Best Nikon F split image screen?

[250swb]

OK, I fell into the Nikon F trap after accidentally reading the 'Nikon F's are like peanuts' thread from begining to end. Thanks guys 🙄

I think the screen in it is the 'B' type, but the last time I had an F many many years ago it had a split image focusing screen, which I liked, but I don't know what type it was. After reading through the list of possible's on Cameraquest last night I'm even more baffled. So for non-specialist photography I'm after a quick focusing screen and would really appreciate any recommendations.

Steve

 

[Flat Twin]

Steve,

Congratulations on your F !

The standard screen for the F camera was the A screen and it gave a split image type focus layout as you describe above.

You could also consider a K screen from an F2, they give the same split image with the addition of a micro prism spot pattern around the circumference. The K screen is very quick to focus and superior to the A in my opinion. The K is also fairly bright.

Another thought, if you are using a plain eyelevel finder on your F you can transplant a later F3 K screen into the original F screen holder and use that. It has the advantage of being quite a bit brighter. The screens come apart quite easily and a DIY change over is possible with care.

I wouldn't advise using the F3 screen if you use a photomic as the meter reads brightness through the screen and an error would occur.

It might be best to source an F/F2 type A or K screen first and see how you like it perhaps.

Hope that helps a little bit?!

Regards,

Simon

 

[sevo]

I generally prefer the P screen (diagonal split, microprism ring and horizontal/vertical line).

 

[nobbylon]

I second the K screen.

 

[Highway 61]

R

But you'll probably get advices for the A, K, P, E, B, J , G, H too 😀

 

[maitani]

L + P are my favourite

 

[250swb]

The K sounds good. Yes it is a plain eye level viewfinder so that would give me an additional option if an F3 screen can be grafted into the holder. I have seen a few on Ebay as well. The P screen seems to be rare, is that so or is it just coincidence that not many show up on Ebay at the moment?

Thank you all very much for the advice.

Steve

 

[nikon_sam]

I'll just add that I put a "J" screen in my F body and liked it enough to go ahead and get one for the F5...

 

[awilder]

The K screen is the best for general purposes. The diagonal split with the P or L screen is a PIA because it's difficult for the human eye to discern perfect alignment on a diagonal as our eyes utilize vernier acuity much more effectively with a horizontal split image, not diagonal. The microprism donut works fine for non-vertical subjects. I also like the R screen if your lenes are slower than f/2.5. Same as the A screen but with etched lines for better alignment and the split image prisms don't blacken unless the lens is slower than f/5.6.

 

[rodneyAB]

I like the A screen with the standard prism, though I much prefer a waist level VF, and an E screen in that case works for me, I just happen to enjoy these ground glass screens by themselves, no prism head needed for what I use the F for.

 

[Contarama]

I prefer the A screen over the K because for me the microprism donut sort of gets in the way. With that being said I have a H2 screen in my camera at the moment and it is pretty cool...

 

[cary]

My vote is for the K screen.

 

[250swb]

Thank you everybody. The Nikon F3 K screen option was the cheapest and most easily available way to do it and I now have it installed, terrific!

Steve

 

[rbsinto]

Put me down for a "no" for any of the split image screens.
Always found with them I was always concentrating mainly on the center of the image, rather than checking all around, and my compositions suffered. Also I disliked the way they blacked out in low light or with slow lenses.
I was introduced to blank and grid screens by a photo bud, and immediately swapped out the split screens in all my bodies for the blanks or grids.
Not too long ago I was given an FM and had my repair person take out the standard screen (which wasn't owner-interchangeable), file the little installation handle from an FE grid screen and install it in the FM.
Yes, sharp focus is somewhat subjective with blank and grid screens, but it seems to work for me.

 

[Calzone]

Steve,

Congratulations on your F !

The standard screen for the F camera was the A screen and it gave a split image type focus layout as you describe above.

You could also consider a K screen from an F2, they give the same split image with the addition of a micro prism spot pattern around the circumference. The K screen is very quick to focus and superior to the A in my opinion. The K is also fairly bright.

Another thought, if you are using a plain eyelevel finder on your F you can transplant a later F3 K screen into the original F screen holder and use that. It has the advantage of being quite a bit brighter. The screens come apart quite easily and a DIY change over is possible with care.

I wouldn't advise using the F3 screen if you use a photomic as the meter reads brightness through the screen and an error would occur.

It might be best to source an F/F2 type A or K screen first and see how you like it perhaps.

Hope that helps a little bit?!

Regards,

Simon

Simon,

Thanks for the tip. I just installed a F3 "K" screen and a F3 "E" screen in my pair of F2's with DE-1's. A big improvement. Still need to get a F3 "A" screen though.

Cal