500C/M focusing improvements - screen and/or viewfinder?

jackbaty · Jul 26, 2009

Just got a nice 500C/M (my first) with a WLF and I'm having the darndest time focusing the thing. I've had a Bronica SQ-A for a while now and find it easier to focus than the Hasselblad.

The 500's focusing screen has faint grid lines with a circular center area that looks like a microprism, but the p-ness (for lack of a better word) of that area is almost imperceptible. Even with the magnifier I can barely tell when things are in focus. It's also rather dim.

I'm wondering if a newer screen would help. From what I've read, the Acute-matte D screens are supposed to be quite nice and much brighter. Also thinking that one with a microprism and split-screen would make things easier, but I'm worried about cluttering up the viewfinder. Will the Acute-Matte D screens fit the 500C/M?

Thanks.

Sirius Glass · Jul 26, 2009

Yes, the Acute-Matte D screen will fit. I had an Acute-Matte D screen with the split screen that came with my 503 CX. I found that on the longer focal length lenses that it could be hard to see the ring if my eye was not properly lined up or the scene was dim. I brought an Acute-Matte D screen without the split screen and I am much happier.

YMMV

Steve

Ian David · Jul 26, 2009

These things are pretty personal I suppose. I have an A-M D screen with the split screen on my 503 and find it very bright and easy to focus. I don't find that it clutters up the viewfinder.

Ian

andrewkirkby · Jul 26, 2009

The split prism and acute matte with make things a lot easier where focusing is concerned.
I have a 503cxi and it has the Acute matte with grid and split prism. These are hard to find (read: expensive) but mine came with the body when i bought it.

jackbaty · Jul 26, 2009

Thanks all, I just ordered one with the microprism and split screen from keh. You're right, they're not cheap! Looking forward to trying it out.

pgomena · Jul 27, 2009

You'll love it. I swear that the image on the screen looks brighter than the actual scene.

Peter Gomena

andrewkirkby · Jul 28, 2009

jackbaty said:
Thanks all, I just ordered one with the microprism and split screen from keh. You're right, they're not cheap! Looking forward to trying it out.

Good work. Let us know how you go. It certainly works wonders for me!

jeffreyg · Jul 28, 2009

Acute-Matte screen by all means - there are 4 different ones that I am aware of. Are you using the waist level viewer? Check out a prism viewfinder PM5. There are also eyepieces for it with vision corrections. You might even locate a reflex viewfinder RM2 which gives a 3x but unreversed image and can be focused +/- to adjust for your vision.
Jeffreyg

Philippe Grunchec · Jul 28, 2009

Kiev/Arsat screens fit H'blad bodies: I replaced my Acute Matte D with one on my 503CW. Very inexpensive and excellent quality IMHO!

Kvistgaard · Jul 28, 2009

Philippe Grunchec said:
Kiev/Arsat screens fit H'blad bodies: I replaced my Acute Matte D with one on my 503CW. Very inexpensive and excellent quality IMHO!

Hi Philippe,
would you have a source for Kiev/Arsat screens? Just checked the price tag for original Hasselblad screens, and they are outside my price range.

Thanks
Søren

Philippe Grunchec · Jul 28, 2009

Yes: www.araxfoto.com. Gevorg Vartanyan (the boss) is a very nice fellow: feel free to use my name if you like!

jeffreyg · Jul 28, 2009

There are many sources for used equipment in excellent condition but be sure that they are reputable. For example, a couple of years ago I purchased 30 year old 350mm Hasselblad lens that is excellent from a dealer in NY (with a return policy) for $750 - a new one was about $7000.
I immediately checked that the apertures and shutter speeds were accurate and they were right on. Do some homework you might get very lucky.
Jeffreyg

Bertil · Jul 28, 2009

Had no problems for more than 25 years with the standard screen on my 500C. Heard about the new Acute-Matte being something extraordinary. Asked my repairmen if he could fit in such a A-M screen (500C having no interchangeable screens, came with the C/M model). He wasn't very impressed by the A-M: yes, bright but not necessarily easier to focus with compared to a screen with a very tight cut frenel lens. I followed his advice and he put in this very nice screen with very tight cut frenel rings.
Have now a A-M screen to my 2000FC/M and my 500ELX. I think he was right: the A-M is lighter, at least a 1/2 step, perhaps even more, but I would vote for the screen in my 500C when it's about easy focusing. Unfortunately, I don't know from where my man got this nice tight cut frenel lens - as I understand it’s not an original Hasselblad screen.
On the other hand, the A-M screen is also very nice to work with! Personally I prefer a clean screen (no prism etc.) and the plastic piece with 1 cm square net put on top of the screen.

//Bertil

Kvistgaard · Aug 10, 2009

Philippe Grunchec said:
Yes: www.araxfoto.com. Gevorg Vartanyan (the boss) is a very nice fellow: feel free to use my name if you like!

Philippe - just received my new focusing screen from Arax today - I installed it on the spot, and it works so much better than the standard Hasselblad one, the split circle really does make focusing easier. And, at $24 incl shipping, incredible value for money. Thanks for letting me know!

500C/M focusing improvements - screen and/or viewfinder?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency