replacing viewing screen on a rolleiflex

[2planks]

I am thinking of replacing the viewing screen on my rolleiflex automat x. It seems the two options available are: 1. a maxwell screen, 2. modifying a RB 67 screen

(http://www.panum.de/rolleiflex_screen.htm)

Has anyone seen the results from BOTH options? How do they compare?

Does anyone have experience replacing the screen on an older rolleiflex themselves? It seems that while tlr's sporting a removeable hood can be quite simple to replace, an 'older' rolleiflex such as mine may require shimming and adjustment to achieve proper focusing (see comment left on the very bottom of the page about the RB 67). Does this mean I will need a techincian to do the work for me, or does it still qualify as a do it yourself project?

[FrankS]

Hello and welcome. I replaced the screen in my Rolleiflex 3.5E with a Maxwell screen. I can't compare the results with an RB screen, sorry. To replace the screen requires the removal of only 4 small screws that hold the waist level finder onto the camera. Then there are 2 spring clamps to remove the screen. Reverse the process after replacing the screen. Check focus at closest focus distance (smallest DOF this way and easy to measure with tape measure). The shims (if necessary) go between the camera and waist level finder at each of the 4 screws. I was able to do this successfully and am not talented enough to attempt any other type of camera repair. DIY IMO.

[VictorM.]

I've replaced screens in three Rolleiflexes: MX, MX-EVS, 3.5E. I used Mamiya screens in each. It was easy and inexpensive to do. The screens are the really common plain spot variety (the fancier split image and microprism screens are more money). The MX and MX-EVS had plastic Rollei screens and the 3.5E had the original glass screen. None required focus adjustment. I also replaced the mirrors with new ones (from NW Camera I think). This made more of a difference than the screens and also did not require a focus adjustment.

[Ben Z]

Both my Rollei's have Beattie Intenscreens. Those were what was readily available (from B&H) at the time. The F is user-replaceable, the MX I had to take off 4 screws that hold the WL in place and then there are a couple of spring clips underneath that hold the screen and need to be careful not to let them scratch the new screen which is acrylic. No experience with the Maxwells but the Beatties are great for me. Both mine have split-image rangefinders in the middle which help a lot for me.

[dcsang]

Bringing this thread back to life "beep beep beep CLEAR !!!" THUMP
;)

I was wondering, does ANY RB67 screen work or only CERTAIN RB67 screens.
Also, I've looked and looked and I can't locate Bill Maxwell's website (if he even has one!!!)

I'm thinking of replacing the screen in my Rolleiflex T.

Thanks,
Dave

[hans voralberg]

To contact Bill (pasted from the unofficial maxwell screen website)

please call us at: (404) 244-0095
Or you may email us at:
maxwellprecisionoptics@toast.net
Or write:
Maxwell Precision Optics
P.O. 33146
Decatur, GA
30033-0146

[FrankS]

dave, rich oleson sells replacement screens with instrucions at a reasonable price. not as bright as the maxwell, but about $30 or so and quite adequate. at our next get together, i'll show you mine.

[dcsang]

Ahhh... thanks Hans. :)

I am curious though - I found some info but what are the costs like? anyone know?

Cheers,
Dave

[dcsang]

Thanks Frank.
Have you got his contact info as well?

Cheers,
Dave

[FrankS]

here it is: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-175.html

[rlouzan]

I was wondering, does ANY RB67 screen work or only CERTAIN RB67 screens.

Any, I use a Mamiya RZ screen on my TLR Rollei F3.5 :)got mine from KEH.

Regards,
RLouzan

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[ChrisN]

If you are doing the screen, replace the mirror too. http://www.uscamera.com/rflextlr001.htm

[dcsang]

Whoa.. thanks for the links guys !!
What a wealth of knowledge in one place :)

Dave

[ChrisN]

Dave - more good info on screens etc in this old thread here (http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=45056&highlight=rolleiflex&page=2).

[PMCC]

here it is: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-175.html

Another happy satisfied user of the Oleson screen -- $30 including optional shims and detailed instructions for DIY installation, both with shims and w/o (the "right way"). Noticeable improvement over the OEM screen, and unlike the even brighter name brand replacement screens, does not double your investment in the camera (assuming you paid more than $30 for it). I chose the grid pattern with center split-image. Turned my thru-a-lens-darkly Rolleicord V into a TLR with super-vision.

[Jerevan]

Rick is a top notch guy. I got one of his RB screens for my Automat and I couldn't be happier! Last year I replaced the screen in an older Automat, cutting the screen myself. With a little care, it's easy. Worth every penny!

I have never seen the $30 screens, so I can't comment on them.

[rbiemer]

About a week ago, I replaced the screen in my "new" Rolleiflex--a '50 or '51 Automat--with a screen from Rick Oleson.
Rick was great to deal with; friendly and helpful.
The screen is a major improvement over the factory screen and was very easy to install.
He offers a choice of grid patterns--or none.
For my budget, the screen from Rick was the better choice.
Rob