New screen for Autocord with split image?

[jgoody]

Is it possible / practical to put in a screen with a split image in the Minolta Autocord TLR? Is it a drop in or does (as I suspect) the screen have to be adjusted or shimmed so that focus is correct? If so what screen would be recommended? As the eyes age I would love a split image and ideally a brighter screen for ease of focussing. Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 88956]

Rick Oleson this is who you wan to talk to about it. He does have one to fit Autocord too. I have no experience with his screens, but this is more than likely majority of responses you will see on this and price is about right.

 

[Ariston]

I am curious about people's experience with installing these. I would like a brighter screen, too, but am nervous about screwing up focus by installing one myself.

 

[jgoody]

I just exchanged email with Rick Oleson -- he will install the screen (at least on my Autocord) for the cost of the screen and the shipping of the camera.

 

[Dan Daniel]

If you have calipers to measure the screen thickness it shouldn't be hard to install a screen yourself. You just need to get the lower side of the screen to match the lower side ofthe ground glass in the original screen. You can adjust by either raising the whole focus hood with shims under the frame edge (to raise surface if it is thicker than original) or shims on the top of the scree before installing in frame to match a thicker ground glass.

We're talking small amounts here. Most screens and ground glass fall in the .050-.060 inch range. Tape is a good shim material.

 

[Ariston]

I just exchanged email with Rick Oleson -- he will install the screen (at least on my Autocord) for the cost of the screen and the shipping of the camera.

That is good to know. Will you please report back to let me know how the nee screen is compared to the original. This is something I am very much interested in doing if it noticeably better. I've read good things about Rick's screens.

 

[wjlapier]

I have one of Rick's screen on my Autocord. I too prefer a split screen for focus. Mine was installed by Karl Bryan when he did a full repair and CLA--mine was a wreck. He also had to replace the leather covering. My Autocord is as good as new now! The screen is plenty bright and the split image makes shooting a breeze. The lens is one of the best I've used on any camera.

If Rick will do it for the price of shipping and the screen that's the way I would go.