Hasselblad Screens...

[Ara Ghajanian]

I tried to do a search on Hasselblad screens and came up with very little info. I really need a split image screen for my 500C/M because of my eyesight. I noticed the Acute Matte split screens are really expensive. Then I noticed a few other models that have a spit image, but are under $50 used at KEH. The model number is 42218, but I couldn't find anything online about it. Anyone have any experience with them?
Ara

 

[rbarker]

Ara, I use a 42170 Acute-Matte screen with grid and the split-image rangefinder center that Hasselblad describes as "bright" (it is, compared to the regular one). The 1991 catalog I have lists the 42218 as simply a "focusing screen with microprism and split-image rangefinder" (i.e. not 'bright"). That may account for some of the price difference you're finding.

As an aside, I also have the 42459 magnifier mounted on my PME-5 45° viewfinder. It makes focusing the shorter lenses far easier, but you have to compose without it in position.

 

[arigram]

My 2005 and 2006 catalogs do not list any of those two screens so they must be old and discontinued and I would be careful about getting one of them, they could be dim as Ralph suggested.
I don't have a suggestion for you Ara on how to find a cheap yet good screen for your Hassy. You need the latest bright one though, I am sure it makes a world of difference. As we know, Hasselblads are expensive...

 

[Dan Henderson]

I agree. Even though film equipment has lost value in the used market...well, except for the stuff that I want...Hassie equipment is expensive. I bought an excellent condition acute matte screen from KEH for my 500 C/M, and although it was expensive it was worth the cost. Brighter than my old screen, and the split image center spot makes critical focusing much easier.

 

[Ara Ghajanian]

Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have the brighter screen, but I'd also like to pay my bills for the month too.

The screen I have on it right now is fine brightness-wise, I just really need the split image in order to focus more accurately. How can I tell which screen is on it? I think it's the 500C/M from around 1991-2.
Ara

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Ara- it is PROBABLY an Acute-Matte. If you've ever used a Hasselblad with the standard screen, you'd know instantly the difference. The standard screen is about 2-3 stops dimmer. Dig deep and get the Acute-Matte screen with the split image, or at least get a used magnifying chimney finder. I've got one that has an adjustable diopter and when I need to be super - precise, it gets me there.

 

[MikeK]

Ara- it is PROBABLY an Acute-Matte. If you've ever used a Hasselblad with the standard screen, you'd know instantly the difference. The standard screen is about 2-3 stops dimmer. Dig deep and get the Acute-Matte screen with the split image, or at least get a used magnifying chimney finder. I've got one that has an adjustable diopter and when I need to be super - precise, it gets me there.

Agree with the chimney finder - my eyesight has gotten worse over the years and this finder has been a godsend. I do not use the split image screen now and prefer the plain Acute-Matte screen. No blacking out of the split image when using slow/long lenses.

I managed to pick up an Acute-Matt of Ebay for $40.00, and my chimney finder came via KEH for about $60.

Mike

 

[jbbooks]

...I also have the 42459 magnifier mounted on my PME-5 45° viewfinder...

Can you tell me, please, how you managed to install it. The directions make it sound simple, unscrew the eyepiece, slip the magnifier mounting ring over the aperture and screw the eyepiece back on. However, on my PME 45, the eyepiece will not budge and cannot be unscrewed with any reasonable amount of force.

 

[Ara Ghajanian]

Hmm, I suppose it could be an Acute Matte. I have an NC-2 that I've grown accustomed to, but I don't think diopters are available for it. I know that's what I really need because I can't see the whole image area with my glasses on. The chimney looks nice, but essentially I'd have to hold the camera in the same position as the waist level, right?
Ara

Thanks for all the replies so far.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Well, you'd have to lean over to use it with the chimney finder, yes, but you wouldn't keep the camera at waist level. The other semi-inexpensive option would be to get the good Acute-Matte screen, and a ratty-looking Kiev prism finder or really old Hasselblad prism finder without a meter. Those can be found often enough on Ebay or at swap meets for not too much money. Here is an example of one that has dioptric correction -

http://cgi.ebay.com/Hasselblad-90-D...606831865QQcategoryZ29975QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[DBP]

I would give Bill Maxwell of Maxwell Precision Optics a call. The screen he made for my Yashicamat is so bright I have had people mistake it for an LCD. His prices were very competitive.

 

[rbarker]

Can you tell me, please, how you managed to install it.

JB - my eyepiece was only "finger tight" so it unscrewed easily, and the magnifier installed just as you described. If your's has been over-tightened, you might need to use one of the little strap wrenches to break it free, with the usual lefty-loosey motion. Alternatively, cover the rim of the eyepiece with a thin leather strap and gently use a pair of good pliers.

 

[jbbooks]

JB - my eyepiece was only "finger tight" so it unscrewed easily, and the magnifier installed just as you described. If your's has been over-tightened, you might need to use one of the little strap wrenches to break it free, with the usual lefty-loosey motion. Alternatively, cover the rim of the eyepiece with a thin leather strap and gently use a pair of good pliers.

Thanks for the response, when I work up my courage I will try it.

 

[Gibran]

I have just purchased off of ebay a split image original non acute-matte hasselblad screen for around $35 so I will let you know how it works when it arrives. I believe its number is the same as yours, 42188. This is the first interchangeable Split Image Rangefinder screen Hasselblad offered in 1971 according to the Hasselblad Compendium by Richard Nordin. I actually bought an Acute-Matte screen for my Hasselblad many years ago and, while it was brighter than the older screen I currently use, I actually found it harder to focus! So I sold it. Perhaps I would have kept it had it been the split image version. I also shoot a lot of wide apeture stuff and really like to see what is going on in the out of focus areas. I have read that the Acute-Matte screens look gritty in those areas and others have mentioned focusing issues with the plain matte, non microprism or split image versions of the Acute-Mattes.

 

[Gibran]

Just to follow up on the split image screens. I received mine today thinking it to be the original Hasselblad 42188 Split Screen. It arrived in a Beattie Intenscreen box and it does have the Fresnal patern so it must be the Beattie and not the 42188. It's very bright and the central split rangefinder type area is much easier to use and achieve perfect focus without any focus hunting. The only minor negative is that the central spot does go dark on one side unless your eye is exactly centered. But a big improvement for $35!