NIKON DA-2 Sports Viewfinder Question

PGraham3 · Apr 20, 2017

Howdy, APUG!
I just acquired a DA-2 Sports Viewfinder for my Nikon F3 and just had a question.
With over 20 focusing screens for the Nikon F3, would any of you recommend or have experience with using a specific focusing screen that works best at providing a clear, bright view with the DA-2 Sports Viewfinder?
Thanks!

This website has a picture-list of the various Nikon F3 viewfinders:
http://mir.com.my/rb/photography/hardwares/classics/nikonf3ver2/screens/index.htm

Mick Fagan · Apr 20, 2017

I have had that sports finder for about 20 years, always used the E screen, which is a clear screen with the etched vertical and horizontal lines.

The E and B screens are the only two screens for the F3 that can be used with any lens.

Mick.

cooltouch · Apr 20, 2017

I have the B screen in my F3. It's perfect for this sort of job. Takes a little practice getting used to a plain screen if you've always depended on split images or microprisms, but if you're like me, once you get the hang of using a plain screen, it becomes a preference.

PGraham3 · Apr 21, 2017

Cool! Yeah, I have an E focus screen that is great, but doesn't seem quite so clear and bright. B screen might be cool.
However, would you recommend a C or D screen with this?
With a generally clear matte, these two screens might be quite nice. What do you think?

Mick Fagan · Apr 21, 2017

PGraham3 said:
Cool! Yeah, I have an E focus screen that is great, but doesn't seem quite so clear and bright. B screen might be cool.
However, would you recommend a C or D screen with this?
With a generally clear matte, these two screens might be quite nice. What do you think?

The B and E focusing screens are identical, except one has gridlines, the E, while the other doesn't have grid lines.

As for the C and/or D screens, I think you would have to carefully look at the focal length and type of lenses you wish to use, as some don't work too well at all with those focusing screens.

I have used my Action Finder with a motorcycle helmet on, while sitting backwards on the rear seat of a motorcycle, I was able to focus reasonably well. This was the hardest job I did with that finder, it was also the only reason I got the job; I was the only one with this prism.

Mick.

cooltouch · Apr 21, 2017

I agree with Mick's comments. The C screen is intended for photomicrography, and probably won't suit your needs. The D screen works well with telephoto lenses and close-up photography. Essentially the same subjects as used with the B screen, it just doesn't have the fine matte spot that the B has.

NIKON DA-2 Sports Viewfinder Question

PGraham3

Mick Fagan

cooltouch

PGraham3

Mick Fagan

cooltouch

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