If I replace a Rolleicord mirror, do I need to worry about adjusting the focus? I'll probably skip replacing the GG.

Terence · Mar 24, 2023

Trying to brighten up the viewfinder as easily, and inexpensively as possible..

I know that replacing the ground glass I would have to shim to get the bottom surface in the same place. But do I need to do anything if I replace the mirror with another front-surface mirror? Doesn't seem like it would change the focus any, as it seems like it registers on the face of the mirror. Got a couple cheap replacement mirrors off eBay.

Does anyone know if any of the cheap replacement groundglasses have the proper thickness to avoid the shimming issue? The Rolleicord is not in great shape, so I don't feel like putting in a screen that would cost more than the camera itself, not do I really feel like figuring out how to shim it properly.

ic-racer · Mar 24, 2023

The "ground" portion of the glass goes toward the camera body. Thickness should not be an issue for the upper surface.

Dan Daniel · Mar 24, 2023

You are right about the mirror- the mirror surface indexes against the upper side of the two side tabs and the bottom slot.

Do you have calipers for precise measuring? If so, you can set up a test target- something with a focus target and a precise place to relocate the camera. Make it about 8-12 feet. Before changing anything, focus on the target and see how far a spot on the lens board is from the main body. Do a few measurements. Now replace the ground glass and then repeat the measurements. If the new GG is a larger distance for the lensboard, you need to shim the bottom edge of the ground glass UP that amount. If the new GG is a smaller distance, you need to shim the top edge of the ground glass to move it DOWN that amount.

No tool for precise measuring? Before swapping, set knob to infinity and find a good distant target that goes out of focus as soon as you move away from infinity. Make the swap. Same idea- if you can't reach infinity, shim the GG on the bottom. If you go past infinity, shim the top.

Or just relax, make the swap, and do some tests at 4 feet wide open before shooting serious stuff.

But yes, depending on the replacement screen, focus can shift. How much that will affect your images is something you will need to play with. It might not make a difference.

250swb · Mar 24, 2023

The mirror would have to be in a diabolical state to need replacing, given you can clean it in situ or take it out for a clean. The shimming of a new screen is another issue that almost never comes to pass. It is warned about in the instructions to check the focus, but with the brighter screens I've been buying (Oleson) and the one I got for my Rolleicord it fitted right in without any problem. But it's not a big deal anyway if you need to shim it, so I think you may be over-thinking a problem that may not exist.

Rolleiflexible · Mar 24, 2023

250swb said:
The mirror would have to be in a diabolical state to need replacing, given you can clean it in situ or take it out for a clean. The shimming of a new screen is another issue that almost never comes to pass. It is warned about in the instructions to check the focus, but with the brighter screens I've been buying (Oleson) and the one I got for my Rolleicord it fitted right in without any problem. But it's not a big deal anyway if you need to shim it, so I think you may be over-thinking a problem that may not exist.

It’s more common than you imagine. I’ve revived two Art Deco Rolleicords. Both had mirrors that were desilvering and needed replacement.

cmacd123 · Mar 24, 2023

have to figure out it the mirror is indexed to the reflecting surface, or the back. if the back, the replacement will have to be the same thickness. Playing with either you might want to use groundglass at the film position to make sure that both lenses focus at the same place.

Terence · Mar 24, 2023

Rolleiflexible said:
It’s more common than you imagine. I’ve revived two Art Deco Rolleicords. Both had mirrors that were desilvering and needed replacement.

This is my problem. The original mirror is heavily desilvering. About 40% of the area is flaking off. Replacing the mirror seems like far less hassle than the GG, though I'd ideally do both.

btaylor · Mar 25, 2023

I’ll chime in here- I’ve used a couple of Rick Oleson screens on Rollei’s with no shimming required. The desilvering mirror problem is common- replace it and a screen and you’ll have a very nice to use Rolleicord.

jimjm · Mar 25, 2023

I've replaced GG in a Rolleicord III and older Rolleiflex 3.5 with Oleson screens, no issues at all. Brighter screen overall but I find that fine-focus was easier with the original screen. Somewhat of a trade-off.
Same with the mirrors. As long as the size/shape is the same as the original and are also front-surface mirrors. For me, the new mirrors were a big brightness improvement over the old pitted and desilvered mirrors.

Terence · Mar 25, 2023

Thanks, everyone. Will attempt the mirror replacement in the next day or two.

Nitroplait · Mar 25, 2023

Terence said:
Thanks, everyone. Will attempt the mirror replacement in the next day or two.

The mirror replacement is easy if you have average DIY skills and it sounds like your camera needs it, but the big improvement comes with a replacement screen and it is similarly easy to install.

Terence · Mar 25, 2023

Nitroplait said:
The mirror replacement is easy if you have average DIY skills and it sounds like your camera needs it, but the big improvement comes with a replacement screen and it is similarly easy to install.

I have a couple cheapish GG screens coming from China, but I didn't realize until after I ordered them that the Rolleicord GG registers off the bottom of the GG, meaning you need to shim if the screen is thicker than the original. I hvaen't looked how to shim it. Seems like shimming the whole viewerfinder assembly might be easiest, but I don't have any suitable, incompressible shim material handy.

Rolleiflexible · Mar 25, 2023

Terence said:
I have a couple cheapish GG screens coming from China, but I didn't realize until after I ordered them that the Rolleicord GG registers off the bottom of the GG, meaning you need to shim if the screen is thicker than the original. I hvaen't looked how to shim it. Seems like shimming the whole viewerfinder assembly might be easiest, but I don't have any suitable, incompressible shim material handy.

I can’t speak for the “cheapish GG screen” but this is an area where you often get what you pay for. Many complain that inexpensive replacement screens are difficult to focus. OTOH, Maxwell and Beattie screens are bright and snap readily into focus, but cost real money.

beemermark · Mar 25, 2023

I have a Rolleiflex that I needed to replace the mirror, they do de-silver. They also break real easy - while installing it. Make sure it is seated completely and retaining clips are installed the same way they came out. I bought my mirrors from a gentleman in the states off eBay I think.

Terence · Mar 27, 2023

Rolleiflexible said:
I can’t speak for the “cheapish GG screen” but this is an area where you often get what you pay for. Many complain that inexpensive replacement screens are difficult to focus. OTOH, Maxwell and Beattie screens are bright and snap readily into focus, but cost real money.

I bought the camera for less than the cost of an Oleson screen, and a fraction of a Maxwell or Beattie screen. I have a few other, "better" Rolleicords that are also in better shape, but I've gotten all of them for less than Maxwell, or about equal to a Beattie screen. Not that that should matter, but it does make me pause from getting them.

Rolleiflexible · Mar 27, 2023

In another current thread, another user said she preferred the GG because modern bright screens are difficult to focus. I do not find that to be true with Maxwell screens, but I have seen other bright screens that were harder to focus. I can’t say that only Maxwell or Beattie bright screens focus easily. Go ahead and replace the mirror, and try out the cheapish screen you have on order. If it’s an issue, just drop the original GG back in — with a new mirror it should be brig enough.

If I replace a Rolleicord mirror, do I need to worry about adjusting the focus? I'll probably skip replacing the GG.

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