Yes I'm afraid I have another adaptor.

[Ed Kishel]

Once again I will applaud you for your efforts Edweirdo. Never before in my life have I seen such an online community that goes to these great lengths to help others engage in a project. I hope that the Linhof screen works out, as that would be a much more available option for the average DIYer.

Now, is it just me, or does it seem like most manufacturers (whether it be Nikon or Canon) always seem to discontinue the focusing screen that we all seek for. The Nikon D, the BIII, the Canon Ee-A, whatever. It's like they can't justify making these screens for the small photographer market out there, but people like us are tripping over each other on eBay to get them. If this Linhof idea works out I'm sure B&H will see a large upswing in orders. Thanks again Edweirdo for pushing this idea forward. I'm all for people making their own adapters and I hope to post something of use when I get mine assembled.

Well that seems to be the way of things now. All the old school film camera makers have begun (or already have) phased out their traditional SLR parts and moved on to digital. No need for focusing screens if DSLRs will have live LCDs.

I am in a finishing stage using "Nikon F3 D screen".
Thank you Edweirdo.

I’m glad you got the D screen! Be very gentle with it, especially around the silicone.

Ed I need a little clarification if you don't mind. On your first post of this thread you said you used a 58mm macro, and then in another post further on the down the line you said you used a 52mm macro. Did I read that right or is last nights booze still affecting my eyesight?

You are right, although last nights booze still may be affecting you In post #53 I did mistakenly list a 52mm Macro+10. I corrected it.

It is definitely a 58mm Macro.

 

[masmur]

hmmm....i should get up and try to worship you, oh dear saviour.....

 

[Coco Bermudez]

THE NIKON F3 D TYPE......

The simple fact is Nikon no longer makes this screen,
-Ed

Hey....where did you here this? I called Nikon and asked a rep about this and he said that to his knowledge they still make these screens. As a matter of fact I called B&H photo and they confirmed this and took my order for one......they are on backorder though............

So confusing! I wonder if Nikon even knows what they are talking about? I wonder if I was jipped? GRRRRR!

 

[bklyndv]

I just wanted to let everyone here know of a tool I learned about from Dennis Wood... it's called a vernier caliper, and it's used to measure the interior/exterior diameter of things, as well as their depth -- i.e. perfect for measuring flange distances and seeing if a given part will interlock with another.

Linked here is a review of a digital caliper that is selling for $16 at the moment. Click the SKU link at the top of the review to be taken to the order page. In addition to the helpful review, there's a good bit of info on how to use it correctly toward the bottom.

 

[Ed Kishel]

Hey....where did you here this? I called Nikon and asked a rep about this and he said that to his knowledge they still make these screens. As a matter of fact I called B&H photo and they confirmed this and took my order for one......they are on backorder though............

So confusing! I wonder if Nikon even knows what they are talking about? I wonder if I was jipped? GRRRRR!

Interesting that BH took your order.

Well, earlier I spoke with Roger at Nikon Tech Support (1-800-645-6687) and he confirmed that they no longer make them. That doesnt mean that some stores cant restock from old inventory (but its highly unlikely). He suggested ebay... (oh really?)

He did confrim however that the Type III B screen for the DX2 is plain ground with no marks, and that it is in production although out of stock at B&H. This is probably the best bet right now.

On another note: I noticed I neglected to list the type of screw that should be used to attach the FD mounting ring to the PVC cap. This is how I did it:

1) center the FD ring on the flat end of the PVC (right over the hole should be),
2) mark where the holes will go with a small nail or bright pen
3) drill the holes with a 1/16" drill bit.
4) use this screw (or an equivalent). Avail at most Home Depots: #2x3/8" Flat Head Slotted Brass Wood Screw. UPC# 0 3069923751 7. It must be a flat head so that it will clear the lens.
5) Carefully but firmly screw the FD mount on with the above screws. It may feel tight, this is becuase the screw is creating threads in the PVC. If you see the bottom of the screw exit the inside of the PVC cap, this is normal as it may be very close to the caps wall.

-Ed

 

[ovjamaica]

Interesting that BH took your order.
He did confrim however that the Type III B screen for the DX2 is plain ground with no marks, and that it is in production although out of stock at B&H. This is probably the best bet right now.

-Ed

Ed, thank you for checking into the BIII screens. I had ordered mine a couple of days ago, but was told it was on back order. That's good that Nikon is still manufacturing them. Hopefully my tests will confirm that this is a good alternate screen. ANd when dijit gets the Canon screens (which he will before I get the BIII) we'll see if those will work out. That's too bad the D is no longer manufactured.

 

[kokodjiss]

Who's right?

Who's right?

First of all for my first ever post I want to thank you very very much Ed for all the things you do to spread the easy DIY 35mm concept.

The harder in this quest is to get the Holly Graal aka Nikon F3 GG type D...

Interesting that BH took your order.

Well, earlier I spoke with Roger at Nikon Tech Support (1-800-645-6687) and he confirmed that they no longer make them. That doesnt mean that some stores cant restock from old inventory (but its highly unlikely). He suggested ebay... (oh really?)

He did confrim however that the Type III B screen for the DX2 is plain ground with no marks, and that it is in production although out of stock at B&H. This is probably the best bet right now.

-Ed

Ok... But I read this: http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=258&productNr=25304#

Who's right?

Maybe I'm mistaking. You have probably noticed yet I'm not fluent in english.

Greetings from Liège

 

[forsammyray]

Ed, keep up the brilliant and inspirational work!

One question - I know nothing about focusing screens or their parts. What is this condenser you keep speaking about in your posts?? As far as I know, the screen is just a semi-transparent piece of glass that is slightly curved to focus like a lens. I don't know of a "condenser" that can be removed or replaced in the screen. How do these parts go together?

It might make it easier to experiment on replacements for the elusive "D" focusing screen if we understood its parts.

Thank you Ed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[forsammyray]

a post earlier mentiomed the possiblity of moving hte ground glass via piezoelectric motors - which is a brilliant idea, but it seems overwhelmingly expensive. These motors are very small and might work in this adapter size-wise, but they all seem to be 500 bucks and up. Wax and focusing screens seem to be a more economical solution

 

[ovjamaica]

Ed, I just had a question about the "sandwich" as you have called it. I hope you have not already answered this earlier, as I swear I've read this thread at least ten times trying to figure out any possible kinks. Anyway, my question is about the UV filters you used for the sandwich. It seems like you have a coupler of some sort (I believe one picture labels them as step up/down rings) between the two 49mm filters. Based on the size of the D screen, would it fit without that coupler? Basically if you screwed them both together is there enough space for a D screen? I suppose I'll find out when I get my screen, but I'd like to buy the coupler now if I am going to need it. Thanks Ed.

 

[snodart]

I am taking a stab at building this. I know very little about lenses, so I was hoping to get a little help. I just want to make sure I buy the correct parts. If anybody that understands all of this could check the links that I have added and verify that it is the correct item, that would be a huge help. So here is what I think I need so far.

Starting at the end and working toward the camera:

Lens hood.
58mm fotodiox lens hood.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/Medium-Format-Lens-Hood-58mm-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ7532422654QQcategoryZ78999QQcmdZViewItem

Cannon 50mm f1.4 FD.
I’m guessing this could be an older FD manual focus lens correct?
Is it possible to use the Cannon 50mm f1.8? I already have this one.

FD Mount.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7595443096&ssPageName=MERC_VIC_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_IT
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/Canon-EOS-Rebel-Ti-Camera-For-Parts-Repair-AS-IS_W0QQitemZ7593455509QQcategoryZ107918QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

2” PVC pipe cap
Already bought it.

2” PVC clean out.
Already bought it

Now comes the part where I get lost…

The GG.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?A=details&kw=NIFSDF3&is=REG&Q=&O=productlist&sku=37515
I understand that this is hard to find and an alternative might have to be used. If I can just get the rest built, then I can test the different options.

49mm Tiffan UV filters.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=72712&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

Step up rings.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=307038&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

2” PVC adapter.
Already bought it.

Cokin P series 72mm filter adapter.
Couldn’t find it alone, but it is part of this correct? (link)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=158003&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
or is this it by itself?
http://cgi.ebay.com/3-DAYS-NEW-COKIN-P-SERIES-FILTER-72MM-ADAPTER-RING_W0QQitemZ7591302980QQcategoryZ30045QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Plain UV filter ring (glass removed)
Not sure about this one. Where can I get it?

Marco + 10 (Universal)
http://cgi.ebay.com/58mm-MACRO-10-CLOSEUP-LENS-FILTER-NEW_W0QQitemZ7594041506QQcategoryZ15220QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
or
http://cgi.ebay.com/58mm-MACRO-10-CLOSEUP-LENS-FILTER-BRAND-NEW-SILVER_W0QQitemZ7596192245QQcategoryZ74905QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

72mm macro + 4
There is one in this set correct?
http://cgi.ebay.com/Close-Up-Kit-Set-1-2-4-Macro-72mm-Brand-NEW-72_W0QQitemZ7586510501QQcategoryZ43479QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Wow. I think that is all. It would be a huge help if you good folks could check this list out for me. Like I said, I know very little about lenses. Thanks for any help!

By the way, for those that have been as confused as I have been, this link was a big help in helping me to understanding how this device works.
http://www.indietalk.com/printthread.php?t=5762

 

[Ed Kishel]

First of all for my first ever post I want to thank you very very much Ed for all the things you do to spread the easy DIY 35mm concept.

The harder in this quest is to get the Holly Graal aka Nikon F3 GG type D...



Ok... But I read this: http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=258&productNr=25304#

Who's right?

Maybe I'm mistaking. You have probably noticed yet I'm not fluent in english.

Greetings from Liège

Now that’s interesting. The photo and description from B&H and the tech guy at Nikon informed me that this DX2 screen is plain and without grids. Yes this link shows that it has AF lines. The part numbers match up 25304. Someone’s got the wrong photo, or the Nikon guy is FOS.

All I can say is that I guess you gotta have the thing in your hand to see for yourself! I guess that until those who have ordered this screen and the Canon EE-A physically have them, we wont know for sure. I guess we have to wait. Remember though, if you haven’t called EVERY local camera shop in your town, you should, as there are plenty of D screens sitting on dusty back shelves of mom and pop photo shops.

Ed, keep up the brilliant and inspirational work!

One question - I know nothing about focusing screens or their parts. What is this condenser you keep speaking about in your posts?? As far as I know, the screen is just a semi-transparent piece of glass that is slightly curved to focus like a lens. I don't know of a "condenser" that can be removed or replaced in the screen. How do these parts go together?

It might make it easier to experiment on replacements for the elusive "D" focusing screen if we understood its parts.

Thank you Ed!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most Nikon F3 focusing screens are made up of three pieces: the ground glass, the condenser, and the metal frame to hold them together. The condenser is a curved piece of glass that distributes the light evenly across the screen. Without it you will get a hotspot (the center of the screen will be much brighter than the rest). If the D screens cant be found, we can replace the gridded screens with a plain replacement and keep the condenser. This is what I will be doing next week when the Linhof screen arrives. I will post a pic soon that shows this.

a post earlier mentiomed the possiblity of moving hte ground glass via piezoelectric motors - which is a brilliant idea, but it seems overwhelmingly expensive. These motors are very small and might work in this adapter size-wise, but they all seem to be 500 bucks and up. Wax and focusing screens seem to be a more economical solution

I agree. I want a project that most people with average technical knowledge can build and do it for about $150. Plus if the grain is fine enough, the static adapter hold up quite well with the rotating glass design (but without the added weight, the noise, flicker, or battery issues).

Ed, I just had a question about the "sandwich" as you have called it. I hope you have not already answered this earlier, as I swear I've read this thread at least ten times trying to figure out any possible kinks. Anyway, my question is about the UV filters you used for the sandwich. It seems like you have a coupler of some sort (I believe one picture labels them as step up/down rings) between the two 49mm filters. Based on the size of the D screen, would it fit without that coupler? Basically if you screwed them both together is there enough space for a D screen? I suppose I'll find out when I get my screen, but I'd like to buy the coupler now if I am going to need it. Thanks Ed.

Sure it might fit without the stepping rings (coupler), but then the 49mm filters would rattle back and forth in the PVC. It’s the stepping rings that prevent the sandwich from sliding into the macro. The diameter of the UVs is the same as the threaded opening of the PVC base (the part the attaches to the DVX). It would just fall through.

This also makes a protective housing to keep particles off the screen. If you see dust, simply unscrew the PVC top, take out the sandwich and blow out the dust.

 

[Ed Kishel]

Snodart:

The canon f1.8 will work, but will darken a bit around the edges (very mild). If you have the dough, get a f1.4 50mm. They are about $30-40 on ebay. Everything you have listed is correct except for the following items:

COKIN 72MM P RING:dont get the kit, you only need the metal ring....

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cokin-P-Filter-...ryZ30040QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
or
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...ls&Q=&sku=14095&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

EMPTY 72MM FILTER- any generic one will do since you will be removing the glass...

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-72mm-SUNPAK...596310441QQcategoryZ15219QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

The stepping ring you might find cheaper on ebay. The Canon EOS, I dont know if that camera uses FD lenses. You might want to email the seller first or look for the following as is cameras on ebay:
AE-1
TL
FT
T50
T70
T90

I also spoke earlier about the small screws needed to attach the FD ring to the PVC cap.

And re: the GG, well you allready know how difficult it is to find that one. We are all out looking for replacement screens, so you can build the rest and wait on that one.

Which brings up a good point: you all can start on this project without the Screen, the only steps you dont start are the sandwich and trimming the PVC. The rest you can make.

 

[snodart]

Thank you for taking the time to look it over and for the corrections/advice. It is greatly appreciated. I will get everything and start to build it without the GG for now as you suggested.

Thanks again!

 

[Coco Bermudez]

All I can say is that I guess you gotta have the thing in your hand to see for yourself! I guess that until those who have ordered this screen and the Canon EE-A have physically have them, we wont know for sure. I guess we have to wait.

Ok Gang...here is the report from the field...I just got a pair of Canon Ee-S screens. To the naked eye it seems matte as matte can be. I was extremely excited when I opened it...figuring B&H had just used the wrong photo to represent the product. I installed it...NOPE no circle...UNTIL i focused against a dark area and BAM..there it is...a freaking circle in the middle of the screen.....It's a no go my amigos!

 

[idvfilms]

Now I trashed out a non-working Canon AE which I bought for the mount.
I noticed inside there was a small mirror(which I used in my hoodman) and a focusing screen above it.
The screen had a small dot of course but the condenser could be used in front of a GG could it not? has any one tried this?

I noticed you guys have been bidding up the F3 screens on Ebay, $60 yikes! :costumed-smiley-047 I pity the fool

I posted some photo's of my results on my blogspot here

This site and you guys that have been improving on this design have been great!
Thanks

 

[Ed Kishel]

Ok Gang...here is the report from the field...I just got a pair of Canon Ee-S screens. To the naked eye it seems matte as matte can be. I was extremely excited when I opened it...figuring B&H had just used the wrong photo to represent the product. I installed it...NOPE no circle...UNTIL i focused against a dark area and BAM..there it is...a freaking circle in the middle of the screen.....It's a no go my amigos!

Damn. OK thanks Super8! Sorry it didnt work out. Hopefully you can return it. Thats one down. Until we get a confirmation re: the DX2 screen, I will forge ahead with the Linhof. Fingers are crossed.

Now I trashed out a non-working Canon AE which I bought for the mount.
I noticed inside there was a small mirror(which I used in my hoodman) and a focusing screen above it.
The screen had a small dot of course but the condenser could be used in front of a GG could it not? has any one tried this?

Yup, post #137 and glad to see your grabs.

This is a Canon screen, but my F3 screen worked the exact same way. Once a GG replacement is found, it can be paired with another screen's condenser.

 

[AKundeti]

Hello Ed,

Thank You Ed and My Partner "Brian Jones"


I will put the test soon.......

The extended support rod on the cavision , how can I get this done?

Can you sell this piece ?



Thanks
Anil Kumar Kundeti

 

[Ed Kishel]

Glad to hear about your progress Anil! The Cavision adapter, yes I can make more.

I guess $40 would cover it, and that includes shipping since its so light (within U.S., outside U.S. extra). I know it seems expensive but flat stock aluminum isnt cheap and it takes such a while to cut the metal to the specs of Cavisions front mount.

But remember, my main objective is to show people how they can do it themselves. So you are welcome to wait until monday for the plans, and maybe you can make it yourself!

-Ed

 

[bklyndv]

What is that?

Glad to hear about your progress Anil! The Cavision adapter, yes I can make more.

I guess $40 would cover it, and that includes shipping since its so light (within U.S., outside U.S. extra). But remember, my main objective is to show people how they can do it themselves. So you are welcome to wait until monday for the plans, and maybe you can make it yourself!

-Ed