David Kilpatrick has posted step-by-step instructions with photos, describing how to install a Haoda split-image/microprism screen on the Sony A100 on the Photoclub Alpha blog. It seems fairly painless, although I’m not sure it is something I would want to attempt. Not because I would be afraid to mod my dSLR — although there is always the possibility of causing some damage — and I suspect this could void the camera’s warranty.
More importantly, however, I’m not convinced I would like the new focusing screen. I seldom used the split screen on my film SLRs, finding the split screen to be more a distraction than a focusing aid. Others, however, seem to really like a split screen; and Kilpatrick seems quite happy with his modified Alpha. It might be an improvement, but I’m still concerned I wouldn’t care for the final result.
Of course you can always change back to the original screen, but it seems like a lot of work and expense to go through if you don’t like the new screen.
Still, I appreciate any mods that apply to Sony and Minolta dSLRs, because it encourages small manufacturers to develop products for the Alpha line — and that is always a good thing. It also encourages the Sony community to discover useful mods that can improve the Alpha experience.
If you have a desire for a split screen on your A100, check out David’s instructions on the Photoclub Alpha blog.
3 Comments
Thanks for the link. I can’t stand the lack of a proper focusing screen in my A100. I think I’m going to undergo this procedure sometime in the next month, the sooner the better.
Have you heard of any other reliable focusing screens that are available currently? I’ve heard good things about Katzeye but they don’t seem to handle Sony / KM currently.
place where you can find focusing screen:
http://www.focusingscreen.com/
and instruction on how to change the focusing screen properly:
http://www.focusingscreen.com/work/a200en.htm
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