dannyg1@mail.idt.net wrote in article <3435AC32.4076@mail.idt.net>...

> Probably the most important limiting factor is the fact that AF sensor equipt cameras
> don't focus as accurately as older MF cameras, which had superior viewfinder systems
> made specifically with fine-focus capability in mind.

[......most of a long and detailed post deleted for space reasons - go back and read it!......]

> These newer finder systems drive me nuts!

I have been pratting-on about the superiority of MF to AF (and older MF-optimized
viewfinders vs. newer screens) for focus accuracy for a long time now, but with
little of the detail provided in your post. I agree with most of it (and certainly the
concluding line! ;-), but may take exception to the importance given to minor
viewfinder magnification differences... I have non-HP, HP, and the even-lower
magnification Action finder for the F3, and find that my focus ability is the same
with all. A possible reason for my different experience is that I have had glasses
made that optimize my view of the camera viewing screen, giving me a very sharp
view of a sharp screen (an article on this is on my web page, under "I babble", then
"Four Way Glasses"). Nikons as late as the 8008 have sharp viewfinders (and I find
the F5 fine in this respect...), but I cannot use the N90 and some other recent Nikons
for accurate manual focus - and I also find AF inadequately accurate for my purposes.
Thanks for a thorough post covering the shortcomings of the newer SLR viewing
systems - I guess the high-distortion soft-edged bright-but-not-crisp-looking
viewfinder images we now have resulted from the manufacturer's
perceived desire on our part for more compact, lighter,
brighter viewfinders... (too bad! ;-).
Hope This Helps
David Ruether - http://www.fcinet.com/ruether