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> Recently took quite a few people pictures with my Nikon F2 , Nikkor
>35-70/f3.3 AI zoom and flash. In typical indoor ambient light, I was
>having trouble determining focus with such a relatively slow lens. The
>F2 has the P screen in it, and I'm age 64.
> When the prints turned out a bit soft, I first had dark thoughts (no
>pun intended). But when I examined the negs with a loupe they seemed
>sharp enough (EKC Royal Gold 200), so I'm blaming the lab for that.
> NEVERTHELESS, I'm wondering if I should get a Beattie (or other
>third-party) screen to brighten the finder image somewhat, because when
>I use my beloved 85/1.8, I have no trouble focusing. That's partly due
>to less depth-of-field, of course, but also to the wider
>aperture/brighter image.
> Anyone care to comment on the pros and cons of Beatties, et al,
>compared with standard screens?
I prefer the Nikon "B" and "E" screens, with matte centers - good contrast
for focusing all lenses, and I find it easier and faster than dealing
with "focusing aids", which get in my way more than they help me...
Using matte screens easily does require sharp eye focus on them, though,
which for me has led to getting eyeglass correction for about 4' (the VF apparent focus distance) for my camera focus eye (this has had seeing
benefits, also...;-) While the Beattie may produce a bit brighter image, it
would be at the price of reduced contrast and focus ease (darker screens are often actually easier to use for focusing than bright ones), darker corners with wide-angle lenses, and the need to compensate the meter for the brighter screen. BTW, I find that zooms in general are harder to focus than primes
even if they are the same speed - and you have what I consider one of the
easiest zooms to focus (the MF 35-70mm f3.3-4.5)...
Hope This Helps