Checking Hasselblad Focusing

[chuckroast]

If I remove the back on a v series body and place a ground glass matte side in on the back of the camera, and then focus, will I be at the same plane of focus as the film back?

If not, how do I check the focus of the camera and focusing screen for correctness?

 

[bdial]

The standard way is with a focus screen adapter, it mounts in place of a film magazine and has a focusing screen, it will also accept any viewfinder. Basically it places a focus screen at the same plane as the film.

Hasselblad Focusing screen adapter - 41057 | 41057

Hasselblad Focusing screen adapter - 41057Hasselblad Focusing screen adapter - 41057 (new style); in 1997 ins Programm genommen für Flexbody, ArcBody, SWC Eingebaute „Wasserwaage (Bubble Level)“, grid screen and split image centreSchöner, sauberer…

www.fotohandel.de

It was more or less primarily intended as a way to get through the lens viewing with the super-wide models, but it can be used on any body.

 

[Don_ih]

If you have an old back with a peephole, you could put a piece of ground glass in it, frosted side facing forward, pressed against the film gate in the back, and look through the peephole.

 

[Besk]

Particularly with a new purchase it is a good idea.

I purchased a Hassy 500cm once from a reputable dealer and, owning a focusing screen adapter, I checked it out and found that they didn't agree.

Turns out that it had something to do with the mirror being off. Can't remember how.

 

[Sirius Glass]

The standard way is with a focus screen adapter, it mounts in place of a film magazine and has a focusing screen, it will also accept any viewfinder. Basically it places a focus screen at the same plane as the film.

Hasselblad Focusing screen adapter - 41057 | 41057

Hasselblad Focusing screen adapter - 41057Hasselblad Focusing screen adapter - 41057 (new style); in 1997 ins Programm genommen für Flexbody, ArcBody, SWC Eingebaute „Wasserwaage (Bubble Level)“, grid screen and split image centreSchöner, sauberer…

www.fotohandel.de

View attachment 414333


It was more or less primarily intended as a way to get through the lens viewing with the super-wide models, but it can be used on any body.

I did not know about these focusing screen.

 

[Nokton48]

If I remove the back on a v series body and place a ground glass matte side in on the back of the camera, and then focus, will I be at the same plane of focus as the film back?

If not, how do I check the focus of the camera and focusing screen for correctness?

Yes to first question, if you are using the 41057 or Hasselblad similar. A piece of glass? I doubt it, the glass won't be properly spaced.

If you focus on infinity, is it sharp through the viewfinder? The foam pieces around the mirror flatten out over time, slightly tilting the mirror, and then the focus will be off. Shoot some tests wide open up close and see if they are sharp or OOF.

Barn Owl Camera has my 500C/M right now to correct this very problem. Price is reasonable to fix just this at around $150.

SONY DSC by Nokton48, on Flickr

The Kiev88 Focusing Adapter also fits "V" Blads.
It has a condenser lens inside, works great with my 47mm Super Angulon super wide lens. Rubber Eyecups are also Kiev 60/88 and fit Hasselblad perfectly.

 

[OAPOli]

As others have said, you need a focusing adapter or a C12 back. When I had a Kiev88 I 3D-printed a loupe holder to go through the peep hole.

Another way to check the focus is with an autocollimator.

Checking the mirror angle or focusing screen flatness requires specialised equipement. Even adjusting the screen height needs a proprietary driver.