Mamiya C330s screen options for 55mm

I just received a Mamiya C330s today and have been comparing it to my older C330. The most striking difference for me is the incredible focus screen in the C330s — way brighter and just really clear and fun to look at in a way that the screens on the older models just don’t quite achieve. Also note that the screen is the Type A screen i.e. matte backed by fresnel expect the center spot. I believe it’s the standard screen for the camera.

Now to my question. I shoot mainly the 55mm f4.5. I have the parallax correction plate which I’ve put into the finder. What I found though is that its glare-prone surface detracts a from clarity of the focus screen that struck me as such an improvement. I guess the matte surface really makes the difference. So, now I’m thinking about finding the Type A2 focus screen for the C330s which is the screen meant for the 55mm and which incorporates the parallax correction marks. With that screen, I wouldn’t need the accessory parallax correction plate that’s causing the glare. My understanding is that the Type A2 screen is matte but I’m unsure if it is also backed by a fresnel or if it’s just a plain matte screen with the parallax correction marks included. Does anyone know for sure? Also, if not fresnel backed, is the Type A2 screen dim in comparison to the standard Type A screen?

Basically, I’m trying to figure out if the Type A2 screen is the ideal solution i.e. matte with correct parallax marks and as bright as the Type A screen that came with the camera OR if it’s just matte with the correct parallax marks but is dim by comparison in which case maybe I’m better off keeping the Type A screen and dealing with the glare from the parallax correction plate in the finder.

If anyone has experience with these and can chime in to clarify, it would be appreciated.

Reach out to Graham Patterson - grahamp here on Photrio - if you can't find the answer in his Mamiya TLR reference: http://grahamp.dotinthelandscape.org/mfaq/mfaq-09.html

MattKing said:

Reach out to Graham Patterson - grahamp here on Photrio - if you can't find the answer in his Mamiya TLR reference: http://grahamp.dotinthelandscape.org/mfaq/mfaq-09.html

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This is the reference I’ve been using. Great info. The section on the C330s screens mentions that the Type A2 is matte with the parallax marks but doesn’t say if it’s backed by a fresnel (perhaps because it’s not but that’s the clarity I need). It also doesn’t compare performance of the screens which I’m also hoping to find.

Old Gregg said:

@Fragomeni I also use my C330s primarily with the 55mm. I have removed the plate long time ago and never noticed any issues with framing - you still have the parallax correction needle that's pretty accurate for normal shooting distances. IIRC that plate is helpful only for true macro work.

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Do you mean you removed the accessory parallax correction plate for the 55/65 in the finder? I’ve been thinking about just doing that myself since as you mentioned, it doesn’t come much into play outside of macro, but I would like reference for the correct parallax marks in the case of any close up work I do. Might just end up taking it out and putting the plate in the bag for when I need it.

Why break a good camera? Leave the parallax needle in you or someone else may later use it for the 80mm which is also good for close up photographs.

Sirius Glass said:

Why break a good camera? Leave the parallax needle in you or someone else may later use it for the 80mm which is also good for close up photographs.

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I think you misunderstood him. No one is talking about removing the needle. He removed the accessory parallax correction plate in the finder which is removable. He’s just saying that he barely ever even sees the needle come into play with the 55, meaning that the marks on the correction plate never come into play for him (hence why he removed it from the finder).

Fragomeni said:

I think you misunderstood him. No one is talking about removing the needle. He removed the accessory parallax correction plate in the finder which is removable. He’s just saying that he barely ever even sees the needle come into play with the 55, meaning that the marks on the correction plate never come into play for him (hence why he removed it from the finder).

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Oh

Sirius Glass said:

Oh

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All good man!

Well, the damn camera ended up being broken so it’s packaged and getting ready to be returned after the holiday while I look for a replacement. Gives me some more time to think more about the finder question I guess.

The references I have are not clear about the Fresnel issue with the A2 screen. I don't have one to inspect. The main reason for wide-angle screens is to design focus aids that can deal with the more divergent light - typically 6 degree split image instead of the usual 4 degree. With a matte screen there would be little difference unless there is a Fresnel involved. A Fresnel optimized for normal/long lenses would have a problem with shorter lenses and could lead to less even illumination. So you need to test an A2 to see if it works for you.

The Parallax/Exposure Compensation plate is not critical with the C330 series with their in finder indicator, but it does indicate the exposure compensation for lens extension. Provided one remembers to change the setting to match the lens (don't ask). I have never had problems with reflections using either the Mamiya or one of my own finder inserts. I suppose you could make a small scale on clear plastic that just inserts into the field of view and mount that in the finder instead of across the whole recess.

grahamp said:

The references I have are not clear about the Fresnel issue with the A2 screen. I don't have one to inspect. The main reason for wide-angle screens is to design focus aids that can deal with the more divergent light - typically 6 degree split image instead of the usual 4 degree. With a matte screen there would be little difference unless there is a Fresnel involved. A Fresnel optimized for normal/long lenses would have a problem with shorter lenses and could lead to less even illumination. So you need to test an A2 to see if it works for you.

The Parallax/Exposure Compensation plate is not critical with the C330 series with their in finder indicator, but it does indicate the exposure compensation for lens extension. Provided one remembers to change the setting to match the lens (don't ask). I have never had problems with reflections using either the Mamiya or one of my own finder inserts. I suppose you could make a small scale on clear plastic that just inserts into the field of view and mount that in the finder instead of across the whole recess.

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Yea, this is what I've arrived at. I just need to find a Type A2 screen and try it. And re: the reflections from the parallax plate, yea I was surprised that it made a difference. I tested it with and without trying to see if I was just imagining things but there's definitely a difference. The slight surface reflectivity makes (to my eyes) the image pop less than the focus screen by itself. It's probably realistically super minor but it's enough where I'll be seeing it and will remain annoyed. I was just really struck by how wonderful the screen is on the C330s and want to make sure I'm getting everything out of it that I can.