gridlines?

[jpribut]

I'm new to the bulletin board thing so hopefully you'll be gentle with me! I have a 30D (also had a 10D before) and was wondering if there is any way to display gridlines or something like that. When I have (hate to say this) used someones Nikon DSLR's to take pictures for them, I have noticed that they have a gridline system through the viewfinder that you can use as a reference for level alignment and layout. I always kind of liked that and was interested in seeing if we can do that with the 30d and other Canon DSLR's?

Anyone have any ideas or knopwledhe about this? Thanks for your inputs and response!!

[TheWengler]

I think you'd probably have to change the focusing screen since it's all optical.

[FLiPMaRC]

I use the AF points to create an imaginary gridlines in my head :D

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/40D/eos_40D_review_af2.jpg

[D Thompson]

No, the 30D does not have interchangeable focusing screens. There may be an add-on to the viewfinder to simulate. The 40D & 50D does have interchangeable screens though.

[Csae]

Tracing paper + pen ?

Hey, it'll work, just dont be cheap and use a ruler.

[D Thompson]

I've found I can get pretty close to 5x7 & 8x10 (portrait mode) crops by using the bottom of the vf and the top focus point. Interchangeable focus screens is probably the only thing I'd change on my 20D, but I've learned a work-around. It's not 100%, but close enough for me.

[Mark_48]

The 30D doesn't have an easily user swappable focus screen, but can be changed by yourself if you are good with small tools and have the confidence to do it. Katzeyeoptics will do it if you don't feel comfortable trying it. I haven't done it, so I can't comment on the product. Is the benefit of the gridlines worth the cost?

http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/item--Canon-30D-Focusing-Screen--prod_30D.html

30D installation guide
http://www.katzeyeoptics.com/files/install1.pdf

There may be other similar products, this is one I happen to have bookmarked.

[D Thompson]

Thanks Mark for that info. I wasn't aware of this item and was only going by the specs for the 20D & 30D. Something to take a closer look at.

[Visual Reality]

The gridlines on the Nikon cameras can be turned on and off...it is not etched on the glass.

[jpribut]

Wow - thanks for all the info. Sorry I was unable to check in for so long - been away on a business trip. I was able to find out after I posted that there was an interchangeable focus screens for the 40 and beyond! I guess it gives me some motivation to upgrade!!

[adam75south]

Yea, problem is they're something like $40 and should just come with the camera. i still plan to buy one though.