Nikon F3 Eyepiece Magnifier

[nobbylon]

I've just got hold of an early F3 again and would like to use a magnifier on the eyepiece.
The reason I stopped using Nikon M/F was my inability to focus anymore. I have no trouble with the F5 and D700 as I have DK17m's fitted.
These magnifiers truly transform the camera viewfinder into something special.
The problem is that any pre F3HP Nikon with a round eyepiece uses 19mm thread. All High eyepoint finders use 22mm.
I need a 19mm to 22mm step up ring. Does anyone know where I can get one or indeed does anyone have another solution to this please?
thanks J

 

[presspass]

Going from memory, and that's a bad thing these days, I recall the magnifier for the Nikons were made for the smaller eyepiece - FM, F2, and early F3. You had to use a ring to make them fit the HP finder. At least that's how the angle finder works with mine. Don't remember the code for the magnifier, although it is listed in the Nikon compendiums. Hope this helps.

 

[lewis44]

The Magnifier for the F3 and below is called the Model 1. I have one that I used on my standard F3. Works great.

 

[john_s]

The eyepiece magnifier DG-2 has the old smaller thread 19mm. I need a step up ring DK-7 to use it on modern cameras.

 

[lewis44]

Nikon



DK-18 Eyepiece Adapter for DG-2

• To Use DG-2 with D-2 & D1 Series, F6, F5, F4s, F3HP, F100, N90 & N8008 Cameras

• B&H # NIDK18
• Mfr # 4784

In Stock

Found on B&H Web Site

 

[nobbylon]

Thx for replies so far but I'm looking for something more like the size of the DK17m.
I still want to be able to see the whole viewfinder. Any aftermarket lenses with 19mm thread?

 

[nobbylon]

ideally i'm looking for something like the Japan exposures magnifier for the RD1.

 

[nobbylon]

Here's what I've come up with so far. I used the attachment ring from an old Nikon angle finder (19mm thread) I had on the bench and the DK17m fits inside it perfectly. I've used some very strong tape to join them together. Ok it doesn't look pretty but it work's and will allow me to focus the F3 I just bought. I'd stopped using mf Nikon because of an inability to focus them but now i've found a solution. I'll keep looking for a more permanent fix.

 

[shimokita]

I am not familiar with all the details, but why not just replace the DE-2 (0.8X) finder with the DE-5 (0.75X) finder if your target is to have a 22mm eyepiece? I have the F3HP and F3P which both have the 22mm eyepiece. I have not had hands on a DE-2 finder...

Casey

 

[Tejasican]

The DK-17M fits the HP finder if you want to use it on an F3.

 

[Flat Twin]

Nice looking F3 John!

I've been using my F3-p lately and loving it.

Just reading the above comments I understand what you are trying to achieve, I have nothing to offer except that perhaps the DE-3/DK-17m option may be the easiest and cleanest solution. I use the DK-17m on my DE-5 and it works perfectly and offers full frame view just like on your F5 etc...

Not sure thats the answer that you're looking for though, I do understand the attraction that the DE-2 holds...

Cheers matey,

Simon

 

[Flat Twin]

Just occurred to me, I also use a J screen in my camera and much prefer it to the standard K. There is also a G and G2 option to consider.

I remember that you find the Leicaflex really easy to focus and these three screens for the F3 are the most "Leicaflexlike" that I have found...

Just a thought!

Cheers,

S.

 

[nobbylon]

I am not familiar with all the details, but why not just replace the DE-2 (0.8X) finder with the DE-5 (0.75X) finder if your target is to have a 22mm eyepiece? I have the F3HP and F3P which both have the 22mm eyepiece. I have not had hands on a DE-2 finder...

Casey

Casey,
De2 .8 x dk's 1.2 = 0.96
De3 .75 x 1.2= 0.9

hence the reason for using the De2 for the best possible viewfinder size,
Regards John

 

[nobbylon]

Just occurred to me, I also use a J screen in my camera and much prefer it to the standard K. There is also a G and G2 option to consider.

I remember that you find the Leicaflex really easy to focus and these three screens for the F3 are the most "Leicaflexlike" that I have found...

Just a thought!

Cheers,

S.

Thanks Simon,
I've got a couple of F/F2 screens here so will experiment with them as these are the full micro prism screens. I' m just really pleased I can once again use Nikon m/f. Shame it took me this long to think of this as I sold all my MF gear off! I see another 28 2.8 AIS on the horizon,
Regards John

 

[Tejasican]

I rum my HP with the DK-17M and an the plain F4 screen and find it comparable to my Leicaflex SL, at least in the viewfinder department.

 

[nobbylon]

I rum my HP with the DK-17M and an the plain F4 screen and find it comparable to my Leicaflex SL, at least in the viewfinder department.

Yep I have to admit I'm pleasantly surprised with my F3 setup. I just compaired to my SL and they now seem very similar. The SL just taking it because of the full micro prism screen. I always liked the F3 with the aperture priority and the smoothest film advance on a camera, even smoother than my M2. I've got an AI 50 f2 inbound as I always found them incredibly sharp and nice to use and a great compliment to the F cameras.

 

[M Currie]

I have a DG-2 and it certainly magnifies well, but there is no possible way it will show the whole field, which is why it flips up. It is a bit clumsy to use, but it does work, and if I'm reading the web correctly, it still is made. It shouldn't be hard to find one. Its native thread is the correct one for a non-HP F3. It will fit a standard rubber eye cup but may not flip all the way out of the way with it on.

However, its diopter range is only to +1, so if you are in need of a stronger diopter than that, you may be out of luck, as it is less than what you would get simply by using a higher number correction lens, and the regular Nikon diopters are not stackable.

I suppose it depends on what you really are looking for. If it's just magnification, then the DG-2 ought to work. But if you are extremely far-sighted, it may not go far enough into the positive range.

 

[presspass]

Thanks for the DK17m advice. I got one today and it works like a charm on the F3HP. The H2 screen that used to pop focus when my eyes were a lot younger now does its job again. I'll be ordering two more. Again, thanks for the advice; the F3s can come out of the closet.

 

[nobbylon]

I tried the H2 screen I have in mine yesterday however personally I prefer the standard screen. Everyones eyes are different so I suppose it's just a question of figuring out what works for you. My AI 50 arrived yesterday so I'll give it an outing today.

 

[Flat Twin]

Sounds good John, hope you get on well with it!

Post some pics when you can...

Cheers

Simon