RB67 Bright vs. Normal Viewfinder Screens

[Neil Poulsen]

How can one tell the difference between a RB67 regular viewfinder screen, and a BrightScreen? I think that I have one of each. When I hold them up to a light source, one is quite a bit brighter than the other. No grid lines on my "BrightScreen", but the usual horizontal and vertical format lines (portrait vs. landscape orientations) are etched, versus printed.

Thanks in advance.

 

[wiltw]

There were several different brands of 'bright' viewing screens made for cameras which had exchangeable focus screen. Not merely the BrightScreen.
Unless you 'know' you have a brighter focus screen from Manufacturer X or Y, there is generally no way to 'know' if you have a BrightScreen vs. another brand of screen, like Maxwell.

Someone who OWNS one might be able to identify what you have based on some distinctive characteristic, like a focus aid that looks distinctly different from the standard RB67 screen. Mamiya made 6 optional focus screens for the RB67, so your camera also might have one of the optional subsitutes instead of the standard screen...that in addition to your 'brighter' screen.

 

[Dan Daniel]

What's in the center? Most brightscreens are either microprism or 45 degree split, I think. Most maxwells will be plain center or horizontal (vertical?) split. But variations exist.

Write Rick Oleson, who is now working with the Brightscreen people (estate?). http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/

 

[Bormental]

I never quite figured out if Maxwell screens are still available. My understanding is that the manufacturer (one-man operation?) never really had a web store front, so I am a bit puzzled how one would acquire a Maxwell screen? Are they still in production?

Consider this a minor case of GAS: when I purchased my C330s I had no difficulty focusing, but having read about bright screens, I am now itching to try a better screen. To be specific, I want to focus more frequently without a loupe and a brighter image may help.

 

[Neil Poulsen]

Thanks for the responses. I think that I'll advertise this screen as a "brighter-screen". That I can say for sure.

 

[wiltw]

I never quite figured out if Maxwell screens are still available. My understanding is that the manufacturer (one-man operation?) never really had a web store front, so I am a bit puzzled how one would acquire a Maxwell screen? Are they still in production?

Maxwell Precision Optics

Photo shop in North Decatur, Georgia
Address: Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: (404) 244-0095

Bil Maxwell does not apparently have an active web site any longer. You can contact him thru Facebook.

 

[Bormental]

Thanks!