Micro Tech camera focus screen replacement.

[Rupie]

Morning,

Having been shooting medium format with my trusty RB67 for may years but I have acquired a Micro Technical VIII camera.
It comes with a number of lenses and everything looks in good condition. The only faults I can find is that the rear glass is missing, presumed broken. and the 120 back doesn't have a way of being fixed to the rear.

To make sure it is working properly I need a glass. Where can I get one from, are there originals around or has someone set up a clever cottage industry making new replacements ?

UK Based, Thanks

 

[Ian Grant]

Sent you a PM I have screens for MPP MicroTechnicals MkIII to MkVII. That's definite;y not a standard MkIII back so could you check the measurements.

Ian

 

[Rupie]

Thanks,

I shal find the dimensions out and let you know.

 

[Rupie]

The rear doesn't look like a standard MkVIII because it isn't !!!

I assumed it was because the instruction booklet that came in the box was for that model. your suggestion of a non standard back, and a few other things made me investigate further and I'm sure its a MKII, made in 1949/50 serial No. 1696. So a little rarer than I thought. I shall post some decent pictures of the camera when I can.

 

[Ian Grant]

I find a bit of a vagueness when it comes to early Micro Technical models. Anything pre MkIII is quite rare, we are talking low production numbers, the last MkIII serial number is only 2260.

I've seen a lot of MkIII's for sale usually the covering material is in bad shape, I re-covered both of mine last year. I think the answer is there was some fluidity between models and parts getting used up. I've just found a photo of a MkIII with a Focal Plane shutter which has the same focus frame and folding hood as yours, it was on the old MP Users' Club website. I've sent it you in a PM.

When I got my MkIII it came with most of a second in bits but missing the back, I bought a back and later rebuilt it, when I'd finished there were still a few bits left over and these included the extension rods to allow the focal plane shutter to be fitted. I think your camera may have had a shutter which was later removed. It's not as simple as I first thought as the original back has to be either completely or partially removed to fit the shutter. That could account for the different focus screen holder and fixed hood.

Ian