Focus screens for MF lenses on Nikon D bodies
 

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 :)

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!:o

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

Joe,

Still to check out the F6 as I have been busy taking a couple of snaps of D2X screen relative to a full frame F3 screen.

I will get onto the F6 issue next and that may take some time but its still my favourite.

Don

Thanks Don,
I see what you mean! and understand why you asked if anything was shaved off the FM fit K screen to fit in the D1...wow, the D2 screen is totally different dimensions....probably the same thickness tho.
Yeah, I remember the F2/F3 screens. Drop loading them into the camera after taking the prism off. I do miss that simplicity I had with my F3...which I had a nice bright U type screen on for my 300mm tele lens, and a DA-2 action finder which was a supperb peice of kit...made the viewfinder look like a small tv screen!

Yes, the D1/ D1h screens look like the D2 type but have the full frame dimensions as you said.

cheers
Joe

Hi again - sorry about earlier confusion - but is this any help? I comes from the Nikond1 website:

D1 Major Features

* 2.74-megapixel, 23.7 x 15.6mm-size CCD for ultrahigh-definition (2,012 x 1,324 effective pixels) images
* Ultra-thin lithium niobate (LiNB) Low-Pass Filter (also cuts infrared rays) incorporated just in front of CCD etc.


* Interchangeable focusing screen (compatible with focusing screen for F100)

Ooooh thanks very much Andy!
yes, certainly clears up confusion!

:) :) :)

Just had a search, and confirms what Don said earlier in the thread...there's only the plain type available for the F100...no split screens :(

Joe,

Andy is correct re F100. Been up in the loft for a rummage also looking through old price lists for part numbers.
Then we find the snag, as you mention, - only two screens were made available for the F100.

B type Part no. FAC13001
E type Part no. FAC13101

All getting a bit of a struggle as I followed the FM2 screen and find on the FM3 it has different part numbers :confused: unless it is brighter.

I have found a brochure showing the layout of the various types of screens and will take a pic and post tomorrow.

By the way 2002 Nikon price list 2002 lists D1H body at £3199:99. Thought you'd like that. :D

D1X and why non of us could ever afford that - £3999:99. :eek:

Don

LOL, old prices are rather amusing when i haven't paid them,
Thanks Don,
Give it half a dozen years and I'll be ready to buy my D2h, D2xs or even D3 at a few hundred quid too! lol
The D1h in mint condition cost me £250 ...that's including £40 import duty I had to pay for delivery from USA
The D1 (which looks more like the cameras I'm use to......very very battered)...cost me £50 all in

S/H D1h and D1x cameras I have seen vary in price wildly, usually go from anywhere between £200 to £900, depending on condition and who's selling them (private or retailer). I did well getting such a good one for not much money (they seem to fetch more S/H here in the UK for some reason ?)


Yes, RE the FM/FM2 vs FM3 screens I found a web search confirmed they are the same fitting, FM3 screens are just a bit brighter I am led to believe


Now I wondering whether F801/8008 are the same or similar to F90x (ie wrong size for D1). The later I think is the same situation as the F100 ie only in plain versions not split/micro prism ones, but I'm wondering if the F801/8008 are usable.......

Then there's the small matter of the F501..of which different variants for MF or AF were done, or so I've read....ouch..my head hurts!!!!

F6 looks the likely hunting ground for screens


Andy, Don, Thanks alot for your help so far guys

Joe,

As promised pics of the various screens.

Note that although mention of the F801 is missing from the main brochure, the two screens for that camera look like the F90X screens.

Re the F6 screens. I have not yet found reference to dimensions.

Don

totally lost on what this thread is really about, but have an F65 body surplus to requirements (not fully op, free ex for post) if anyone wants to cannibalise for whatever purpose

Hi chris,
Sorry if it is not easy to follow.

Basically to summerise what this thread is about;-

I have and use Nikon D1 and D1h camera bodies.

As with all Auto focus bodies, the focusing screens in them have the AF zone markings but do not have any focusing aids like micro prism or split screen, as with the older manual focus bodies.

I have and want to get the best out of my manual focus lenses. I know I can use the electronic green light to signify focus is achieved, but I would prefer using those screen focus aids

In order to aid the use of manual focus lenses, some A/F camera bodies have the option to fit different focusing screens..WITH those focusing aids.

Unfortunately the D1/D1h/D1x officially has a few different screens available, but none have the focus aids I need.

Therefore, I have a modified screen from a Nikon FM in my D1h, but is not ideal fit.

Ideally I would like ones that fit perfectly.

Some aftermarket companies custom make these, at cost.....

However, I would like to find if another camera with interchangeable screens has a screen that has the focus aids ANd fits the D1 series cameras.
That's what this thread is about :)


chris, thanks for the offer of the F65, that's most generous of you. Unfortunately I think the screen in the camera is one which is a standard AF camera one...ie doesn't have those MF aids I'm after....

thanks again Chris. Your offer is most appreciated, and hasn't gone unnoticed.


Don,
thanks for your continued help and info :)

I'd just like to add.
I have someone going out of his way to help me....and another who just offered a camera to me for free...

I can't stress how good this forum is and how helpful people have been....
many thanks :) :)

Just had a chat with a very helpful guy at Ffordes photographic....He'd heard of the problem before when D1 series stuff was current. Unfortunately, he doesn't think an F6 screen will properly seat in the frame of a D1 series camera, due to different screen thickness. However, another FM K type screen has been ordered from him, which I guess will make do...as long as I take time out to align it centred properly.

My new screen arrived today. The FM camera fit K2 type just needs the dremel on it to remove the tab, which is in the wrong place for the D1 series cameras.

....I've also bought a s/h F6 screen online "just to see"....and yes, I should have believed the helpful guy at Ffordes when I spoke with him!. The screen is about half a mm too large in width depth and thickness...quite a large unit, even for a full frame viewfinder..Pretty exsensive dremel work to modify, even if I were to attempt it (I'm not going there)

So, I now have a screen for a Nikon F6 which will probably go on the sales page! :(
oh well...I had to find out the hard way! LOL

Sorry the F6 screen did not work Joe. I guess its the price you pay for being a pioneer.

I went through a similar experience with Stevies old Yashicamat 124 a few years ago. Really dim screen fitted to that camera.
I finally sorted that out after some trials with a Bronica SQAi screen and a bit of shimming.

Don

That's ok. I live and learn...
Thanks for all your help and info anyway Don.
I'm sure that the thread will be of use to someone searching the archive in the future for Nikon focus screen info, due to your excellent Nikon system scans