Nikon F & F2 Focusing Screens
In 1973 there were 19 different focusing screens available for the Nikon F and F2 cameras.
- Type A
- Matte Fresnel field with 3mm diameter circular split-image rangefinder spot and a 12mm
diameter circle. Rapid and accurate focusing. Excellent for general photography.
- Type L
- Same as Type A screen but with split-image rangefinder line at a 45 degree angle. Best for
subjects with horizontal lines.
- Type B
- Matte Fresnel field with 12mm diameter fine-ground matte focusing spot in the center.
Good for general photography, especially with long lenses.
- Type C
- Fine-ground matte field with 4mm diameter clear spot and cross hair. For photomicrography, astrophotography and other
high-magnification applications, and for parallax focusing on aerial images.
- Type D
- Overall fine-ground matte field. For specialized close-up photography and for use with long lenses.
- Type E
- Matte Fresnel field with 12 mm diameter fine-ground matte spot and etched horizontal and vertical lines. Ideal for
architectural photography.
- Type G1 through G4
- Clear Fresnel field with extra-bright 12mm diameter microprism focusing spot for viewing and
focusing in poor light. Four models (G1 through G4) are available, corresponding to specific focal length lenses.
Depth of field cannot be observed.
Note: Type G and H screens are the most brilliant of all due to the use of clear Fresnel condenser fields. The spacing
and depth of the Fresnel lines are critic al in relation to lens focal length. An incorrect type G or type H screen will
exhibit noticeable darkening in the corners of the finder image (this does not affect the image recorded on the film.)
The correct screen will be uniformly bright from edge to edge. The choice if four different screens in each type enables
you to select the one best suited for the focal length Nikkor lens you are using.
- Type H1 through H4
- Clear Fresnel field with microprism focusing pattern over the entire screen area. Permits rapid focusing on any part
of the screen with optimum edge-to-edge brightness in poor light. Available in four models (H1 through H4), corresponding
to particular focal length lenses.
Note: Type G and H screens are the most brilliant of all due to the use of clear Fresnel condenser fields. The spacing and
depth of the Fresnel lines are critic al in relation to lens focal length. An incorrect type G or type H screen will
exhibit noticeable darkening in the corners of the finder image (this does not affect the image recorded on the film.)
The correct screen will be uniformly bright from edge to edge. The choice if four different screens in each type enables
you to select the one best suited for the focal length Nikkor lens you are using.
- Type J
- Matte Fresnel field with central microprism focusing spot and 12 mm diameter circle. Good for general photography.
- Type K
- Combination of Type A and J screens. Matte Fresnel field with 3mm diameter split-image rangefinder spot surrounded
by 1mm-wide microprism doughnut. Rapid and accurate focusing for subjects with both straight lines and ill-defined
contours. Suitable for general photography.
- Type M
- Fine ground Fresnel field with 5.5mm diameter clear spot and double cross hear for use in parallax focusing on aerial
image, plus millimeter scales for calculation of individual magnification of objects or for measuring objects. Brilliant
image in dim light. Suitable for close-ups, photomicrography and other high-magnification applications.
- Type P
- Same as Type K, but with split-image rangefinder line at a 45 degree angle and etched
horizontal and vertical lines as an aid to composition. Rapid and accurate focusing for subject with horizontal or
vertical lines or ill-defined contours. Suitable for general photography.
- Type R
- Same as Type A but with rangefinder prisms of sloping surfaces at a smaller angle and
horizontal and vertical lines to aid proper composition. Works best with lenses having maximum aperture from f3.5 to
f5.6.