Change Focus Screen & Remove Viewfinder? Model?

[akcelik]

I need a Pentax that will allow me to change the Focusing Screen and

allow me to remove the viewfinder so I can view from the top, looking

down at the camera.. if that makes any sense?

 

As far as I know the Nikon F2, F3, F4 & F5 models allow for removing

viewfinder and changing focusing screen to a plain clear screen with

nothing on it.

 

Why I need to do this? Is to focus my camcorder onto the focusing

screen with the help of a macro adaptor (maybe X4) to help me acheive

a shallow depth of focus which is impossible on most dv cams due to

their small size sensor.

 

I dont want to buy a Nikon so I would hope there are more than a few

options currently out there to find one on ebay and make this possible.

 

Is it still possible to buy new focusing screens for old Pentax camera

models, a clear screen in particular?

 

I hope I made that clear.., My grammar sux sometimes. (or is it

"sometimes my grammar sux"?) :)

 

I would greatly apreciate a list of models that can do, if any??

 

Regards,

omer

[Jochen_S]

LX. The only one I know. I'd call your idea close to lunatic. Your image will have to be mirrowed and worst LX are pricy! - Why don't you adjust your camcorder to a image projected into some extension tube and rotate it or the camcorder before mirroring?

[Sandeha Lynch]

A Nikon might work out cheaper and be easier to find than a decent LX. Otherwise, why not just buy an old banger ME Super and hack the top off.

[raphael_gray]

The Pentax MX definately has interchangable screens. I got mine replaced only a few weeks ago.

[mawz]

Only the LX offers removable finders. Most of the semi-pro bodies allow changable focusing screens, including the *ist DS and *ist D.

 

Pentax offered a number of screens, but the only ones currently offered are IIRC grid screens.

[akcelik]

ok so the LX is out.

 

And even if I do find a Pentax with interchangeable screen it sounds like it only comes in the grid form and not clear.

 

Im gonna try and build something and see how it goes.

 

thanks for that guys.

[alan_chan4]

LX takes many different screens, including plain screen. You may find them on eBay. The price of LX has decreased due to the digital trend, but reliability issue remains a concern. If you can't get it serviced, then better avoided.