Has anyone used a B3 or K3 focusing screen for Nikon FE/FM?

[Ariston]

I found a google link where the snippet said to add one stop of exposure, but when I clicked on the link it was a dead link.

I just want to confirm that these fit and, if you know, what compensation to add. Thanks!

 

[Vincent Peri]

There is no way to change the focusing screen in an FM. As far as I can tell, the B3 and K3 screens are unusable in the FE.

 

[Nitroplait]

The original FM does not have user replaceable screens, but the FE does. The screens in the FM2, FE, FE2, FM3a series are interchangeable and requires 1/3 stop adjustment when moving between the original series and the x2 and x3 series (the two latter have the same light transmission): Link: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/html/screens.htm

 

[Ariston]

The original FM does not have user replaceable screens, but the FE does. The screens in the FM2, FE, FE2, FM3a series are interchangeable and requires 1/3 stop adjustment when moving between the original series and the x2 and x3 series (the two latter have the same light transmission): Link: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/html/screens.htm

Thanks, guys. I have a couple FEs I am going to put these in. I had read that the K2/B2 require a 1/2 stop increase, and that the K3/B3 require a full stop. I saw the MIR website, but it doesn't address the K3/B3 screens at all for the FE or FM2.

So, Nitroplait, you are saying the K2 and the K3 have the same light transmission?

Thanks again for the help...

 

[Nitroplait]

Yes i have used K2s in a FE back in the 90’s and the enclosed instructions from Nikon said adjust -1/3 stop. More recently I replace a K2 in a FE2 with a K3 screen, and no adjustment was necessary.

 

[Ariston]

Thank you so much!

 

[MFstooges]

The original FM does not have user replaceable screens, but the FE does. The screens in the FM2, FE, FE2, FM3a series are interchangeable and requires 1/3 stop adjustment when moving between the original series and the x2 and x3 series (the two latter have the same light transmission): Link: http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonfeseries/fefmshared/html/screens.htm

From the link it sounds like FE and FM use the same screen even though FM is not use interchangeable. Is this correct? I need to replace my FM screen when I remove the top next time.

 

[MFstooges]

Anybody here have experience replacing screen on late 3rd Gen Nikon FM (the one with tiny screw above the mirror)? I would like to know how difficult it is

 

[George Mann]

Anybody here have experience replacing screen on late 3rd Gen Nikon FM (the one with tiny screw above the mirror)? I would like to know how difficult it is

On my Nikkormats, there is a screw on the elongated L bracket that is used to hold a frame underneath.

Below it is a curved rectangular spring that acts as a spacer on top of the focusing screen.

Both the spring and frame are a bit difficult to put back in the slot in the back. Use your fingers, and carefully wipe the screen with a Pec Pad when you are done.

 

[RDW]

I've seen it suggested elsewhere that the FM screen lacks the handling tab used on the later screens, making them incompatible unless (perhaps) the tab is filed off. Can anyone confirm this?

 

[George Mann]

I've seen it suggested elsewhere that the FM screen lacks the handling tab used on the later screens, making them incompatible unless (perhaps) the tab is filed off. Can anyone confirm this?

That's correct.

 

[RDW]

Like the poster above, I wonder how replacing it would work in practice. Removing the tab, assuming it's necessary, must be quite a delicate task if you are to avoid scratching the screen or contaminating it with filings, etc.

 

[George Mann]

Removing the tab, assuming it's necessary, must be quite a delicate task if you are to avoid scratching the screen or contaminating it with filings, etc.

You cover the screen with painters tape, and carefully file it off.

 

[RDW]

You cover the screen with painters tape, and carefully file it off.

Thanks! Is it then a straight drop-in replacement, or do you have to mess around with shims or something to get the focus right?

 

[George Mann]

Thanks! Is it then a straight drop-in replacement, or do you have to mess around with shims or something to get the focus right?

If it is the same thickness, the spring provides the shim.

 

[MFstooges]

On my Nikkormats, there is a screw on the elongated L bracket that is used to hold a frame underneath.

Below it is a curved rectangular spring that acts as a spacer on top of the focusing screen.

Both the spring and frame are a bit difficult to put back in the slot in the back. Use your fingers, and carefully wipe the screen with a Pec Pad when you are done.

When you remove the screw does the screen frame just fall off or is there another spring loaded tab like Nikon FE that you need to disengage? I remove the only screw that is supposed to hold the frame but nothing happened and I can't figure out how to pop the frame down.

 

[George Mann]

When you remove the screw does the screen frame just fall off or is there another spring loaded tab like Nikon FE that you need to disengage? I remove the only screw that is supposed to hold the frame but nothing happened and I can't figure out how to pop the frame down.

On my Nikkormats, the screw holds an L bracket (with mirror foam) that in turn holds the frame.

There is a spring underneath it that holds the screen.