First Look at the Leica S2 Microprism Focusing Screen

At long last, we have finally received a Leica S-Camera Microprism Focusing Screen to evaluate, and it did not disappoint.

All Leica S2 bodies have come from the factory with the Universal Focusing Screen. While ideal for general use, the standard focusing screen sometimes left users who prefer manual focus wanting more. Leica later released the S-Camera Screen with Grid, which aided those with compositional perfection in mind. Soon, Leica will start shipping the last piece of the puzzle, the Leica S-Camera Microprism Focusing Screen.

Also known as a split-image focusing screen, it maintains full auto focus while allowing for extremely precise manual focus control. This is especially beneficial for those using alternative, manual-focus-only lenses with adapters on the S2. During the course of our testing, we observed that the microprism screen is actually brighter than the standard (and already extremely bright) Universal Screen.

The Leica S-Camera Microprism Screen, when the image is in focus. Click for larger view.

The Leica S-Camera Microprism Screen, when the image is out of focus. Click for larger view.

The area around the central prism transitions from semi-translucent to perfectly clear once the subject is in focus; the central prism itself is bright enough to allow manual focusing even when an alternative-mount lens is stopped down to f/11.

This video demonstrates manual focusing with the Microprism Screen through the viewfinder of the Leica S2, shot with a Leica D-Lux 5:

Dale Photo & Digital is currently taking preorders for the Leica S2 Microprism Focusing Screen.