Recently, I was in the market for a new focusing screen for my Canon F-1. I had the microprism-only version (Screen A), and unfortunately as age comes on, I find that I much prefer the split-image rangefinder type. But I didn’t know exactly what to look for. Was it Screen B? C? Something else?
After some digging I was able to find the correct screen. When it arrived it had a nice little pamphlet showing all the available screens and what use they were best suited for.
So, for the sake of sharing information, I’m going to put that info here in case anyone else ever wants to know. Below the scan from the pamphlet you’ll find info on their use. I hope you’ll find this helpful.
Focusing Screen A (Microprism)
Matte/Fresnel field with microprism rangefinder spot in center of screen. Suitable for general photography with most lenses. Supplied as standard equipment with the F-1.
Focusing Screen B (Split-Image)
Matte/Fresnel field with split-image rangefinder spot in center of screen. Ideal for use with 15mm fish-eye, super wide-angle, and wide-angle lenses and for subjects having straight lines. Unsuitable for close-up and macro-photography and for use with lenses having small maximum apertures or requiring stopped-down metering, because one-half of rangefinder darkens.
Focusing Screen C (All Matte)
Matte/Fresnel field with clear matte center spot. For viewing and focusing without distraction in the center. Especially recommended for macro and telephoto photography.
Focusing Screen D (Matte/Section)
Similar to C screen, but has horizontal and vertical reference lines. 
Recommended for architectural photography and copy work in which accurate image placement is essential. Especially useful with TS 35mm (Tilt and Shift) lens.
Focusing Screen E (Split-Image/Microprism)
Matte/Fresnel field with split-image rangefinder spot surrounded by 
microprism collar. Precise focusing may be performed using any part of the screen. Suitable for general photography using any type of lens.
Focusing Screen F (Microprism/Large Aperture Lenses)
Similar to Focusing Screen A, but angle of microprisms contained within the rangefinder spot is designed to work especially well with lenses having maximum apertures of f/1.2 – f/2.8. Unsuitable for small aperture lenses because rangefinder darkens.
Focusing Screen G (Microprism/Small Aperture Lenses)
Similar to Focusing Screen A, but angle of of microprisms contained within the rangefinder spot is designed to work especially well with lenses having maximum apertures of f/3.5 – 5.6. Perfect for telephoto lenses. Unsuitable for large aperture lenses because of focusing inaccuracy.
Focusing Screen H (Matte/Scale)
Matte/Fresnel field with fine matte center plus horizontal and vertical scales in millimeters. Recommended for close-ups, macrophotography, copy work and architectural photography where it is useful to know the size of the subject or the magnification involved.
Focusing Screen I (Double Cross-Hair Reticule)
Matte/Fresnel field with 5mm clear center spot containing double cross-hair reticule. To focus, move your eye left to right. If cross-hairs stay in same position on subject, then subject is in focus. Recommended for photomicrography, astrophotography, or other applications requiring high magnifications.
Vintage Camera Digest 
Steven, drawn to your excellent site looking for New F-1 focusing screen info. Your site is very well laid out and informative. Do you have a recommended source for buying screens? Looking for AE (plus a spare) to replace AD. Thanks. (Amateur photographer)
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Hi Greg – thanks for the kind words. Glad you stopped by. As you’ve probably noticed, focusing screens for these older cameras are pretty hard to come by. I’d first check the used (or maybe even “new”) departments at B&H Photo, Adorama, or other NYC big-box camera store. After that I’d see if KEH.com could have one. When you’ve exhausted those resources check out Ebay. I’ve probably had more luck there than anywhere else. I know a lot of folks hate to shop there, but I’ve found it to be one of the best sources out there for used camera gear. You just have to be careful and read all the fine print. I just did a quick search there for “canon new f1 screen AE” and had 3 hits. Not a lot, but they’re out there.
By the way – congrats on owning such a fine piece of classic Canon gear. I love my Old F-1. But I’d love to get my hands on the New version some day!
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very good compilation and description. I myself am looking for a type f because I use a lens 85 1.8 most for portraits, think that is the right choice. What do you think ? but it seems difficult to get hold of
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Thanks, Sten. I would agree with you – get the F-type if you can find one. But I haven’t seen one come up for sale very often. And I’d expect it to be pricey.
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Thanks Steven ! I reacon it will be hard to find , Im trying on eBay but so far no results and I can not imagine elsewhere to search
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hello again ! this could be my lucky day , I am now waiting for a delivery of a F-type found it on ebay at last:)
best regards
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Forgive the months-long delay in response (I really need to update my notifications settings!) Glad you finally found one. Patience pays off. Do you feel that it has improved your shooting experience?
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Yes it is easier for me to focus now and I have also got me a speedfinder wich also improves the focusing .
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Hi Steven, thanks for the great infos. Please help me with an issue with a F1 screen E, which I purchased yesterday. On matte side is clearly visible “scratched” area like vigneting on an image. The seller sad that is normal. Would you be so kind and check your screen. Thanks.
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Thanks for this very nice information. I have a F1n and screen focus A and E, but I was looking for screen focus for tele and macro photos.
Very usefully.
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Thank you so much for this. I recently acquired a F-1 with the Type A screen. It’s in near mint condition save for tons of dust on the mirror. After a nice run at it with my Giotto rocket and some body cleaning it looks brand new save for a bit of brass showing on the top plate edges but I like that… It also has some loaded film with 25 exposures already taken in it (Easter egg I guess, though I hope it’s not some 1980s NSFW if I have it sent in for processing as I’ve taken some photos with the kids). For all I know it’s recent film but it will be interesting as it looked in good condition when I verified with the mirror locked up in bulb.
Anyway…
I started searching on eBay for the split screen that I knew existed but wasn’t sure how to go. I’d read that the original F-1 only had 4 while the F-1N added some additional screens and shipped with E by default. I wanted to know what the other screens were so this has been a godsend.
Funny story though. While I paid very little for my F-1 (140 with an original leather case and the 50 1.4) when I was cleaning it my wife asked if her parents had given it to me. Turns out they have one. I knew they had an old FD mount ages ago as they gave us the 500 f/8 Reflex 15 years ago that I’ve toyed with on my Nikon Z6 and my old 5Diii/7D, but I had assumed they didn’t have the camera based on something her dad had told me when he gave me the lens. Now my wife says they do as they weren’t able to sell it for what they wanted. LOL; the lens is at least worth that much and is mint as well so no loss. Will be interesting to see if it’s the F-1N or the New F-1. Maybe I will get a focusing screen anyway if the former.
BTW any way to know how old it is? Until this roll of film is used up I can’t look on the inside door and I’m not finding serial number info as readily as I was for the classic Nikon F3/F2/et al. The serial number is in the 29xxxx range.
Thanks!
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Hi Pavlos! Thanks for visiting and many more thanks for the comment. I particularly enjoyed your story and here’s hoping you end up with another great F-1 body from your in-laws 🙂
As for the focusing screens, apparently all that I have listed there will fit the original F-1 as well as the F-1n. My F-1 is an early model with the all-metal winding lever, and the new screen installed perfectly. I had not heard that there were only four screens to choose from for the original body, but I don’t find it surprising either. I don’t think anyone offered as many options as Nikon did.
As far as I know, the only way to be certain of the date of manufacture is to refer to the code stamped in the film compartment. Serial numbers supposedly can give you a vague idea (although I don’t know for sure), but you can find the date code info here:
https://vintagecameradigest.wordpress.com/?p=3163
I’ve been meaning to put that info up, and you just gave me the motivation to do it. I appreciate that! Enjoy that camera. And be sure to come back and let us know what was on that film :-))
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I inherited my grandfather canon F-1. It’s lens is an A. How do I get started?
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Hello Diane! You’ve inherited a fine piece of photographic equipment. And since it belonged to your grandfather makes it more special. More than happy to get you started in the right direction. Have you used film cameras before? Or is this your first time going old school?
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Hi Diane, at the first, I suggest you to download and study the user manual at the https://www.cameramanuals.org/canon_pdf/canon_f-1-original.pdf
There were two variants of the F-1:
The first variant has ISO setting up to 2000 and a little bit more difficult multiple exposures;
The second variant is up to ISO 3200 and much easier multiple expisures.
Both runs on mercury batteries for lightmeter and are very sensitive to changes in voltage.
Those bateries are not avaiable, the replacement are silver oxyde batteries via an adapter with voltage reducer (eBay). Alkaline batt. is not suitable because their voltage changes during use. Silver batt. has similar voltage stability as mercury batt.
Or just use handheld lightmeter, there were lightmeter aps for smartphones also.
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I maybe a little late but loved the info and layout here. Bravo Sir! I’ve collected all base screens as you’ve stated. There are two specialist screens not mentioned here, the Type Y (which I now own) and they Type J which has eluded me thus far. These were special order manufactured upon request I believe so very rare and no much info about them. I’ve got a cool little project on the run with repackaging my collection into tins with the icons for each screen laser etched onto the lid. Had some fun on photoshop making all the high-res versions on the little leaflet pictures.
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Thanks for the kind words, Patrick! I have a lot of fun putting all this info together. And it’s good to hear from visitors! Now, tell me more about these specialist screens. Design? Intended use? You have me intrigued.
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So I can only accurately talk for the Type Y. It’s a completely plain focusing screen as seen with the C, but it’s not actually a Matte ground glass, instead it’s a fresnel lens. This is supposedly to allow more light to reach the finder so it’s a brighter overall view for exclusively high focal length lenses, 100mm and higher I think. When you use this screen with something like a 50mm (or 55mm f1.2 SSC in my case), it causes very heavy vignetting within the finder.
The Type J is apparently a completely (edge-to-edge) microprism screen, probably an absolutely trip to look through. Like a kaleidoscope I bet. I believe the J is also a fresnel lens, it’s the main difference between these two and the other screens.
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Thanks for that info, Patrick. I do imagine the full-screen microprism would be quite trippy. And I can certainly see how the complete fresnel screen could make shooting with those super-telephotos a lot easier.
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Hi Steven,
Just found your great site !! Used to have an F1 donkey’s years ago but had to let it go. One just fell into my lap after all those years and decided to go for it. Just like you my eyes are struggling, and would like a Split Image screen. I can see in your picture {top right) a Type E screen ….. Is that the one you went for ?
Many Thanks Steve.
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Thanks for the comment! Yes, screen type E is the one with the split image. Glad you found another F-1. Enjoy it!
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Hi Steven,
Many thanks for your help. I’ve just located one in Germany, via Ebay.
Just to say ….It’s funny how quickly we become reliant on multi point auto focus. Thanks again ! and I’ll keep an eye on your site.
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You’re very welcome! Glad it proved helpful!
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