Customer Reviews

Canon EF-D Focusing Screen for Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fuzzy Wuzzy's Summary:
***** Highly recommended with warm fuzzies!

The usefulness of the grid lines on this focusing screen grows on me as I use it. This should really be the default focusing screen that Canon installs on every 40D since it is quite easy to ignore the grid lines within the viewfinder if you do not care to use them for reference. Note that the grid lines do not divide the viewfinder image exactly into thirds, if you were expecting some "rule of thirds" composition aid here.

The installation instructions are fairly clear; I switched the focusing screen in just a couple of minutes. After screen installation, remember to set the 40D to use the "Ef-D" Focusing Screen option: (1) From the Menu, go to the Custom Function Set IV (Fn IV : Operation/Others); (2) Select and set the (1 : Ef-D) option.

One thing that is not mentioned in the installation instructions is that the Canon-Europe Web site actually has a nice video how-to that describes how to replace the focusing screen (see the "Comments" section of this review :-)

Canon EF-D Focusing Screen for Canon EOS 40D Digital SLR Camera As one who wears trifocal eyeglasses I sometime have difficulty seeing that things are perpendicular and horizontal in the viewfinder (at least that's my excuse, age may be another factor). Before I switched to a Canon DSLR I used a Nikon 35mm and had several focusing screens that fit that camera. The one I found myself using the most often was the one with grid lines. When I learned that interchangeable focusing screens were an option with the EOS 40D, I decided to move up from the 20D.

I received the EF-D screen yesterday and installed it this morning in less than 5 minutes (It's sure a lot easier than my old Nikon.). The installation instructions are understandable and easy to follow. What I especially like is the size of the tweezers included in the installation kit. They are large enough that people with large hands will not feel like a clumsy fool trying to hold them and grasp the screen.

If you have trouble keeping objects aligned in the viewfinder this may be a feature you will enjoy having. I love it.

Happy Shooting...

This add-on focusing screen includes helpful grid lines that assist in lining up architectural and landscape photos in the viewfinder of the Canon EOS 40D. It was easy to install, and really has helped me improve my compositions.

I first learned about this screen from a book, Canon EOS 40D Guide to Digital Photography, which I consider a must-have "accessory." It has a good mixture of information about the 40D and setting all its options and Custom Functions, as well as chapters on how to use the 40D's features to achieve better photography.

This grid focusing screen is a very simple and affordable accessory for the 40D. I was a bit worried about installing the screen myself, but the provided instructions were clear and concise. The screen also comes with a specialized tweezer tool that unlocks the screen clamp in the camera and allows you to grasp/manipulate the old and new screens without getting finger prints on them or your interior camera parts.

Also, it only takes a couple of minutes to make the switch, so you can go back to the original screen with ease. Just remember to tell the camera that you are switching screens-- the screen-type menu in in the custom functions menus.

I bought this screen primarily to help me line up the horizon in a straight line so I have less cropping and straightening to do in post processing. One thing I've really come to love about the gridlines is that it really helps me to follow the rule of thirds much more easily. Highly recommended.

I was hesitant to buy this at first because I didn't know if I would be able to focus as sharp as the Ef-A screen which came with my 60D (yes this FITS 60Ds). After comparing the two screens, they are EXACTLY the same except for the fact that the Ef-D screen has laser etched grid lines which will help those who like to use the rule of 2/3rds. After installing it, autofocus was NOT affected and I REALLY like the grid lines. They are easy to ignore if you don't need them, but this is DEFINITELY a MUST-HAVE upgrade for any 40D, 50D, or 60D owners!!!! Everything you need to install comes inside the kit and it LITERALLY changes within a few seconds. My only tip is to NOT touch any of the screens with anything other than the tool provided because ANY foreign substance especially oils from your hands will be impossible to remove as I have read from other posts in forums all over the net. All I can say is that this is an awesome but simple upgrade for anyone who like having the grid lines to assist with your photo composition.

**Another thing, MAKE SURE YOU CHANGE YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS to match this focusing screen. The cameras come set by default to the Ef-A focus screen, but you need to change it to Ef-D so there is no problem with focus or metering.

Obviously makes shooting through the view much easier. A very easy upgrade and very highly recommended one as well.

I purchased this for my Canon 40D because I am horizontally challenged after I have been holding my camera for several hours. This makes it much easier to get things level. I don't have to straighten the photos in Photoshop any more. This screen is a bit expensive, but I am enjoying the advantages of not having to edit my lop-sided pictures.

When I moved from the film world to the digital, most of my shots had to be corrected. They tilted one way or the other. This was in 2 rebel series cameras.

I upgraded to the 40d and added this screen and the results were immediate. Most of my shots are straight and I could not be happier.

If you have a problem keeping it straight, this is the screen for you

I do a lot of building photography with a tripod and a small level on the tripod. It was still difficult to get all pictures exactly level both vertically and hortizontally. With the new focusing screen, my problem is solved. It was a little tedious to install since I had never done it before and had never looked inside of the camera before but it is within capabilities of a newbie. Directions could be a little more detailed. Just be careful to use the installation tool and not touch the screen with your hands. Canon should include this screen with the camera.