light, so others may have different experience.

With your fast primes, it could be a good investment. I only wish that a split prism was available for the 6D. There is also a gridded screen available, I only wish that a grid could be had in combination with the eg-s - I use live view when I want to check for horizontal horizons.

 

[mackguyver]

The super matte screens are amazing for f/4 lenses or faster. The regular screen is soft in grainy in comparison and there's no going back. I really miss my 5D II and 60D for that reason and don't even bother trying to manually focus anymore. That's how bad the stock screens (even it the 1D X) are in comparison. It's nice to see the DOF/bokeh down to about f/1.8 as well

Also, I'm not sure if the 5DII Eg-S screen is compatible with the 6D, but I have that and the EF-S one for the 60D sitting on a shelf in their boxes collecting dust. If anyone's interested, I'd be willing to let either of them go for a fraction of their original cost. PM me.

 

[lholmes549]

I recently purchased the 6D and have since been thinking about changing the focusing screen.
I've toyed with the idea of the Eg-s but I also used an Ec-A focusing screen with the microprism in the centre on my 7D (purchased from http://www.focusingscreen.com) because I use old manual lenses a fair bit.
I really love the modified Ec-A for my 7D, because it was so much easier to manual focus, but with slower lenses the microprism would go dark very quickly and this was definitely a pain at times.
I don't think there is much point in getting the Ec-A unless you manual focus with large apertures, but the website may offer something you would be interested in.
They are more expensive, as I think they're modified to fit the 6D, and they come from Taiwan (I think) so take a while to arrive but I loved mine in the 7D.
Sorry if I didn't really answer your queries but I think neuro summed it up pretty well.

 

[NancyP]

How easy is it to swap OEM Canon screens, and is this something that one can do in the field?

 

[mackguyver]

How easy is it to swap OEM Canon screens, and is this something that one can do in the field?

It's not complicated and can be done in the field, but if you're not careful, it's easy to scratch them with the installation tool. You're also exposing the inside of the camera for a couple of minutes as you do it. It's best done on a desk with good lighting and patience. Here are some good resources:

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2013/eos1dx_interchangeable_focus_screens.shtml

http://learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_FocusingScreens_QuickGuide.pdf

I think there's a video out there, too, but couldn't find it in a quick search.

 

[tolusina]

How easy is it to swap OEM Canon screens, and is this something that one can do in the field?

The screens come in a custom fitted box including a slot for temporarily holding whichever screen is currently out of place.
Read the instructions, twice if you need. Have them out while you work.
The actual job should take no more than two minutes first time through, be sure to change C.FnIII:Operation/Others to the screen you've just installed.
The screen swap is nerve wracking the first time only, partially because the instructions don't become completely clear until you've actually followed them, then you'll see they are concisely clear.

I've found screen removal to be easy enough that I include screen removal as part of my sensor and mirror box air blown cleaning process.
Second time through takes maybe 30 seconds, it's very easy.

Um, no, I wouldn't change screens out in a field, I'd only change them out on a cleared table indoors, I suspect that's what you were asking, a field no, the field yes.




.

 

[e17paul]

Also, I'm not sure if the 5DII Eg-S screen is compatible with the 6D, but I have that and the EF-S one for the 60D sitting on a shelf in their boxes collecting dust. If anyone's interested, I'd be willing to let either of them go for a fraction of their original cost. PM me.

The Eg-series screens are for both 5D2 and 6D, and probably other (previous) models as well. Canon's compatibility guide is outdated, it predates the 6D. The standard fitment is the Eg-A II, I swapped mine for the Eg-S soon after buying the camera and would not go back.

I dont have my handbook with me, but there is an answer at http://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/46876/which-canon-focusing-screens-fit-on-the-canon-6d - it seems that Canon don't update their compatibility information when new models become available.

 

[AcutancePhotography]

I do miss the split prism focusing aids from the film days. I wish every DSLR could have interchangable focusing screens.

 

[candyman]

How easy is it to swap OEM Canon screens, and is this something that one can do in the field?

It's not complicated and can be done in the field, but if you're not careful, it's easy to scratch them with the installation tool. You're also exposing the inside of the camera for a couple of minutes as you do it. It's best done on a desk with good lighting and patience. Here are some good resources:

http://learn.usa.canon.com/resources/articles/2013/eos1dx_interchangeable_focus_screens.shtml

http://learn.usa.canon.com/app/pdfs/quickguides/CDLC_FocusingScreens_QuickGuide.pdf

I think there's a video out there, too, but couldn't find it in a quick search.

Very useful. Thanks mackguyver

 

[NancyP]

Thanks, macguyver and tolusina. "The field" could be "sitting in the car" or "in the tent, flap closed" - protected environment. Of course the first time I try doing something like this, I try it inside at a clean table with a good light. I frequently use f/4 to f/5.6 lenses, but also use manual focus fast lenses and grrrrr focusing those fast lenses wide open is irritating with the standard screen. Next order: Eg_S

 

[Marsu42]

But what does it really give you? What is the point of changing them?

I bought the screen with the grid and it is a blessing as it improves my "shoot level" capability a lot, meaning less rotating necessary in post and more effective mp to use.

I know the 5d3 has it as a red overlay, but the advantage of the grid on the screen is that it's always there, very unobtrusive and you just see it when you want to. In hindsight I should have bought this for my 60d years ago.