Nikon focus screen construction

[CMoore]

I have read, a few times, that the F2 focus screens were two pieces.
Is that correct.?
If so, do they come apart easily when you remover them from the frame.?
Thank You

 

[bdial]

Yes, they are two pieces. I’ve not taken one apart for a very long time, but as I recall, it came apart easily.
YMMV

 

[AgX]

What was the reason to manufacture that optics in 2 parts?

 

[CMoore]

Yes, they are two pieces. I’ve not taken one apart for a very long time, but as I recall, it came apart easily.
YMMV

10-4
Thank You

What was the reason to manufacture that optics in 2 parts?

I was wondering the same.
Was that common, did Canon, Oly, Minolta do similar.?

 

[BrianShaw]

My understanding is that the F3 screen, and those before and after in the F series, had a focus screen as one element and a condenser lens as the second element.

I’ve not taken one apart, however.

My FE seems to only have a flat focus screen - single “element “.

 

[gorbas]

Interesting thing is that you can swap F and F2 actual (optical) screens with F3's. Just keep original F/F2 frame. They are the same size.
Here is Pentax Spotmatic focusing screen assembly. Sorry, did not take any pictures while taking F's screens apart.
I always wanted to replace SPF's screen with something brighter and my repair guy always refused to even talk about it.
It was finally clear to me why when I took it apart.

 

[AgX]

My understanding is that the F3 screen, and those before and after in the F series, had a focus screen as one element and a condenser lens as the second element.

Yes, But why? Such only would be necessary if the condensor lens would not be a plano-convex lens, but a converging meniscus. thus necessitating an air cavity between itself and the screen proper.

 

[Chan Tran]

I had the F2 (HAD no longer have it) I currently have the F3, F4 and F5 and I think all of them the focusing screens are 2 pieces. I only took the F3 screen apart because I wash it in the sink and found that the water got in between the 2 pieces.

 

[CMoore]

I had the F2 (HAD no longer have it) I currently have the F3, F4 and F5 and I think all of them the focusing screens are 2 pieces. I only took the F3 screen apart because I wash it in the sink and found that the water got in between the 2 pieces.

I will have to try that.
I have a problem it seems others have also had.
The foam padding in the plastic box deteriorated. When i packed up and moved 2 years ago, all of that dusty foam got onto the screen... and i had it in a little bag..... and stuck to the split image.
I got most of it off with Q-Tip and some cleaner.
I think the rest of it might come off if i soak it in soap and water.

 

[AgX]

My understanding is that the F3 screen, and those before and after in the F series, had a focus screen as one element and a condenser lens as the second element.

Yes, But why? Such only would be necessary if the condensor lens would not be a plano-convex lens, but a converging meniscus. thus necessitating an air cavity between itself and the screen proper.

Well...seemingly all screens where the field lens is part of the screen and not attached to the prism, have in addition a fresnel lens. If molded together with the ground screen, this must be done on the upper side of the screen. The field lens thus must be a seperate part to yield access to that upper side.