Mamiya TLR--Split Image Focus Screen

wjlapier · Jan 16, 2019

I have a C220 and while I think it's a nice camera I'd prefer a split image focus screen. Reading a few websites it seems the C220 is kinda stuck with the screen it has, unless I'm not reading the info correctly. If I'm reading incorrectly, can anyone tell me what I could do easily by myself to install a split image screen? Or do I have to find a different Mamiya TLR body so I have the screen I want? I like the ability to switch out lenses so I'd prefer to stay with the Mamiya TLRs.

abruzzi · Jan 16, 2019

If its not a C220F then this might work for you:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-375.html

wjlapier · Jan 16, 2019

Thanks for the link. I sent him an email with a couple questions.

I recall using a Rolleicord III that had a Rick Oleson screen and I liked it a lot--much brighter than the current screen I'm using now.

Marco Gilardetti · Jan 17, 2019

In my opinion, if changing focusing screens is a need for you, you should leave your C220 all original and resell it, and purchase a C330 instead. It's one of the very few (if any) important differences among the two models.

wjlapier · Jan 17, 2019

Marco Gilardetti said:
In my opinion, if changing focusing screens is a need for you, you should leave your C220 all original and resell it, and purchase a C330 instead. It's one of the very few (if any) important differences among the two models.

I thought of that and still might do it. I did purchase the screen from Rick Oleson though and I'll see how it goes installing it.

Alan Gales · Jan 17, 2019

I first purchased a Mamiya C220 and later replaced it with the later C220f model. The C220f has the same brighter screen as the C330s. I found it brighter and easier to focus indoors than my original C220. It has the micro prism focus aid but no split screen. (Mamiya C220f and C330s focussing screens are not interchangeable with earlier models)

There is no mention of replacement focussing screens in my C220f's original owners manual but of course you can easily remove the hood to get access to it.

Online, I found that someone said that you can replace the C220f focussing screen with any for the C330s. Mamiya probably does not tell you this because you will most likely have to replace some old foam that holds it into place and they would rather you send it to them. Like I said, I read this online and have not tried to replace my own focussing screen so I really don't know.

One more thing. I don't know how hard it is to find C330s split image screens.

Good luck to you!

wjlapier · Jan 17, 2019

I’ll need it. There is some calibration and shimming to be done.

I really liked the Oleson screen in the Rolleicord III I owned briefly.

Jojje · Jan 19, 2019

I had a split image screen (fromC330?) in my C220 when I got it. But - it wasn't even nearly accurate being curved. Had another as a spare, but boy it was laborious to shim it... Now I don't dare to touch it and check the focusing once in a while.
But my message being: removing C220 focus creen is easy.

wjlapier · Jan 24, 2019

abruzzi said:
If its not a C220F then this might work for you:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-375.html

The Oleson screen is pretty easy to install on the C220. I like what I see in the viewfinder and it makes focusing a snap. Not at all as hard as I thought it would be, or expensive either.

abruzzi · Jan 25, 2019

Good to know. I haven’t bought one, but I have his page bookmarked because I expect to need one eventually.

Mamiya TLR--Split Image Focus Screen

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