Good place to buy a Nikon F3 Focus screen?

[ark8012]

I am looking for a H2 focusing screen for a F3/T.

Unfortunately, I could not find them even on the *bay. 😕

Anyone knows where should I check for the focusing screen?

 

[nobbylon]

Outside the box, get an F/F2 H2 and swap the screen into the F3 frame.

 

[ark8012]

I heard those are not interchangable. Could I use F/F2 screen on F3?

 

[Mackinaw]

KEH often has a large supply of Nikon view screens.

Jim B,

 

[Nokton48]

KEH often has a large supply of Nikon view screens.

Jim B,

He's right, I buy things from them all the time. Sooner or later, they will get one. I think Nobbylon is saying, that you can remove the inner groundglass from an F2 frame, and insert it into an F3 frame.

Right now, here is an F3 H3 screen KEH has in stock:

http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Manual-Focus-Focusing-Screens/1/sku-NK150102001450?r=FE

 

[ark8012]

Yes, I do checked KEH. I am looking for a H2.

I am not a handy person, so I rather prefer to buy a H2 for F3.

 

[Frontman]

If you can find one, I recommend the Beattie Intenscreen, it is much brighter, and to me, easier to focus with than the various Nikon screens, and I have shot with many Nikons,

 

[nobbylon]

I've put an F2 H2 screen in my F3 and drops straight in. If you want to put an F3 screen in an F/F2 then you need to swap the frame.
I thought it was necessary to swap frames to use in an F3 but it's not.
I'm not sure but maybe the F3 H2 is a tad brighter?

 

[ark8012]

I've put an F2 H2 screen in my F3 and drops straight in. If you want to put an F3 screen in an F/F2 then you need to swap the frame.
I thought it was necessary to swap frames to use in an F3 but it's not.
I'm not sure but maybe the F3 H2 is a tad brighter?

I read somewhere that F2 screen cannot be used in F3 even if it is going into F3 well. The same person said there is a focus problem.

 

[nobbylon]

I read somewhere that F2 screen cannot be used in F3 even if it is going into F3 well. The same person said there is a focus problem.

The F3 limited actually used an F2 frame focus screen. The only problem is getting them out once in! Push out through the lens throat.
If you put F4 screens in an F3 you get focus issues.
F3 screens will mount in F2's by turning them to face lip forward apparently.
Anyway I will be finishing a film off today so can be definitive after development.

 

[ark8012]

The F3 limited actually used an F2 frame focus screen. The only problem is getting them out once in! Push out through the lens throat.
If you put F4 screens in an F3 you get focus issues.
F3 screens will mount in F2's by turning them to face lip forward apparently.
Anyway I will be finishing a film off today so can be definitive after development.

Oh.. I see. Thank you for the info. Please update after a film development.

Thank you!!

 

[nobbylon]

I set my F3 up on a tripod and did some experimenting. Focus remains the same with both F2 and f3 screens.
My F3 screen went into my F2 no problem when it was put in lip forward.
I have to be honest with you though, to me the original K screen is the easiest to focus with compaired to an H2. I found the H2 screen a disappointment as I was expecting something similar to the full microprism screens on my Leicaflex SL's but it's not.
There is a pin at the front of the F3 screen bay which is pushed in when an F2 screen is used. I have no idea what this pin does as it does stay out when an F3 screen is used as there is a recess for it in the front of the frame. If you are really keen on an H2 screen I would just get an F2 type, try it as is and then if you really like it then swap it over into the F3 frame.

 

[nobbylon]

I think the pin at the front is just a guide and retaining pin. It is mentioned in the manual but with no further info. Maybe some of the other F3 guys can chip in here?

 

[ark8012]

I set my F3 up on a tripod and did some experimenting. Focus remains the same with both F2 and f3 screens.
My F3 screen went into my F2 no problem when it was put in lip forward.
I have to be honest with you though, to me the original K screen is the easiest to focus with compaired to an H2. I found the H2 screen a disappointment as I was expecting something similar to the full microprism screens on my Leicaflex SL's but it's not.
There is a pin at the front of the F3 screen bay which is pushed in when an F2 screen is used. I have no idea what this pin does as it does stay out when an F3 screen is used as there is a recess for it in the front of the frame. If you are really keen on an H2 screen I would just get an F2 type, try it as is and then if you really like it then swap it over into the F3 frame.

Wow. Great!! Thank you very much for you great input!!