Hasselblad focusing screen/hood question!

[macaroniitfc]

Hi guys - another question from me. Last week I purchased a 5 year old 503CW. It has a circular magnifier and a standard matte focusing screen (the one with the simple cross in the middle (no split image)). I met my friend yesterday who had a much older 500 (I think) which had a squarer magnifier and a split image grid style focusing screen.

When I used my magnifier it was basically impossible to focus. His magnifier was a lot clearer and the split image made a difference.

My question to the forum is:

Which focusing screen and magnifier combination is generally regarded as the most accurate/easy to use?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

Cheers.

Charlie.

 

[macaroniitfc]

Another question! The second and third entries in the link below both have split image focusing, but while one had microrprism the other has a grid. What are people's thoughts about the microprism? Does this help?

Dead Link Removed

 

[dentkimterry]

A split image in the focusing screen can help but if you can focus with your friends you should be able to focus yours. Near the round magnifier on the focusing hood is the a marking like -1 -2 +3 or something like that? That would indicate an eye correction diopter which may not be suited to your vision. If there is no mark on it, it is the standard magnifier. Also a prism may help.

 

[macaroniitfc]

Thanks! I'll check whether it has any markings. Two mates yesterday both said mine was basically impossible to focus with! Hmmmm.

 

[Q.G.]

The magnifier in the old style hood should not cause problems. Many, many people have used it for decades without any problem.
Maybe it's the screen (upside down?) that is making it impossible to focus with.

But the latest style finder, with the round magnifier, is the better one.
As mentioned by Dentkimterry, this hood allows you to replace the magnifier for one corrected to your eyesight.
It folds easier. And being square at the top when open (as opposed to the older hood), allows seeing the entire screen from further away.

Myself, i find microprisms useless. They only get in the way.
A split image rangefinder however is the best focussing aid you can have.

 

[rwboyer]

I second the vote for the split image and add one for the grid screen w/ split image. It helps immensely when dealing with an image with lines in it (like horizons) esp with a waist level finder.

RB

Ps. You will eventually want a prism - there are like new prisms of the latest or one gen old on eBay for like $150-$200 - forget the metered prisms most people want too much and they really are not that useful. I have both versions of the latest 90 and 45 prisms and they are fantastic - you will never want to go back to your 35 or DSLR viewfinder again. (Unfortunately I bought them new a long time ago back when this stuff was crazy expensive even used)

 

[BrianShaw]

What are people's thoughts about the microprism?

I actually dislike the split image except in low-light situations. Under "normal conditions" I prefer using the microprism + magnifier.

 

[macaroniitfc]

i have just ordered the split image and microprism combined screen (ie not the one with gridlines). i dont mind if my horizons are not perfect as i tend to shoot street (where a wonky horizon adds to the "feel").

rwbowyer - i actually tried the pme53 (i think it was) and found focusing even harder with that! i might try a 45 or 90 once i get the new screen though.

hopefully that'll sort things out. for now i'll just have to use the 50 lens, set it to 22 and rely on loads of dof to "correct" any focusing issues...

cheers all.

 

[Sirius Glass]

I actually dislike the split image except in low-light situations. Under "normal conditions" I prefer using the microprism + magnifier.

Ditto. The split image can be a pain with some of the telephotos because if you eye is not properly aligned one side is dark. I use a PME with a microprism in the center and a lot of ground glass.

Steve

 

[macaroniitfc]

update - got the split image viewfinder and i can now focus perfectly! what a relief!