Brightest screen fo 4x5, critical focusing is secondary

Icescapes · Dec 24, 2008

Hi, everyone.

So, I'm looking for the brightest screen possible for my 4X5, along with a good fresnel that either comes with the screen, or that I can apply later.

It's been a LONG time since I looked into buying a screen and was wondering what was out there now. Maxwell, Brightscreen, Intenscreen, I'm not sure what's the best choice.

One criteria in all of this, I'm more concerned about the corner to corner brightness of the image than I am the ability to critically focus. So, as much as I appreciate a recommendation for Satin Snow, that's not what I'm looking for.

I'm looking for the brightest corner-to-corner image for quick composition in the field.

Thanks!

Pete.

mitch brown · Dec 24, 2008

i love the maxwell that i have.
mitch

Icescapes · Dec 24, 2008

Thanks, Mitch.

I forgot to put down as a reference that I currently have a Boss screen, consisting of laminated glass adhered together.

edtbjon · Dec 24, 2008

Don't forget that a good fresnel will brighten up the image considerably, especially with wider lenses. As your primary concern is brightness (and I recon an even good light over the whole GG), a fresnel will definitely help you out, probably more than any custom GG.

//Björn

Icescapes · Dec 24, 2008

Thanks, Björn.

I forgot to mention that yes, I'll definitely be combining with a fresnel. So that's a good point...the post should be both a focus on a bright screen AND a good fresnel. I seem to recall that the Intelescreen incorporates both into one piece.

I'll edit the first post to reflect the need for a good fresnel as well.

David A. Goldfarb · Dec 24, 2008

Probably Maxwell, particularly since he can fine tune the screen and fresnel combination to the range of lenses you plan to use.

Ole · Dec 24, 2008

The Boss Screen is hard to beat. Combine that with a Fresnel, and there's nothing better.

davekarp · Dec 24, 2008

I have heard from another user that a Bosscreen combined with a Fresnel was the best combination he had tried.

I had a Bosscreen on my Cambos and loved it. I am sorry it does not work with either of my current cameras. Never tried it with a Fresnel though.

wiltw · Dec 24, 2008

Maxwell is superb!

Martin Aislabie · Dec 26, 2008

I fitted a Wide Angle Fresnel (made by Ebony) to my Ebony for use with wide angle lenses - wow - what a difference it made.

One of the best value for money things I have bought - ever - http://www.badgergraphic.com/store/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=1156

The Wide Angle Ebony Fresnel does lenses up to 150mm & they have another standard Fresnel for lenses of greater than 150

I have been told by a friend in the LF Camera trade that the laminated Boss Screen is the best there is - provided you keep the screen below 60C - as above that temp is will delaminate.

I was thinking about doing the Boss Screen as well but have been so happy with the WA Fresnel; I have not felt the need to go further

Naturally, the best screen brightness enhancer is a good dark cloth - what ever flavour suits your needs best.

Good luck

Martin

resummerfield · Dec 26, 2008

The Maxwell incorporates a fresnel, so there is no adjustments necessary when replacing a plain gg. I have a 5x7 Maxwell, and it is outstanding!

jmolligo · Dec 28, 2008

The Maxwell is the best I've ever used.

JPD · Mar 26, 2009

How thick are the Maxwell screens for 4x5"?

wiltw · Mar 31, 2009

Contact Bill Maxwell at (404) 244-0095 and ask him.

Maxwell Precision Optics
P.O. 33146
Decatur, GA
30033-0146

archphoto · Mar 31, 2009

Boss screen with a fresnel lens, works great.
However Bosscreen is over and closed so that one falls off.

Peter

jeroldharter · Mar 31, 2009

I have a Maxwell 4x5 screen and it was a big improvement over my standard ground glass.

Giovanna · Nov 6, 2017

Hello everyone. This thread is very old so I hope someone can still reply : )
Can someone give me information on how to use both the Bosscreen and a Fresnel? Which one do you put towards the lens and do you just put one on top of the other?
Is the Fresnel still necessary even with the new Bosscreen they produce currently ? Or has this necessity been incorporated in the new screen they are making?

http://www.stabitech.nl/bosscreen.htm#WhyABosscreenGroundglass

Thanks for your kind help

AgX · Nov 6, 2017

-) a Bosscreen still needs a fresnel lens

-) a Bosscreen is very impractical for outdoor use due its heat sensitivity

-) the manufacturer Bosscreenn has vanished long ago, seemingly the same is true for Stabitech

Marco Gilardetti · Nov 7, 2017

OK. So which are the nowadays alternatives to these two makes?

AgX · Nov 7, 2017

Grinding oneself a groundscreen would be one alternative. Thus one can experiment with various coursenesses of the screen grain.

Old-N-Feeble · Nov 7, 2017

I would get a Maxwell screen while they're still available.....

Mainecoonmaniac · Nov 7, 2017

I went the cheap route. I got a plastic page magnifier or my BJ 5x7 view camera. Works well!

jim10219 · Dec 8, 2017

Mainecoonmaniac said:
I went the cheap route. I got a plastic page magnifier or my BJ 5x7 view camera. Works well!

I did that as well. It works pretty well for $10.

Brightest screen fo 4x5, critical focusing is secondary

Icescapes

mitch brown

Icescapes

edtbjon

Icescapes

David A. Goldfarb

Moderator

Ole

Moderator

davekarp

wiltw

Martin Aislabie

resummerfield

jmolligo

JPD

wiltw

archphoto

jeroldharter

Giovanna

AgX

Marco Gilardetti

AgX

Old-N-Feeble

Mainecoonmaniac

jim10219

Brightest screen fo 4x5, critical focusing is secondary

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