Canon Ec-S screen on EOS 3

2F/2F · Mar 6, 2010

Hello,

I just got an EOS 3 today. Nice camera. I want to get the Ec-S screen for it. I notice that it is not listed as being for the EOS 3, however.

1. Will it install into the EOS 3?
2. If it installs, will it auto focus?
3. Can the camera be set to have an accurate meter with this screen? (I normally abhor in-camera meters, but will likely want to use the spot pattern from time to time.)

Thank you in advance.

ath · Mar 6, 2010

It will autofocus because this is independent from the screen.
It will probably install since the 3 and the 1 series share the same screens, the Ec series.
Regading the exposure, I guess you will have to try. You might be able to link some information from the 1D manual for this screen to a screen listed for the EOS3.

What's wrong with the standard screen of the 3?

ath · Mar 6, 2010

from http://www.canon.com/camera-museum/tech/report/200511/report.html:

The Super precision matte Ec-S screen was developed together with the EOS-1D Mark II N to make manual focusing easier with f/2.8 or larger aperture lens.

Note: Since the diffusion characteristic of the matte surface is different from the existing Ec-series focusing screens, C.Fn-00-2 is necessary to use the Ec-S. It cannot be used with EOS-1D series cameras other than the EOS-1D Mark II N because correct exposure cannot be guaranteed.

Looks like an additional exposure compensation is necessary or a trip for recalibration the meter.

2F/2F · Mar 6, 2010

That description by Canon is exactly my problem. It only talks of the screen in terms of the digital cameras.

The stock focusing screen, and all of the optional ones except the Ec-S, only show the depth of field of f/2.8 (or even smaller apertures, in the case of the screens designed for even slower lenses), yet any lens I will be using on the camera will be faster than f/2.8. I always try to switch to this type of focusing screen if it is available for the camera. I prefer my focusing screen to have as thin a depth of field as possible. I even want to custom install one of the type S screens for the 40D and 50D into my 10D.

My guess is that the screen will install, will autofocus, but will not meter properly.

WFisherPhoto · Apr 16, 2011

Hey there. I'm interested to know how it went using the EC-S on the EOS 3. Thanks.

2F/2F · Apr 16, 2011

Never got to it. I have never got 100 percent verification from anyone working in a camera store that the 1Ds screens will fit an EOS 3, nor have I been able to find one in stock at a local store. But I have not contacted Canon yet. I haven't really pursued this with gusto. Sorry.

hpulley · Apr 16, 2011

Yes, they'll fit fine but the metering will be off a bit. Just adjust the EC a bit, no biggie.

2F/2F · Apr 16, 2011

Do you have one in an EOS 3?

hpulley · Apr 16, 2011

No but they use the same focus screens as my 1-series bodies so I'm confident they'll fit and work.

2F/2F · Apr 16, 2011

So am I. But this is a later screen, and I don't want to spend the money until I hear someone with authority describe exactly what I am getting myself into. I will contact Canon eventually. Not a priority right now. Thanks for the input.

film_man · Apr 16, 2011

When I had the EOS 3 I had the EC-CIV installed. It shows focus much better than the stock screen and didn't need any exposure compensation. Don't know if it is relevant and can't tell about the DOF preview, I hardly used it.

2F/2F · Apr 16, 2011

I am curious about that screen too. It sounds brighter than the Ec-S, but I am not sure if it shows any less D of F than the EOS 3's stock focusing screen.

WFisherPhoto · Apr 16, 2011

I just ordered two (for my two EOS 3s). I'll come back to let you know how it goes. Really hoping the metering effect is minimal.

2F/2F · Apr 16, 2011

WFisherPhoto said:
I just ordered two (for my two EOS 3s). I'll come back to let you know how it goes. Really hoping the metering effect is minimal.

Two EC-S screens or two EC-CIV screens?

WFisherPhoto · Apr 18, 2011

Sorry, I bought the EC-S. Thinking I may try the EC-CIV as well.

FlorianR · Jul 19, 2011

Since I bought a used Canon EOS 3 a few weeks ago I'm very interested in changing the focusing screen, since the standard screen doesn't allow for a good DOF preview with lenses faster than 2.8.
The EOS 3 behaves different as my Olympus OM 2, which gives a correct DOF preview even with a 1.8 lens.
at WFisherPhoto: Did you already install the EC-S focusing screen?

Katie · Jul 21, 2011

Just installed the EC-s on my 1V ... haven't run a roll through it yet, but dry firing, it seems to focus my 1.2 lens just fine. We shall see... How is the EOS 3 different? Sizing?

Canon Ec-S screen on EOS 3

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