Canon 60D EOS Focusing Screens User Guide
- June 15, 2024
- Canon
Table of Contents
Canon 60D EOS Focusing Screens
Product Information
- Specifications
- Screen Types: Split-image, Laser matte (with or without grid lines), Super Precision Matte
- Compatibility: Available for EOS-1 series models (and EOS 3) only
- Maximum Effective Aperture: f/5.6 or wider for microprism focusing screen
Product Introduction
- Product Usage
- The Canon EOS Focusing Screens are designed to assist with manual focus on your EOS camera. They come in three different types: Split-image, Laser matte, and Super Precision Matte.
- Split-image
- A microprism focusing screen such as the Ec-A is a type of split-image screen that helps with manual focus by visually diffracting a subject when it is not in focus and eliminating the diffraction when the subject is in focus.
- The microprism focusing area occupies the center portion of the screen and can be used with lenses that have a maximum effective aperture of f/5.6 or wider.
- However, please note that this type of screen is only available for EOS-1 series models (and EOS 3).
- Laser matte (with or without grid lines)
- A laser matte focusing screen such as the Ec-D does not have visual focusing aids.
- Instead, it shows the entire image area going in and out of focus, even with lenses that have an effective aperture smaller than f/5.6.
- Canon offers laser matte screens with various markings, including grid lines, a cross-hair reticle, frame crops, or no markings at all.
- Super Precision Matte
- The Super Precision Matte screen provides a clear and precise view of the image area. It is designed for accurate manual focusing and is suitable for various shooting situations.
- Installing the Focusing Screen
- Ensure that your camera is turned off.
- Open the camera’s back cover by sliding the latch or pressing the release button.
- Gently remove the current focusing screen by using a pair of tweezers or the provided removal tool (if included).
- Take the new focusing screen out of its packaging, being careful not to touch the surface with your fingers.
- Align the notches or tabs on the focusing screen with the corresponding slots or grooves inside the camera.
- Slide the focusing screen into place until it is securely seated.
- Close the camera’s back cover and make sure it locks properly.
- Switching Between Focusing Screens
- To switch between different focusing screens, follow the steps below:
- Turn off your camera.
- Open the camera’s back cover.
- Remove the current focusing screen using a pair of tweezers or the provided removal tool.
- Insert the desired focusing screen by aligning the notches or tabs with the corresponding slots or grooves inside the camera.
- Slide the focusing screen into place until it is securely seated.
- Close the camera’s back cover and ensure it locks properly.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I use any type of focusing screen with my EOS camera?
- A: No, the compatibility of the focusing screens is limited to EOS-1 series models (and EOS 3) only. Please refer to the camera’s user manual for more information.
- Q: Can I use a microprism focusing screen with lenses that have a smaller effective aperture than f/5.6?
- A: No, microprism focusing screens can only be used with lenses that have a maximum effective aperture of f/5.6 or wider. Attempting to use them with lenses of smaller aperture may result in inaccurate focusing.
- Q: Can I switch between different types of focusing screens?
- A: Yes, you can switch between different types of focusing screens as long as they are compatible with your EOS camera model. Please follow the provided instructions for installing and switching between focusing screens.
Description
- QuickGuide to EOS Focusing Screens
Solution
QuickGuide to EOS Focusing Screens
- One of the many advantages of using Canon EOS SLRs—the professional models in particular—is the ability to change the focusing screen to suit a particular lens aperture, focal length, application, or focusing preference.
- This QuickGuide is therefore intended to you derive the maximum benefit from these useful accessories.
- The primary benefit of using something other than the standard screen is that an accessory screen may be better suited for use with manual focus or wide aperture lenses or may provide framing aids that are useful for macro, microscopic, copy, or architectural photography.
EOS SLRS with Interchangeable Screens
The following cameras feature interchangeable focusing screens:
- EOS-1/1N/1V and EOS-3 series film cameras
- EOS-1D/Ds series DSLRs
- EOS 5D series DSLRs
- EOS 40D, 50D, and 60D DSLRs
Although similar types of focusing screens are available for each camera series, the screens themselves are not interchangeable between series. Screens are, however, interchangeable between models of the same series. All Canon focusing screens are compatible with EOS autofocus systems, however, screens that have a focusing aid in the center may be incompatible with spot or evaluative metering.
BASIC SCREEN TYPES
Split-image
- A split-image focusing screen helps with manual focus by visually splitting a subject along the horizontal or vertical and horizontal axis when it is not in focus and bringing the image together when the subject is in focus.
- Canon’s Ec-L Cross-Split screen is similar to the Ec-B screen but combines a vertical and horizontal split.
- With either version, the split-image focusing area occupies the center of the screen, and can be used with lenses that have a maximum effective aperture of f/5.6 or wider.
- Available for EOS-1 series models (and EOS 3) only.
Microprism
- A microprism focusing screen such as the Ec-A helps with manual focus by visually diffracting a subject when it is not in focus and eliminating the diffraction
- when the subject is in focus. The microprism focusing area occupies the center portion of the screen, and can be used with lenses that have a maximum effective aperture of f/5.6 or wider. Available for EOS-1 series models (and EOS 3) only.
Laser matte (with or without grid lines)
A laser matte focusing screen such as the Ec-D has no visual focusing aids.- Instead, it shows the entire image area going in and out of focus, even with lenses that have an effective aperture smaller than f/5.6.
- Canon offers laser matte screens in a variety of markings, ranging from grid lines, a cross-hair reticle, frame crops, or no markings at all.
Super Precision Matte
A Super Precision Matte screen such as the Ec-S is optimized for wide-aperture lenses, specifically those that have a maximum aperture of f/1.8 – f/2.8.- It’s best suited for users who frequently manually focus in dim light with fast lenses.
- Areas that are slightly out of focus will appear more out of focus, making it easier to tell when the focus is right on.
- Note, however, that with lenses that have a maximum aperture smaller than f/2.8, a Super Precision Matte screen will appear dark and grainy.
- Different versions of the Super Precision Matte screen are available for EOS-1 series models, EOS 5D, EOS 5D Mark II, and EOS 40D-60D series.
Ec SERIES SCREENS
- Ec-series screens are compatible with all versions of the EOS-1, EOS 3, EOS-1D, EOS-1Ds, and EOS D2000.
Available screens include:
- Ec-A Microprism
- Ec-B New Split with single horizontal split-image focusing aid in center
- Ec-C III Original Laser-Matte. This is the standard screen for the EOS-1Ds. Its only markings are an outer AF ellipse and an inner spot metering reference circle.
- Ec-C IV Bright Laser-Matte. This is the standard screen for the EOS-1D Mark III/IV, and 1Ds Mark III. It has the same markings as the Ec-C III but is brighter, less grainy and better balanced.
- Ec-D Laser-Matte with Sections (grid screen)
- Ec-H Laser-Matte with Scale
- Ec-I Laser-Matte with Double Cross-Hair Reticle
- Ec-L Cross-Split Image
- Ec-N New Laser-Matte. This screen is standard for the
- EOS 3. It has a Bright Laser Matte field with an AF ellipse center-focusing spot.
- Ec-R New Laser-Matte. This screen is standard for the EOS 1N RS. It compensates for decreased brightness due to low reflection from a pellicle mirror. It is an overall bright laser matte and allows for center spot metering.
- Ec-S Super Precision Matte. Optimized for wideaperture lenses, specifically those that have a maximum aperture of f/1.8 – f/2.8.
- SCREENS WITH CROPS FOR 4×5 AND SQUARE FORMATS
- These screens come as a set of two. They are ideal for users who regularly shoot images that will be printed at standard print sizes.
- One is marked for square (6x6cm) format, the other indicates the boundaries for 4×5 and 8×10 format.
Each set of screens is available in one of two versions:
- The Black Mask Set (shown above) has each format indicated by a heavy black mask. The Crop Lines Set has each format indicated by a thin border. Both versions are otherwise identical to the standard Bright Laser Matte screen. With
- Black Mask versions, we recommend Partial or Spot ambient metering and
- FEL flash metering for optimum accuracy and repeatability.
- Ec-1Ds/Ec-1D/Ee Crop Lines
- Ec-1Ds/Ec-1D/Ee Black Mask
- Ec-1Ds For all versions of EOS-1Ds, and all 35mm versions of the EOS-1.
- Ec-1D For all versions of EOS-1D.
- Ee For original 12MP EOS 5D only. Will not fit EOS 5D Mark II.
- Ee SERIES (EOS 5D) AND Eg SERIES SCREENS (EOS 5D MARK II)
- Ee-A (5D) / Eg-A (5D Mark II): Precision Matte
- Ee-D (5D) / Eg-D (5D Mark II): Precision Matte Grid Lines
- Ee-S (5D) / Eg-S (5D Mark II): Super-Precision Matte (for f/2.8 or faster lenses
- Ef SERIES (EOS 40D, 50D, 60D)
- Ef-A Standard Laser Matte focusing screen
- Ef-D Precision Matte surface with etched grid lines. The camera’s AF points remain fully visible. Focus characteristics are suited to most lenses.
- Ef-S The Super Precision Matte focusing screen is optimized for wide-aperture lenses from f/1.8 thru 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. It is ideal for users who frequently use manual focus in dim light with fast lenses.
EXPOSURE AND COMPATIBILITY ISSUES
- Center spot metering will not be accurate with splitimage, microprism, and double cross-hair reticle screens.
- Evaluative metering is also not recommended because of possible exposure inconsistencies. The best option with these screens is center-weighted average metering.
- A second option is spot metering linked to an off-center AF point (C.Fn I-7-1 with EOS-1D Mark III & Mark IV).
PROPER CARE AND HANDLING
- Focusing screens are extremely delicate and should be handled with great care. Always use the special gripping tool that Canon provides with each screen.
- Never touch the screen with your fingers or hold it in your hand.
- Never place the screen in contact with a dirty or abrasive surface.
- If you smudge the screen you will find the smudge very difficult to remove. If you scratch the screen the scratch will be permanent.
- If you see dust on the screen, do not attempt to remove the dust with a brush or compressed gas duster. You should only attempt to remove dust with a manual air blower, making sure never to touch the screen.
- If you are unable to remove the dust, have the screen cleaned by an authorized Canon service facility.
- Bear in mind that minor specks of dust will not appear on your images and have no effect on a focusing screen’s usability.
REMOVAL
- Place your camera on a flat surface, with the lens mount facing upward. This will prevent the screen from accidentally falling out of the camera.
- Use the focusing screen gripping tool to gently pull toward you the latch that holds the screen in place.
- The frame that holds the screen will release and drop downward, toward the mirror.
- Note whether the mounting tab is to your left or right. The replacement screen must be inserted with the mounting tab in the same position.
- Grasp the focusing screen’s mounting tab with the tool and carefully lift the screen out of the camera.
- Place the screen you have removed in the open area of the new screen’s storage case to prevent damage.
INSERTION
- Grasp the focusing screen’s mounting tab with the tool and carefully place it into the retaining frame inside the camera, in the same position as the original. Make sure the screen is properly seated.
- Gently press up on the screen holder with the tool until the holder clicks into place. Be especially careful that the tool doesn’t slip forward and scratch the focus screen or mirror.
- Grasp the mounting tab of the screen you removed and place it in the case in the storage position.
© 2018 Canon U.S.A., Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
QuickGuide to EOS Focusing Screens
- Article ID: ART170209
- Date published: 05/02/2018
- Data last updated: 05/02/2018
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
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