F3 focussing screen in an F?

[Range Loser]

I think I once saw a post about converting an F3 focussing screen to fit in an F. Does anyone have info on this?

 

[nobbylon]

From memory I believe you have to take the screen from the frame and mount it in an F or F2 frame.

 

[Flat Twin]

John is correct! Its a slightly fiddly but really easy job to do and well worth it for the un-metered finder on the F/F2 bodies.

Take a look here:-

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114987

Googeling further will find more threads!

Cheers,

Simon

 

[mfogiel]

Yes, it works this way - I think this is actually recommended, as the F3 screens, particularly the red dot ones, are brighter.

 

[Range Loser]

Thanks everyone. I just found this article too.
http://www.throughthefmount.com/articles_tips_oldmechanics.html

 

[Dwig]

From memory I believe you have to take the screen from the frame and mount it in an F or F2 frame.

The original F3 screens will fit the later F/F2 screen frames from most screens well. Some early F screen frames and those from some of the more specialized screens (those w/o a Fresnel layer) don't fit well. Also, the later "red dot" F3 screen elements will not fit any of the F/F2 screen frames particularily well. The curve of the top side of the condenser lens is different in these later F3 screens preventing it from seating well in the milled channel in the older frames.

With the red dot screens, I personally recommend that you remove the elements, mill (file, ...) off the handle, and then re-install the elements. The modified screen frame will not fit an F or F2 adequately.