Canon 400d focus screen help

[hoanpham]

Can anyone recommend a cheap focus screen that can be installed without extra shims/washers?

Currently, I have no canon ef/ef-s lens, nor any in eos mount, but many in m42 and tamron adaptall2.
Please recommend a m42 adapter, or if you have a spare Tamron adapter, please let me know.

Thanks

[peterqd]

I fitted one of these in my 400D:
Click here to see on Ebay

Nice and kind of bright (as far as the 400D goes ) but focussing was out when I first fitted it. I had to build up the thickness of the shim with 2 layers of magic tape. However, every camera is unique so there's no shortcut, you'll have to calibrate yours yourself.

[hoanpham]

Thanks Peter.

I got the camera donated for free, just paid the shipping cost, and intent to use it for educational purpose. However, I dont have AF optics for newbees and need to 'upgrade' it to handle MF lenses. Focus screen and m42 af confirm should be ok.

I went through eby and found out that m42 adapters with newer version of af-confirm chip can also be programmed with focal length and f-stops.

Is there anyone here having this kind of adapter? Would you prefer regular non-af-confirm adapters?

[peterqd]

The only use for programmable adapters on the 400D is to record the focal length in the EXIF data - they have no effect on metering and exposure in Av or M mode.

In practice, the AF confirm beep is pretty useless on my camera. It only works with aperture settings up to 5.6, and it's not very accurate - the beep sounds at different places depending on which direction the focus dial is turned. The split screen is much more useful.

I prefer plain M42 adapters, without the flange to push the auto pin. Sometimes the depth of the flange is too shallow and I have several lenses that won't screw fully into flanged adapters, so they don't quite reach infinity focus. Using plain adapters means that auto lenses without auto/manual switches (e.g. Helios 44M-4 or Meyer Domiplan, there are a few others) should be avoided. Lenses with A/M switches should be set on Manual, and preset and manual lenses (without auto pins) are fine.

[hoanpham]

Thanks again Peter.
You just save me 10usd for the simpler m42 adapter.

[Olivier]

I like the Af confirm adapters and they help me a lot.

I like these very much :
- M42
Click here to see on Ebay
without flange :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/AF-confirm-M42-lens-canon-adapter-eos-50D-EXIF-edit-/400222235675?pt=UK_Photography_CameraLenses_Lens_caps_hoods_adaptors_ET&hash=item5d2f1aac1b

- Adaptall-2
Click here to see on Ebay

I had no problems with them and AF confirm improved since my first one.

[hoanpham]

Thanks Olivier,

I got the camera today.
It came with BG-E3 grip, 2 batteries, but no charger, no data cable.
I already ordered the cheapest plain m42 adapter for 4usd - i just pick out the most sold item on eby - but i think i will also order the two you pointed out.
Focus screen is still evaluating, but also going to pick the most sold to be sure.
I can't open the url of the tamron adapter, but it's ok. I have more m42 lenses that I can use.

This selection strategy is applied whenever I have many undetermined choices, like picking a restaurant with lots of people - food must be good or cheap or both

If anyone has extra charger or extra data cable, please let me know.
Thanks for your help.

[Olivier]

Here is the link to the Tamron adapter.
It is really good.
Click here to see on Ebay

Chargers for 400D
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313&_nkw=400d+battery+charger&_sacat=See-All-Categories

[hoanpham]

Got the focus screen installed and calibrated.

Also got the charger for free, and got 2 kit lenses, plastic build, but AF and suitable weight for kids.

The eby focus screen came with installation set. After 5-6 times trying to setting in and taking out. It seems to focus correctly in all distances and lenses, no need for extra washers/shims. I use a cheap/plain takumar/m42-EF adapter to test the focus with different lenses.

The camera is now ready for action. Thanks everyone.

[Olivier]

Enjoy.
We are now waiting for your photographies.