Nikon FM3A Viewfinder

[dtcls100]

I've been mostly happy using my recently acquired FM3a, as it seems like a well built quality machine that handles very well with the MD12 motor drive. My sole major gripe is that I find the viewfinder to be not the easiest to focus, as it lacks the contrast and "snap" of the Olympus OM cameras I have used for years. I didn't really expect the viewfinder to match the OM 2-4 or 2-13 focusing screens, which are unbelievable, but I thought the FM3a viewfinder with the standard K3 screen would be somewhat comparable to the common 1-13 screens typically found in the OM-1 and OM-2 cameras. Unfortunately, it is not. While the FM3a viewfinder is pretty bright, the lack of contrast makes it hard to gauge when the subject is in precise focus. While I like the fact that the K-3 screen that comes standard with the FM3a does not have the split image black out even at small apertures, I'm wondering if another compatible Nikon focusing screen would provide more contrast and snap. I used Nikon FMs and FEs a bit back in the 1980's and don't recall being unhappy with their viewfinders.

Anybody have any thoughts on whether another focusing screen would help?

 

[craygc]

I've never had any trouble with it, as long as I have the correct diopter on it for my eyes. Also realise that you cannot accurately focus any lens faster than f/2 without using the split prism on the FM3a (you can see the limited DoF below f/2)

 

[wintoid]

I don't know the answer, but I'm interested in the responses you get for sure!

 

[kxl]

I replaced the K3 on my FM3A with a B3 screen - uncluttered and things just snap into focus.

 

[clayne]

I'm a big Type H fan myself (in F, F2 terminology), but I don't think those work with the FM series. Looking at the screens for the FM3a on MIR, it would seem that the B3 is just the K3 screen without a split prism and that shouldn't really do much for contrast.

dtcls, what kind of lens(es) are you using with the FM3a and stock screen?

 

[kxl]

it would seem that the B3 is just the K3 screen without a split prism and that shouldn't really do much for contrast.

True enough but the K3 forces you to focus (pun intended) on that split image while a B3 allows you to use the entire image to find the contrast. At least that's how I explain it to myself. Don't know if that makes sense, but the image just pops into focus with the B3, even with my 85/1.4 AI, wide open at close distance.

 

[craygc]

...even with my 85/1.4 AI, wide open at close distance.

Its still not possible to focus accurately with the FM3A at these apertures. All you're seeing at f/1.4 is an f/2 DoF

 

[clayne]

Its still not possible to focus accurately with the FM3A at these apertures. All you're seeing at f/1.4 is an f/2 DoF

Hey Craig, I'm not familiar with the FM3A but is there some technical reason why that is?

 

[craygc]

Hey Craig, I'm not familiar with the FM3A but is there some technical reason why that is?

All the Nikons, at least, only show f/2 ~ f/2.8 through the viewfinder. All SLRs have the problem to some extent. One of the best explanation is from Joseph Wisniewski in the thread his name click through to.

 

[wintoid]

Thanks for that Craig. Very interesting. I am now wondering if a Beattie screen is the way forward.

 

[kshapero]

I had a FM3a and loved the VF with the K3 screen so much I bought one (K3) for my ol' trusty FE and I am very pleased with it. It is not perfect but it focuses very nicely. Sorry for your trouble.

 

[sevo]

Thanks for that Craig. Very interesting. I am now wondering if a Beattie screen is the way forward.

Unlikely. Any bright screen inevitably is bright by using directed rather than random scattering - and this is the cause behind that issue of changed or suppressed in-finder DOF rendition.

 

[leicapixie]

Have the camera checked. Accumulation of dust..haze.
A dimmer finder though, may work well.
My Spotmatic is darker with a f1,4 lens than my Nikon-F with f2.0
The F3 is darker than my F3. Plastic screens? Maybe same on FM..