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

Ariston · Aug 17, 2020

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 · Aug 17, 2020

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 · Aug 17, 2020

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 · Aug 17, 2020

Nitroplait said:
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 · Aug 17, 2020

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 · Aug 17, 2020

Thank you so much!

MFstooges · Aug 31, 2020

Nitroplait said:
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 · Aug 1, 2021

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 · Aug 4, 2021

MFstooges said:
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 · Aug 13, 2021

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 · Aug 13, 2021

RDW said:
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 · Aug 13, 2021

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 · Aug 13, 2021

RDW said:
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 · Aug 13, 2021

George Mann said:
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 · Aug 13, 2021

RDW said:
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 · Aug 25, 2021

George Mann said:
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 · Aug 25, 2021

MFstooges said:
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.

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

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency