jeweler53

After reading all that i could find on the internet about this focusing screen I decided to try one. I installed it yesterday, and I couldn't be happier! My main complaint with the Df was the brightness of the screen. Part of the problem lies in the lenses i am using which are "slower" than I am used to. I am 64 and have what the optometrist calls "early cataracts". They are not bad enough for surgery yet, but they make it difficult to accurately focus with the standard screen. The K3 screen features a microprism and split screen for those of you who are not familiar with it and it allows the user to make spot on focusing, even in low light. Some of the reviews mention that this screen might have an adverse effect on the auto focus and/or auto exposure. I have only played with it a little, but I can see no change in the way the camera performs. I will be "playing" with it over the next few days and will let you know if i notice any problems, but so far i am in love!

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

Please do let us know about AF performance. I have a Df and have considered this but haven't taken that leap. Thanks

BebuLamar

Thanks but I hate the split image screen. The reason? It makes my SLR becomes a rangefinder where you focus by aligning 2 images and only at the center of the frame. I have the Df also and my first camera was the F2as back in the late 70's and I remembered the first accerssories I bought for it was a plain ground glass focusing screen.

jeweler53

To each his own!

cameraf4 Loc: Delaware

Good luck with your new screen. Personally, I always use the focus confirmation "Dot" in the viewfinder. Never had a problem.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

I have the Df, and several MF AI, AIs & pre AI lenses, I've no problem with focusing, I'm 74 yrs.I put a 1.2X magnifying eye piece on the view finder for better view when shooting with MF lens. I won't mess around the camera internally to damage my Nikon service in the future if I need!

jeweler53

I understand that not everyone will share my preference for a split screen. I was able to change the focusing screen with no problems and without any damage to the camera. I purchased the camera used, and have no idea if it is under warranty, or even if it is a USA model. If I had been forced to purchase it new, I probably could not have afforded it. That said, I am very happy with it. I don't like the "dot" since it takes my eye off the subject. I don't like the "magnifying eyepiece" since it does not allow me to see the full frame. I definitely don't like a matte screen, and never have. For those of you who use those methods, if they work for you GREAT! My advice is always going to be do what works for YOU.

First of all, it really isn't necessary for AF lenses. I tried it with a 24-50, 35-135, 90 (Sigma), and a 75-300, all AF D. I usually use a single focus spot, and when that spot is in the split screen area, it just confirms the focus is spot on. It makes me more comfortable to know that these lenses are working as they are designed, but I could get by without it. With the Sigma, at 1:1 the camera "hunts" a bit in auto and the split screen might be a bit faster. I also used it on a 50 1.8 AFS and again, it wasn't really needed.

I also tried it on a variety of "old" lenses, including an 18-28 (Samyang), 28 (Sigma), 50 f1.4, 55 Micro Nikkor, (with and without the PK-13) 135 'P' and a 80-200 f 2.8 Tokina. It works very well with these lenses and (for me) beats the 'green dot' hands down.

So, in summary, if you don't like a split screen, use only AF lens, or have another method of focusing that work well for you, don't waste your money. If you are like me, and 'grew up' using a split screen and they work for you, I heartily recommend it.

I did not do any scientific testing, and was only taking test shots where focusing was the primary concern, the split screen seemed to have no effect on either the auto focus or metering of the camera. Others may have a different experience.

wingclui44 Loc: CT USA

My first Nikon was the Nikon Ftn with the split screen in 1971, don't get me wrong, I like it comparing to the screen on my other Nikkormat Ftn I owned at the same time. It's great on focusing when with fast MF lens under good lighting condition, but the view finder becomes very dark with slow lens in poor lighting, and the split center will become half bright and half black, and difficult to focus!

BebuLamar

When I bought my first camera I was deciding between the Leica M4 and the Nikon F2AS. I decided that I want an SLR because I can focus anywhere in the frame and not only at the center. So I always use the ground glass for focusing with any SLR or DSLR.