Right, so personally I think that Nikon has made a bit of a cock up with the viewfinder grid... Should it not be split into 9 boxes and not 16 to keep with the ruke of thirds?
Basically, I was wondering if it is possible in any way to get a 9 box grid?
Any help would be much appreciated.
Fordy
The original purpose of grid lines on focussing screens was to assist with getting horizons level, verticals parallel to the sides, and that sort of thing. [Also for judging reproduction ratios - but that's more with large and medium format cameras than small formats.] Judging third points for compositional reasons really is simple enough not to need guides for it. Anyway, short of obtaining a replacement focussing screen with different markings, I don't think there's any way to change it.
However, if you're really that concerned about it you can get a replacement screen with a thirds grid from www.katzeyeoptics.com.
I was looking at my D90 while Huw was replying.
My thoughts echo those of Huw in that it is useful for getting level horizons and upright verticals.
However, looking through the viewfinder, I think that the point of intersection for "fourths" is not that far away from that of "thirds" and can still be used as a reference point for composition.
As the grid can be turned on and off, am I right in thinking that this is set in the camera's software / firmware?
Dave
The lines are part of a clear LCD behind the actual focussing screen, which also carries the markings for the AF points. Because of that they can be turned on or off, but the actual arrangement is fixed in the manufacture of the LCD. However, if you use a screen like the KatzEye replacement I mentioned above then the lines are etched onto the screen in traditional fashion.
Green lines = 1/3rds, red = Nikon grid.
It's not too hard to visualise where the 1/3rds fall - besides, you should be able to see if a composition works without having it laid out on the screen in front of you! Looking at a picture of the D90's viewfinder, there appear to be focus points very near the 1/3rds so they should be a help if you need the extra guidance.
(ETA the diagram!)
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Huw
Thanks for the explanation.
Dave
I suppose you guys are right...
And yes, I can manage the 3rds rule without the lines, just its a little easier with them.
Thanks for your help.
Fordy
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