Canon (fd) Focusing Screens - Putting in the older EF body..... Is it possible?

[holmburgers]

Hello,

First off, for the uninitiated, I'm talking about Canon's original EF (FD lenses) camera, not the new line of Rebels, EOS, etc. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canon_EF_camera

So, I just got one of these cameras and it's just beautiful. Perhaps the ultimate in Canon's FD line, and kind of a sleeper too. But one thing that mine is lacking is the split-image focusing screen. I learned after receiving mine that the later ones did have them, but mine doesn't. Also, the image lacks the brilliance of my AE-1 Program which has the super-duper Laser matte screen, same as the New F-1 (I believe).

My question is, although the EF doesn't have user changeable screens, if I were to get a hold of one of 'said' interchangeable screens, could a competent repair tech put it in the EF?

To have the EF w/ split image AND the much brighter laser matte screen would be a dream set up.

Thanks to anyone who might have some insight on this issue.

Happy holidays!

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

I'm not sure what role the screen plays in the metering system on the EF, but if it plays no role, you could get a custom solution, like a Maxwell screen, but it wouldn't be worth the cost--might as well just sell the EF and buy a later Canon with a better screen like a New F-1 or T-90.

Later Canons, however, have a prism in the screen that diverts some of the light to the meter, and there are no aftermarket replacements for these, and they aren't easily swapped between cameras. This, incidentally, is why later manual focus Canons need a circular polarizer rather than a standard polarizer, because the meter won't work properly with the regular polarizer.

 

[holmburgers]

Yeah, after posting I did a little more research and found that out about the metering. I'll look into the Maxwell screens though.

Probably better off just getting good with the micro-prism focusing.

I love everything about the EF despite my above complaints (and LED metering in the VF would be helpful), but they're pretty inconsequential. You know, gotta have my cake & eat it too.

Thank you!