Grid for A300k

[Polarbear]

Hello everyone, I am new to this forum, but have read many posts with interest, and have a qestion that hopefully someone can help out with . I used to, before I replaced my broken Nikon D70 with of one of the frst A300k's, which I now own. The Nikon D70 (no this isn't a q about that one), used to have a grid facility on the menue, and as I take mostly architecture and landscape photography, due to my many travels across the World, I wondered if anyone had found a way of doing this with the Alpha's. The only thing I could think of doing was somehow make a grid out of sticky back plastic! (yes I am of the original Blue Peter age). Sticking it to the viewing screen. Unfortunatley this wouldn't work with the view finder, which to be fair is the way I prefer to frame my shots. I really am not a fan of the "spirit level" type attachments on top of the camera. Has anyone else found another way of doing this.
Thanks in advance for all replies.

[David Kilpatrick]

The later live view models do offer the live view grid screen function. The screen on the A350 (OVF internal) is changeable, but those offered by third party makers seem to be microprism or split image types only.

If you have access to any kind of rollfilm camera around 6 x 7cm or 6 x 9cm, you could draw grid screen on white paper and make a copy on transparency film, then fix this to the rear screen.

Slightly easier would be to buy a pack of HAMA or FUJI stick on screen protectors for the rear screen, and before fitting, carefully rule your own grid screen on the protector using a fine OHP type market, or the pens for writing on the back of prints. You get three stickon overlays in a pack, so plenty of chance to experiment. Or buy a rigid clip on protector, and rule the grid using a point of a compass to scribe into the hard plastic.

David

[Javelin]

I ahve no experience with them or seen anyone that has but this might be worth a try,

http://www.focusingscreen.com/index.php?cPath=26_89

They appear to have them

[ianmiddy]

...buy a rigid clip on protector, and rule the grid using a point of a compass to scribe into the hard plastic.

Now that's a clever idea - thanks, David...

IDM

[Polarbear]

Actually they are both very useful replies. I have viewed the web site for replacement screens and the look the business, better price than I thought too. Only I wouldn't want to risk damaging my lovely Alpha trying to change them over, not very confident. I will however try one or two other ideas an may go with the stick on screen protectors with the grids drawn in with fine marker pen. I am sourcing a template online so I can get the right one!

Thank you both..........

I will let you know how I get on

[Polarbear]

Update for anyone interested, I have found a clip on screen protector via our friends at Amazon for £14 inc. P&P.( Sony A300).

I also looked up, and it took some finding, a template sheet of grid screens. this can be found at -
http://www.digitalcamera.com.au/tutoria ... screen.pdf. I shall let you know how well it works out, as I am off to India week Saturday for 2 weeks.

[Birma]

Thanks for the feedback Polarbear - hope you have a good trip to India, and that you post lots of your picture here on your return .

(Nice avatar - did you take the picture, and if you did then were you required to run away very quickly afterwards? )

[Polarbear]

Alas no, I didn't shoot this avatar. But one of my life's ambitions. Aiming to save up enough money by my 50th Birthday to go and see them before the only ones we can see are in Zoos.

Clip on rigid screen protector arrived today from Amazon, happens to be the genuine article from sony! Not what I was expecting. But very pleased with it. Not so much a clip on as a slide on with clip on.......Fits very well.

Now just to sort out the grid bit.