Favorite Nikon F focusing screens?

[AndyH]

I'm slowly reassembling my Nikon F outfit from the seventies, and have lenses from the fabulous 24mm to the rock solid 200mm. I have the Type A, E, and J screens as of now, and I'm looking to acquire more that will actually enhance my shooting.

I use both waist level and FtN prism finders, so I'm looking for specific screens (F or F2 versions) that will be useful for both prism and waist level focusing. They're pretty cheap right now and I'd like to pick them up while that's still the case.

What are your favorites? Why do you find them useful? Are there specific focal lengths (including beyond my current 24-200 range) that cll for the use of a specific screen?

Thanks in advance for your anticipated responses. Reconstructing this outfit at pennies on the dollar has been one of the most enjoyable pursuits I've found in the past year!

Andy

 

[mshchem]

Gotta have the P screen the "Apollo screen" supposedly used on the Nikon F Photomics that were used in the Command modules on the last lunar missions, Apollo/Soyuz, and Skylab. Unfortunately Nikon didn't make the trip to the lunar surface. A screens were standard on most F bodies, the P screen put the split screen at a 45° angle rather than straight horizontal.
None of the original Nikon F/F2 screens were all that bright compared to the latest DSLRs. Minolta developed the Acute-Matte screen, blew everyone away. This technology was used by Hasselblad, amazing screens. Probably 2-3 stops brighter or so it seems.

 

[mshchem]

You need a pretty plain unmetered prism for the F. In that configuration it's simply one of the most beautiful mid 20th century designs, period.

 

[AndyH]

You need a pretty plain unmetered prism for the F. In that configuration it's simply one of the most beautiful mid 20th century designs, period.

I had one back in the day, but the prices have gone crazy lately. I'm still looking for one on eBay and other places but I don't want to overpay just for the aesthetics as the Photomic finder works just as well. I still use a hand meter much of the time, so the plain prism would also work well.

The weight is a factor, but hey, if you're hauling around five pounds or so of camera and lens, what's another few ounces?

Andy

 

[Paul Howell]

I agree with the P screen, my F came with a P, really liked it.

 

[narsuitus]

I have the Type A, E, and J screens as of now, and I'm looking to acquire more that will actually enhance my shooting.

I recommend that you acquire all 22 Nikon F and F2 view screens.

When I was young with good eyesight, I preferred the “B” screen for general shooting. As my eyesight failed, I found it easier to accurately focus with the “A” screen. For astrophotography, I prefer the “M” screen. For buildings, I prefer the grid lines on the E and R screens. However, for architectural subjects, I really prefer to use my 4x5 inch view camera.


Nikon F2 screens by Narsuitus, on Flickr