Focus screens for MF lenses on Nikon D bodies

[Joe]

Hi everyone,
I have a question.

Has anyone had experience of taking out the AF focus screen on their Nikon D bodies and replacing with split screen/ micro prism variants?

I've been searching through the web. Officially Nikon don't seem to offer too many alternatives. HOWEVER.......


My D1h is now fitted with a modified K (FM) screen.
AF focus still seems accurate, though the meter has been thrown out maybe 1/3 stop? (although PS /NX sorts that one). Another bad thing...the screen is under a mmm short at each end, a 'gap' cannot be seen as such, but is enough to merit aligning the screen so the prism is in the middle of the view finder area, rather than off to one side.


I've been looking for a list of Nikon screens for other models, with diagrams or atleast explainations of each...basically so if any are a better fit I don't end up with another AF only screen.

Ffordes have lots for sale....

D2H Screen E[Nikon] Mint- £15.00
D2X Screen W[Nikon] Mint- £15.00
F/F2 Screen C[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F/F2 Screen G1[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F/F2 Screen G3[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F/F2 Screen H1[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F/F2 Screen H3[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F/F2 Screen H4[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F100 Screen B Mint- £15.00
F3 Screen G1 E++ £15.00
F3 Screen G4[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F3 Screen H4[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F3 Screen K[Nikon] E++ £20.00
F4/S Screen B[Nikon] E++ £20.00
F4/S Screen G1[Nikon] E++ £20.00
F4/S Screen U[Nikon] E++ £20.00
F5 Screen B[Nikon] New £15.00
F5 Screen G1[Nikon] Mint- £15.00
F5 Screen G2[Nikon] Mint- £15.00
F5 Screen G3[Nikon] E++ £15.00
F5 Screen J[Nikon] Mint- £15.00
F501 Screen B[Nikon] New £9.00
F501 Screen E[Nikon] Mint £9.00
F6 Screen A[Nikon] Mint- £19.00
F6 Screen L[Nikon] E++ £19.00
F801/S Screen B[Nikon] E++ £12.00
F801/S Screen E[Nikon] E++ £9.00
F90/X Screen B[Nikon] Mint- £12.00
FA/FE2 Screen K2[Nikon] E++ £12.00


Would any of these fit directly into D1 series stuff, and provide MF focus aids?....I don't fancy getting the Dremel out to mod' another one!

Anyone any references to the physical dimensions of Nikon focus screens? (so I can get the vernier out!)

I've heard stories of after market companies like beattie offering alternatives in the older MF film days, but haven't heard much since AF digi came on the scene.

Thoughts/experiences grately appreciated

[Joe]

And just to add......perhaps a really fussy addition specification that would be nice, is to have a screen where the split screen section is diagnal, rather than horizontal as with the K screen.

From the list above, I've also ruled out the F,F2,F3,F4,F5,and F6 screens as they have a different installation method (ie removing the prism and 'dropping' in a chosen screen).

Am I also correct in assuming the letters designated signify the same 'type' across the model range. ie a K screen for the Nikon F3, same as the K from the FM and being the same horizontal design as the modded K2 from the FE2? (only the different fittings for each being...err, different) ?
much of this is from memory of my old F3 when I had it, the FM, and searches on the web.

If so, does that mean I can rule out the screen type W....as this is the original AF version fitted as std to all digi bodies?

lots of questions...sorry!

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Joe

And just to add......perhaps a really fussy addition specification that would be nice, is to have a screen where the split screen section is diagnal, rather than horizontal as with the K screen.
.....................
If so, does that mean I can rule out the screen type W....as this is the original AF version fitted as std to all digi bodies?

lots of questions...sorry!

Blimey Joe no quick answer to hand but I will see what I can dig up.

Agree the diagonal is the best option as thats whats in the F3. Also fitted the F3 screen to the F2AS so both were the same.

Most obvious question is if the latest screens from X/Xs are brighter therefore easier for M/F. I use AIs lenses a lot and find the electronic rangefinder good for critical focussing other wise I get by ok just on screen sharpness.

Beattie screens from the old days were about a stop brighter than standard manufacturers jobs I think.

Don

[andy153]

Hi Joe There is a Type L replacement screen for the F5 which has matte fresnel surrounding a 45 degree circular split rangefinder - I don't know if that would fit for your purposes. I find that most non standard screens need an increase of 1/3 stop in my D2 series. I have Screens B, E, V & W which I interchange on the D2h & D2x

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Joe

From the list above, I've also ruled out the .............,and F6 screens as they have a different installation method (ie removing the prism and 'dropping' in a chosen screen).

Joe,

I did a quick check on F100 as probably a lot of similar body parts but only flat screens.

HOWEVER F6 is fixed prism and so may share similar screen insertion method as D1. The one to check for info on is F6 screen Type L. This has A/F points engraved but I do not know if they will be in the correct position for D1H and 45 degree split prism.

Don

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by andy153

Hi Joe There is a Type L replacement screen for the F5 which has matte fresnel surrounding a 45 degree circular split rangefinder - I don't know if that would fit for your purposes. I find that most non standard screens need an increase of 1/3 stop in my D2 series. I have Screens B, E, V & W which I interchange on the D2h & D2x

Andy,

Am I reading this correct. F5 screens in the D2. If so you are able to compare sizes. I only have F2/F3 which are not compatable with the F5 but I can compare against D2X.

Don

[Don Hoey]

Joe,

I have F/F2 , F3 and D2X screens in front of me.

D2X is quite different. F to F3 screens are made up of two sections Fresnel and Magnifier. D2X is single piece and a lot thinner.

So now we have crossed F100 from the list I will see if I can find out info on the F6.

Never had a F4 so no ideas on that score.

Don

[Don Hoey]

Originally Posted by Joe

My D1h is now fitted with a modified K (FM) screen.

Joe,

I have just looked at the side view of a D1 and your comment seems to confirm the thought. Your viewinder is a full frame job masked off so it's not the same as the D2X. Foxy can probably confirm X and Hs screens are similar as I would expect.

You will need to confirm if you had to remove any material from the long sides of the FM screen. If not then we have to look at full frame cameras.

Don

[Joe]

Thanks Don and Andy,

Andy, Aren't the F5 film body screens put in by removing the prism first (as on the F,F2,F3 and F4)?
The D1 series stuff do not have removeable prisms, so insert in the same way as F90,F801,FM,FE bodies.

Some approx' focus screen measurements taken from my bodies
width X Depth X thickness
D1 series 36.5mm x 24.5mm x 1.2mm
F90x 35.5 x 25 x 1.2
FM 36 x 24.5 x 1.2

The measurements are hence why in my D1h is an old K screen from an FM camera.
measurements are approximate, as i could only use a steel rule...vernier been misplaced!

[Joe]

All that needed to fit the FM screen in the D1 is to remove the tab, as it's in the wrong place to fit the D1 series screen retaining metal frame.

OK, to clarify, what have we not ruled out from the list above....and what letter designation would give me split screen/microprism?

To fit in my D1, from the list above Nikon F6 , F801 and FA/FE2 screens look like they're on the shortlist ?? I'm kinda thinking the K2 from the FA/FE2 (but this would put me in the same boat as fitting the slopy K screen in the D1h), but if the F6 ones fit in perfectly I'd sooner go with them