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View Full Version : Focusing Screen - Canon 40D


Mad Aussie
02-04-2009, 07:46 PM
Looking for some help with the 40D I use.

In the Instruction Manual on page 162, in the custom function settings it mentions a focusing screen setting.
We have 3 choices apparently ...

Ef-A - standard precision matte screen
Ef-D - precision matte screen with grid to aid in horizon alignment etc
Ef-S - super precision matte to aid in better manual focus

I'm damned if I can see any difference between the 3 choices when I try them http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/stupid.gif

There is a reference that this Custom Function must set so that exposure compensation matches the respective focusing screen.
What?? http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/crazy.gif I know what exposure compensation is but I don't know what they mean here?

http://www.mtbdirt.com.au/home/smf/Smileys/classic/help.gif
EJC
02-04-2009, 09:24 PM
Hi Aussie

You caught my interest on this. I find the Canon manuals are written for people who already know everything about cameras and next to useless for the rest of us. I found this link in a Google search.

http://photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00NUXm

I hope it helps

cheers
EJC
Mad Aussie
02-04-2009, 09:47 PM
Hi Aussie

You caught my interest on this. I find the Canon manuals are written for people who already know everything about cameras and next to useless for the rest of us. I found this link in a Google search.

http://photo.net/canon-eos-digital-camera-forum/00NUXm

I hope it helps

cheers
EJC
Oh good grief! We have to buy the screens first and then install them before they will show up! WHAT A RIP-OFF CANON!! The feature should be part of the camera not an addon. This isn't a damn video game. :yuck:

Thanks EJC ... at least that answers my question and I can stop trying to find my grid every few weeks wondering what I'm doing wrong.
tomorrowstreasures
02-05-2009, 09:56 AM
Dude - I had that same question! Great minds think alike! Thanks for the info, EJC! And, MA - I am in concurrence with you on this!
Mad Aussie
02-05-2009, 03:04 PM
Yeh I just wanted the Ef-D screen to help keep horizons level but I'm getting better at that and a quick rotate/cop or distort in PS afterwards sorts it out anyhow. My money is better saved more for a second decent tripod, macro lens, fisheye or something.
EJC
02-05-2009, 11:48 PM
You likely already do this but I use the focus dots at 10 & 2 o'clock or 8 & 4 o'clock to line up the horizon or as 1/3 markers.
Cheers
EJC
Mad Aussie
02-05-2009, 11:51 PM
When I remember to ... which isn't often :o

Figured the grid would help. Never mind ... no biggie.
tomorrowstreasures
02-06-2009, 10:02 AM
You likely already do this but I use the focus dots at 10 & 2 o'clock or 8 & 4 o'clock to line up the horizon or as 1/3 markers.
Cheers
EJC

great tip! that should go in the tip thread too!