Best Nikon F2AS focus screen?

I don't know what you mean by "quick focusing" but IMHO the best of the best focusing screens, ever, for the F/F2/F3 cameras is the R one (Fresnel pattern with grid and special split-image which doesn't darken even while using f/2.8 of f/3.5 lenses, and without that pesky microprisms circle which you find on the K and P screens).

Note that you can mount the "red dot" Nikon F3 screens (or the F4 screens, which are identical) in the original F2 screen chassis (it takes a few minutes and all you need is a small screwdriver).

Now a "red dot" R screen is installed in my F2 and this is a pure joy at use, I couldn't use any other screen.
 
I use(d) E screens on all my Nikons mostly, but for shorter focal lengths I prefer the A screen's simple split image focusing aid. Nowadays I just leave the A screen in place.
 
Highway 61 said:
I...
Note that you can mount the "red dot" Nikon F3 screens (or the F4 screens, which are identical) in the original F2 screen chassis (it takes a few minutes and all you need is a small screwdriver).
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Click to expand...

Of if you don't have a sacrificial F/F2 screen you can file or mill off the lip/handle on the F3 screen so that it will fit in the F or F2 body. If you do this, you should remove the screen optics before filing off the handle, reinstalling them when the frame has been cleaned. Be very very careful not to touch the bottom surface of the screen as it is extremely fragile.
 
It can depend on the lens. Some screen/lens combinations work better than others. And some screens are better for low light, while others work best in daylight.
 
I bought a "J" screen for my Nikon F and I liked it so much I bought one for the F5 to replace the "E" screen I had in it...not a big fan of the split screen...
 
I always favored the "E" screen at the time.

Recently I discovered the "G" screen for my Minolta XK, I found one all the way in Germany. It is exactly like the Nikon "E" screen, and I'm very glad to have found it. :cool:

Amazing to me how much the XK "feels" like my old F2AS's (but with autoexposure!).
 
I use a H2 most of the time. I find it easier to nail the focus on eyes with it. Pair the H2 with a 105 and you have a great portrait rig.
 
I use a blank screen with a grid (I don't remember the letter designation) in my F2.
The focusing is more subjective than what one gets with the standard split screen, but after all these years I'm used to it, and the grid is invaluable as a compositional aid.
 
Actually, if I remember correctly, you don't have to physically modify F3 screens for them to fit in an F2 body, you just have to put them in backwards, which I think means putting the tab towards the front of the camera (it has been a long time since I changed the screen in my F2A). I also like the grid E screens, but the rangefinder screens would have to provide faster focus confirmation. However, not so great if you use some of the slower telephotos that can cause the rangefinder patch to partially blackout. At my age, I have found a diopter lens on the viewfinder helps immensely with focusing, and Nikon still sells ones that fit.
 
Looking for Focusing Screen Seating Springs for th Nikon F2AS

Looking for Focusing Screen Seating Springs for th Nikon F2AS

I'm looking for a pair or even one Focusing Screen Seating Spring for the Nikon F2AS. I discovered one of mine was broken when I removed the DP-12.

Does anyone in here know where I might pick some up?
Hoping someone does....I love my camera and want to get out shooting again.

Brian
 
My all-around favorite was the P -- diagonal split image, micro-prism ring and horizon lines. It worked great with my 24/35/85/180/300 kit. But if you spend lots of time way out at the extremes, there are specialized screens that will work even better.
 
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