focusing screen for rolleiflex

[fbf]

Has anybody used any generic brand focusing screen like this one? http://tinyurl.com/3eaapy
I know the maxwell screen suppose to be the best but i can't really justify the cost of it right now. I just need a bright and functional glass that i can rely on.

Best,
C.

[raid]

I have a Maxwell screen in my 2.8D and the Tele, but I swent el-cheapo for my MX and I got the Hong Kong made screen. It is much better than the old screen. This is my opinion. I have read online about opinions that differ regarding this type of screens. Some claim that this screen is much worse thane the original.

[jmcd]

I have a regular old ground glass on one of my Rolleis, and I find it quite good in bright to normal light, I think in large part because the mirror has been cleaned if not replaced. The view is quite grainy so the focus snaps into place. I think that the mirror can get quite dirty over the years, so it might need to be cleaned even if you replace your screen to get the best results.

Otherwise, I don't see how you could go wrong with the screen from the seller in the link you provided, as the feedback is large and overwhelmingly positive, but I can't comment on that particular screen.

I have one in a camera that looks similar, with the split image in the center. Mine is brighter than the plain ground glass, particularly in the corners. I just use the overall screen to focus, as the split image on mine is not much additional help.

I have seen bright screens that were very bright but actual focus was vague. The Maxwell screens are marvelous, because they are bright and also snap into focus, but a substantial investment.

[VictorM.]

I've used the original Rollei glass, the plastic Rollei split image center, the Redleica screen and cut down Mamiya RB screens. My favourite is the cut down Mamiya screen with the plain 'ground glass' centre. The Redleica screen was better than the old and dirty Rollei plastic screen, but I found the split image annoying. Jon Goodman, of seals kit fame, also sells a Rolleiflex focusing screen.

Just as important as the screen is the mirror. A new mirror is very cheap, easy to install, and makes a big difference in viewing and focusing.

[rlouzan]

I use a Mamiya RZ screen on my Rolleiflex 3.5F - I can see again.
Total: Less than $20

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

[branki]

I had an OK screen on my Rolleicord Vb. It came with the camera, it had a grid that helped in keeping the horizontals and verticals leveled.

I found it was hard sometimes to snap focus quickly, and so I bought a Mamiya rb67 screen with a crosshair in the middle (like in most manual focusing slr cameras). (cost: 20-30$)

It took a couple of minutes to fit on my camera.


There's someone on the www who's done it before and put some pics on how to fit it on a rollei.

Good luck.

[branki]

I obviously answered before reading the last poster...

(Sorry for the duplicating of answers...)

[fbf]

Thanks a lot guys. I guess I should start looking for a rb67 screen.

btw. how hard is it to fit the screen into rollei? it seems like it requires cutting the glass? Wouldn't it cause cracking on the screen?

[SCOTFORTHLAD]

Try Rick Oleson in the US.In the past 30 months,I have bought two R/Cord screens from him and they were excellent,a choice of grid layouts is available,and they were cheaper than your example, including airmail over to me in the UK.
Brian.

[rlouzan]

On 2.8F and 3.5Fs no problem. Other models, with non removable screen, have to be calibrated.

Originally Posted by fbf

Thanks a lot guys. I guess I should start looking for a rb67 screen.

btw. how hard is it to fit the screen into rollei? it seems like it requires cutting the glass? Wouldn't it cause cracking on the screen?

[branki]

It was rather easy. I wouldn't call it "glass", the one I had was rather plastic. Just be gentle when cutting it.

[VictorM.]

Oops! I meant Rick Oleson, not Jon Goodman!

Here's how to cut the Mamiya screen (it's plastic with a piece of glass on top): http://www.panum.de/rolleiflex_screen.htm Do not adjust the mirror as described. That's completely wrong. I have installed Mamiya screens in an MX, MX-EVS, and 3.5E with no focus adjustment needed. A new mirror was also installed in each camera, again with no focus adjustment needed.

[Nokton48]

I have alot (over a dozen) Rollei screens of all sorts, that I've picked up cheaply on Ebay. Acrylic screens can easily be roughly buzzed-down with an electric grinding wheel, and then hand-sanded to fit the size you have. I wanted Hasselblad and Kiev 60 screens, which are exactly the same dimensions, BTW. Have also cut down three Maxwell screens this way, I have purchased "seconds" from Bill, which look fine, to me.

[fbf]

Thanks guys.I just picked up a RB67 screen for 20$ new in box. Will see how it goes...hopefully I will be able to cut the glass...never was a handy man though I have replaced lightseals for a few classic cameras.

[35mmdelux]

the standard gridline screen that came with my Rollei 2.8GX is fairly bright. Looked at Beattie, Maxwell, and Rollei D for upgrade. Seriously considering the Rollei D screen.

[fbf]

The one in my 2.8F is very DIM with severe vignetting. Since I am doing more and more MF work, I think a better screen is crucial especially considering the cost of MF (film + processing).

[Nokton48]

Originally Posted by 35mmdelux

Seriously considering the Rollei D screen.

The Rollei HD screen and the Maxwell (I have several of both) are the only ones that are marginally brighter than a standard acrylic fresnel screen (Rollei, Mamiya, Hasselblad etc).

[JohnP1]

I have just replaced the screen in my 2.8F with a standard Mamiya RB screen, it's a vast improvement for not very much money.

I had to cut the screen along three sides to make it fit, and so the spot is not quite central, not a problem in practice. I placed a steel rule on the top of the screen and made several deep scores with a craft knife. The excess snapped off easily, a few moments sanding the edges and the job was done.

Thoroughly recommended.

John

[freecom2]

Just to bump up an old thread - I am looking for a new focusing screen for my 3.5F, as the original is in poor condition.

I'm considering getting one of Rick Oleson's screens for $60 - http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-216.html

And unfortunately whilst lots of people mention how they managed to acquire Mamiya RB/RZ67 screens for a low price, I can't seem to find any in the UK for less than £40-50 (which is the price of Rick's screens already, and obviously they are bespoke rather than requiring any modification down to size).

Has anyone used and can compare both?

[Mablo]

Rick's focusing screens (I think they are the same Chinese screens you can find on the *Bay) are somewhat better than the dim original screen but not as good as Maxwell screen or a custom fitted Mamiya RB screen. For me personally Rick's focusing screens have been good enough.

[freecom2]

Originally Posted by Mablo

Rick's focusing screens (I think they are the same Chinese screens you can find on the *Bay) are somewhat better than the dim original screen but not as good as Maxwell screen or a custom fitted Mamiya RB screen. For me personally Rick's focusing screens have been good enough.

I was also looking at the ones on eBay from the seller "redleica1" - but this poster here compared the redleica screens to Rick's screens and said that the latter were a better bet.

Is your comparison between Rick's and the Mamiya RB screens from experience? I've managed to find a reasonably priced microprism RZ67 screen, not sure if I'll prefer that to the horizontal rangefinder though...

Unfortunately whilst people do preach about the Maxwell screens, they are simply out of my budget - "good enough" works for me. Rick's screens are looking like a very good idea the more I read and search about them...

[PMCC]

Originally Posted by Mablo

Rick's focusing screens (I think they are the same Chinese screens you can find on the *Bay) are somewhat better than the dim original screen but not as good as Maxwell screen or a custom fitted Mamiya RB screen. For me personally Rick's focusing screens have been good enough.

I concur with Mablo's assessment. I went with the Mamiya RB screen and am very happy with it, and pleased to have saved ~$$ over the cost of a Maxwell (which from all reports is the best, if price is not a problem). Rick was happy to cut down my RB screen in his custom jig for a very nominal fee. It's nice that the RB screen is available with a plain center spot, for those who find the split-image prism unnecessary.