split screen focus aid (concept)
 

This is one of those 'thinking out loud' or 'planting an idea seed' posts.

Ever since I dismantled a Nikon FE2AS focus screen a couple weeks ago, which I'd never done before, I've been wondering if it would be possible for Zacuto or Hoodman to create a split screen focus area in their loupe accessories.

My first SLR was a Pentax Super, and focusing was pretty reliable using the split screen and shimmering triangles. The 5d2 has additional focus screens available, whereas the 7D's is fixed.

Is this concept clear? If so, what do you think?

The only way a split prism can work is if it's in the focusing screen itself, you can't put it on a loupe.

For video use, you're not using the focusing screen anyhow.

As far as I can see, the 7D's focusing screen is _really_ not removable, unlike the earlier 20/30/40/50D series which was still easily removed (I replace the screen on my 20D). The focusing screen on the 7D is buried quite deep, and I don't see the little metal tab to undo it.

Split image
 

I'm going to look into that Scott, I loved that feature too.