Rollei tlr focusing screen

[djkloss]

I love my new-to-me rollei twin lens. is there a way of cleaning the focusing screen? or replacing? I heard about 2 places that offer them, but i don't remember who or where i saw that.

thanks!

Dorothy

 

[Peter De Smidt]

It depends a little on which type of Rollei TLR you have. The earlier ones are referred to as having a non-removable screen, and then, of course, the newer ones are referred to as having a removable screen. The main issue here is the size of the screen, as they are different. Hence you need to make sure what type you have when you order a screen.

I have a 1953 Automat MX, a model with a 'non-removable screen.' It is still removeable. You do so by undoing the 4 screws that hold the viewing hood in. Once unscrewed, the viewing hood comes off along with the screen. You could then clean the screen and replace it. Be very careful not to damage the first surface mirror in the body, this is the mirror that bounces the image from the viewing lens onto the viewing screen. While it might have dust on, it is extremely delicate, and I recommend that you leave it alone.

About 12 to 13 years ago I replaced the very dark original screen with a Beattie Intesnscreen plus, which was a big improvement. The focus, though, had to be adjusted after I put in the new screen, so make sure to check this out. I've heard that Marflex (offical USA Rollei repair shop) will put Rollei's new bright screen into a TLR, but you'd have to call them to be sure. Another option would be to use Bill Maxwell's screens. I have on for my 4x5 and I love it.

-Peter

 

[GM Bennett]

I love my new-to-me rollei twin lens. is there a way of cleaning the focusing screen? or replacing? I heard about 2 places that offer them, but i don't remember who or where i saw that.

thanks!

Dorothy

I bought one of these screens on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.ca/Rolleiflex-Rolle...oryZ4702QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

and have been quite pleased; it was much cheaper than the Beattie screen.

Graham

 

[jperkinson]

I've owned 6 Rollei TLRs ('cord and flexes), and I've had Maxwell screens installed in 4 of them. It's my favorite screen out of the others I've seen (Beattie etc).

I assume there are other 3rd party screens that are good too...but I personally think Maxwell screens are the best (and they're quite pricey).

The mirror is another thing that effects brightness on the ground glass. One of my cords had an *extremely* gunked up mirror, so I had it replaced...

As Peter has stated, you have to get a screen that is sized correctly for your model, and you *might* have to adjust focus after installation.

Here is a list of Rollei TLR repair shops. I personally use Paul Ebel here in Wisconsin (I live in WI), and I have a friend who's used Fleenor and had good results.

http://www.stutterheim.nl/rollei/text_pages/rolleiflex_service.htm

 

[savich]

I agree with the above, the Maxwell screen for my 'Cord VB' was $125
Now it is very bright, like a hassy!
Maxwell has no website but can be phoned, I think He's in Carolina....

 

[savich]

Maxwell's phone #

1-770-939-6644 maxwellprecisionoptics@toast.net or maxwellprecisionoptics@yahoo.com

 

[Jeremy]

When Dave gets back from vacation you can put a SatinSnow ground glass into it. I just measured the size I needed and he made me one... perfect fit! Now I just need to do the same for the Yashicamat....

 

[Sparky]

So I guess the big secret here is to use an RB or RZ screen. This site has all the details including adjusting focus where necessary.

www.panum.de/rolleiflex_screen.htm

good luck.

 

[eddym]

I put a Beattie screen in my 2.8F some years ago, and the difference was astonishing. It is considerably brighter and easier to focus than the screen in my 6006.

One question: I didn't have any problem with the focus after I installed the Beattie; but just how does one adjust the focus of a TLR? Is there an adjustment for the screen?