F1 focusing screens question

<p>Hi all,<br>

As a long time Nikon user/collector I just bought a Canon F1n (not the F1N New). It arrived yesterday and is in beautiful condition, and I'm looking forward to using it this weekend. The body is equipped with an A-type focusing screen (microprisms), but as a spectacle wearer I find it difficult to focus with that, especially with the FD 28mm/f2.8 that I have on the camera. So now I want to replace it by a B-type screen (split-screen), which is a type of screen that I'm more familiar with on my other cameras.<br>

I wonder if the screens for the F1N (New) will fit and work well on my camera. I could not find a clear information on this when Googling, nor does there seem to be a thread on that topic in this FD forum yet.<br>

Also, I found a B-type screen on that auction site, and it says "focusing screen L (B)" on the long side of the screen. Does this mean that it is an "L" version (Laser Matte)? Because most other screens for the F1/F1n do not have that "L"...<br>

Thanks a bunch in advance.<br>

Ben</p>

Benny, focusing screens do not interchange between the New F-1 and earlier models.

 

Laser-matted versions (Focusing Screen L Type _) were introduced in '76 with the revised F-1n body, they are brighter and "snappier" than the original F-1 screens. Laser-matte screens are also retrofittable to early F-1s, a nice upgrade! My favorite for general use is the L Type E.

<p>This may be a diopter issue with your eyesight not matching the optics of the F1 viewfinder. Perhaps you can get a diopter eyepiece to help? Actually I've found that I can see to focus my F1 more clearly without my glasses.</p>

<p>As John just suggested, if you’d rather not wear glasses while shooting, Canon also offered a wide range of screw-in diopters for the F-1 (all models). These work well.</p>

<p>Thanks for the replies. Perhaps it is indeed due to my glasses not quite matching the VF optics of the camera. Another reason might be that I am not quite used to using a screen with microprisms only : even when the lens is focused correctly, the microprisms remain too visible and I cannot confirm the exact focus position. Especially with a wide-angle lens where details are small and 'further away' in the image.<br>

A matte screen with or without a split-image may be better.<br>

I also had no success yet finding diopter correction lenses for the F1 viewfinder, and those that I have for the Nikons are a different size. They are either too small (FM) or too big (F3HP & F100). I use +2d correction lenses for the Nikons, but the Canon may require a different strength?<br>

Best,<br>

Benny</p>

<p>Diopter correction lenses do interchange between the original F1 (mechanical) and the New F1.Try E Bay.</p>

<p>Diopters are diopters, no matter the make of them. +2 means you're moderately far-sighted. When it comes to things like eyepiece diopters, it pays to search sites like eBay regularly. Never can tell what will crop up when. Also I'd try KEH.com and Robert's Camera's used site, usedphotopro.com.</p>

<p>As an eyeglasses wearer, I suggest you consider/try a Speed Finder. You won't have to remove your glasses and then put them back on while shooting pictures. My favorite setup is the Speed Finder + Power Winder F (or FN) for both models of F-1. I don't really need the speed of the motor drives and the Power Winders are much lighter. </p>

<p>This were all very helpful responses. Thank you all!<br>

BTW, here is a picture of my new black beauty.<br>

Benny</p><div></div>

<p>Wow, you don't see many minty old F-1s. This is my favorite 35mm camera -- I'm soooo jealous! Congrats on your find!</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Yes, very nice. It even still has the rubber cover on the eyepiece ring!</p>

<p>Thanks Michael and Steven.<br>

Yes, I'm very happy with that camera. Unfortunately it came with an A-type focusing screen, while this version (F1<strong>n</strong>) is said to have been equipped with the B-type screen. Also, the auction picture shows a nice bayonet style body cap, while the body came with a plastic push on cap. Oh well... I was happy enough with the condition of the camera to not complain to the seller about these details. It does indeed have the original rubber eyepiece ring and the shutter curtains look like totally unused! I also got a luxury ever-ready case : black with brown piping around the edges. Oh, and a D-type flash coupler. I won't be using any of them though. Yesterday I also 'won' a minty FDn 50mm/f1.8 lens for USD12.00 + shipping. I guess my luck is soon going to run out now ;-)</p>

 

<p>If I recall correctly, all F-1s (both original and New) came with an "E" focusing screen as standard. The "E" screen is the most universal: split image rangefinder surrounded by microprism ring inside a matte field. These are relatively easy to find. KEH usually has used ones in stock. If you are looking/buying a replacement screen, be sure to look for the improved "L" type.</p>

<p> </p>

<blockquote>

<p>If I recall correctly, all F-1s (both original and New) came with an "E" focusing screen as standard.</p>

 

</blockquote>

<p>The original F-1 was shipped with the “A” screen. The F-1n and F-1N came with the "E" screen. </p>

<p>Thanks, I will certainly buy an 'L' version screen. Another reason for wanting to swap the screen is that mine shows slight circular highlight streaks in the four corners. Nothing serious, but a little distracting. I suspected that the screen was placed on a table top and spun around. I checked both sides of the screen and it doesn't show any outside damage - the effect seems to come from within (between the two layers?). Perhaps it's a sort of separation due to age. </p>

<p>I did the same switch for my original model F-1. I found an L <a href="http://www.astrosurf.com/cmilovic/equipo/f1focusingscreens.pdf">screen E </a>(matte, microprism donut with split image center) on Ebay. They come up fairly frequently, but they're not cheap. I think I paid ~$30 for mine (Nikon screens, in contrast, generally go for much less).</p>

<p>Was there some basic engineering changes to the F1.? You wonder why they would spec a new Part/Design for an item that was meant to be consumer replaceable.?<br>

My Gosh.....your F1 is stunning.....like it was airbrushed for a Playboy Centerfold. :-)</p>

<p>There were several engineering changes that differentiate the F-1n from the F-1. To name a few, the film wind lever's stroke was reduced, the On/Battery-Check knob was spring-loaded so it couldn't drain the battery in the "C" position. ASA was increased to 3200. There's a film holder on the back of the F-1n. The F-1n had a plastic tip added to its film wind lever.</p>

<p>Going with the E screen instead of the A screen may have just been a matter of consumer feedback. That was becoming the universally accepted type of focusing aid by the mid-70s.</p>

<p>Aahhh.....I see. Quite a bit changed.<br>

Thanks for the info. Appreciate It.</p>