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Canon F1-n focusing screen

robonfilm

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Jul 10, 2024
Messages
72
Location
Italy
Format
Analog
Hi, I'm looking to upgrade the focusing screen on my Canon F1-n (old but revised model).

Currently, I own a laser cut type E. Sticking with laser (L) screens due to their increased brightness, does anybody have actual experience with the other types available? I know of the many charts online expleaning the difference between the screens, but I'm looking for real-world experience from other photographers. I could buy a type G for a reasonable price. How does it behave with faster lenses?
 
I have all or most of the original or L screens for the first two F-1 models. The one I use most is the LD. This is a grid type screen. While it can be used for copying and architectural photography, it is also very useful for macro work and using slower lenses and zoom lenses. The grid lines are a good visual sharpness reference and there is no central split image or mictoprism to black out. The D screens are my default ones. The C screens are plain matte ones. These are useful for higher magnification macro work and for portraits. Why portraits? The C screen will allow you to focus on an important area, like a person's eyes, without having to point the center of the screen at the area and then recomposing. I have a fleet of New F-1 cameras. These have different versions of most screens with different metering patterns. They are less plentiful than the screens for the earlier models and much more expensive. I do have a few D and C versions but most of my New F-1 cameras have E screens in them. For general picture taking, they are fine.
 

Thanks for the reply. As you have almost all of the screens, let me ask you what you think of screen types G and I.
I could buy one of those (both L versions) for around 50€. Which one is better suited for general photography?
Generally, I use my F1 for daylight photography, either with the nFD 50mm f1.4, nFD 28mm 2.8, or nFD 70-200mm f4
 
The G screen is recommended for small aperture lenses and the I screen is a very specialized one for high magnification shooting. The standard E screen or L version should work very well with your 50 and 28 lenses. I have a few copies of the 70-210/4 myself. I think you will find this lens easier to use with a D screen. The D screen will work well with the other two lenses too and might help with composition with the 28. Having easily interchangeable screens is a handy feature but you wouldn't want to change screens every time you change lenses. I suggest that you find a copy of the manual online for your F-1n. There will be a section which describes all of the different screens.
 

I see, thanks for the information shared. Type D was also my preference (along with E and maybe H), but I'm having a hard time finding one of the L version in good condition. Do you happen to be selling one of yours by any chance?
 
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