Preferred focusing screen type

[nighstar]

i can't decide which focusing screen type i ultimately prefer, so i'm curious about others' preferences.

what kind of focusing screen do you prefer? please feel free to elaborate on your answer (ie. pros/cons that you have found using the screen, what kind of split you prefer, etc). i know that it is hard nigh impossible to pick just one as each has its advantages, but for the sake of the poll please try.

and for those unfamiliar with the different types, perhaps this might help. it leaves out the grid type, however.

i will be getting my Hasselblad 500C CLA'd soon and have decided to get the screen changed at the same time. i'm torn between split + microprism (acute matte d 42215) and split + grid (acute matte 42170 because the d version is unavaible).... this is to be a one-time-only screen upgrade, so i'm tearing my hair out over the decision!

urgh! :bang:

 

[Keith]

The current screen in my OM-1 is my favorite ... it's a matte with a plain microprism circle in the centre. I find the microprism circle very easy to use compared to the split image type.

 

[btgc]

Another poll comes to mind - would you like microprism type focusing in a RF ? 🙂

 

[ruby.monkey]

Matte with grid; and Hell No!

 

[Rob-F]

I like a microprism, and I like (need) a grid for lining up verticals. If there had been an option to include both, that's what I'd have picked.

 

[dct]

Split + Microprism. I learned that way the use of SLR many years ago (Konica T3) and I miss it in most (D)SLR, if it's only plain matte.

 

[sepiareverb]

When I shot Nikon SLRs I always had the type E grid screen. I got used to grid screens from the view camera, and prefer the more 'cluttered' M frameline sets to the sparer ones.

 

[pevelg]

I am currently using the Acute-Matte D with split image and grid. The grid is great for getting orientation of image. The split makes focusing so much easier and RF like, though it is slow. I've never tried a microprism.

 

[Liquid-Sky]

... on the Om's it's Matte, but also like Matte+Grid.

 

[Sonnar Brian]

"E" screen is my favorite, matte with the grid.

What- nobody likes the special TV format screen.... actually used one of those for the F3. The best way to output full-color graphics in the 1980s was to use a camera and photograph the screen. Color postscript printers had not come out yet.

 

[topoxforddoc]

I prefer a Matte (ground glass screen) on my two Leica R9/DMR. I take a lot of low light shots at jazz clubs, concerts etc. Microprisms and split screens just don’t work well in low light.

 

[BillBingham2]

My favorite is P screen on Nikon F/F2/F3. It has a split image middle at 45 degrees, micro prism collar and one horizontal and one vertical line through the center. The 45 tilt works very well with noses and such. Busy finder for some but handy for getting things lined up / composed for me. I think it's a Oly 1-14. Very hard to find for the F/F2 and Oly these days.

B2

 

[sevo]

My favorite is P screen on Nikon F/F2/F3. It has a split image middle at 45 degrees, micro prism collar and one horizontal and one vertical line through the center. The 45 tilt works very well with noses and such.

Seconded - I've got these on my main F2 and the F4.

 

[ZivcoPhoto]

I've always preferred the "K" screen in my Nikon SLRs and I went out of my way to get one for any new acquisition if it didn't have one already. The split image rangefinder on a matte background was my preferred for years...until I started using Rolleis again and the E3 model I've been using for the last 6 months has the factory standard screen for that model which is a plain matte screen and I find it quite easy to obtain very concise focus with the camera in all but the darkest of conditions. It has changed by notions what a good focus screen should be.

 

[nighstar]

thanks for your votes and posts, everyone. i guess it's not surprising that "Split + Microprism (+/- Matte)" is well in the lead.

i ended up ordering a focus screen that was neither of my original 2 choices, but that has everything that i want and for cheaper! got a Split + Microprism + Grid + Matte, so i guess i got a bit of everything! 😉 the screen is by Maxwell and is supposedly as bright as the Acute Matte D screens, if not a bit brighter. i couldn't be happier. 🙂