The Stoneage KX

<p>Does anyone know whether it is possible to install a Split-Image screen in a KX? (My eyes!)</p>

<p>Tony, yes <a href="http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/cat--Pentax-DSLRs--cat_pentax.html">Katz Eye</a> lists the KX.</p>

<p>ME</p>

<p>I assume by stoneage you mean KX (film) rather than K-x (digital). Mine has a pretty good (better than I'd expected) microprism center but no split-prism. Not sure if its easily changeable or not. The owner's manual shows both kinds so it seems likely that it can be changed or that they sold them both ways.</p>

<p>Oops, my error Tony. My brain is too digital these days, for better or for worse.</p>

<p>ME</p>

<p>Michael, no problem. As Andrew says, the manual references both types for focusing, but can they be changed post-production?</p>

<p>Tony, I recall that the KX had the option of three screens that were able to be installed at Pentax service centres. These were probably a microprism aid, a split-image aid and a plain screen. In my view the microprism aids in the Spotmatic and K series cameras (and the 6x7) are too fine, so that one has to really look carefully at them, and they become harder to use with age. The MX and ME have a much improved combined microprism and split aid that uses a coarser and hence easier to use microprism collar around a central split. (I've recently also seen a similar screen in a K1000 SE, which came out later than the KX). I suggest you cannibalise a combined microprism & split screen from a junked ME, MG or MV or similar and have that installed. I've read that the viewscreens of most Pentax cameras of that era are interchangeable by any camera technician, so I don't think you should have trouble getting a better microprism screen installed. He or she may already have a junked camera to use as parts.</p>

<p>Rod, thanks for that. Yes, I have an SE, so much easier to focus. Based on what you say, conversion looks possible.</p>