rolleiflex focusing screen

northeast16th · Jan 23, 2010

I have a Rolleiflex 3.5f which has a dim focusing screen that seems especially hard to focus. It may just be dirty, but it doesn't give a good snap into focus at all. It's just sort of soft all the way through the range.

I also have an automat, about 10 years older, which has a screen that is on the dim side but snaps into focus really well. I would have thought that the 3.5f would have been better, but maybe it was swapped out somewhere along the way, not sure.

Does anyone know of a good focusing screen to replace it with that won't kill my bank account? I know the Maxwell and Beattie screens come highly recommended, but I don't think I can drop that much on one. I'm not too terribly concerned with one that shines like the sun, I just don't want it to be dim and, more importantly, I want that snap into focus quality that makes it so easy to get the shot right.

Thanks so much for any advice.....

Scott

Hamster · Jan 23, 2010

On a similar topic. Do people used to "oil" their focus screens to improve brightness? I recall reading about it somewhere.

I am thinking about putting a very thin smear of silicone grease on my screen.

Is this a really stupid idea?

mablo · Jan 24, 2010

Don't know anything about the oil thing but I've been using one of these:

http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-175.html

The split-image spot really helps with focusing.

mgb74 · Jan 24, 2010

There is a Hong Kong based eBay seller name redleica1 that sells these. I have no personal experience, but have heard positive comments. If you do decide to go this way, please share your experience.

ntenny · Jan 24, 2010

I have a redleica1 screen on my Rolleiflex. I got it to replace a cracked screen rather than as an upgrade, but it's a bit brighter than the original, and having the split image as a focussing aid is nice. I don't have experience of the higher-end screens to compare, but I'd still say this one represents good bang for the buck.

-NT

dpurdy · Jan 24, 2010

Some people cut the RB 67 screen down to size. Much cheaper.
http://www.panum.de/rolleiflex_screen.htm
Dennis

northeast16th · Jan 24, 2010

It looks like Rick Oleson doesn't make screens for the Rolleiflex F models, but I've seen and heard good things about his products if you don't have one of these later model Rolleiflexs.

Rolleiflexible · Jan 24, 2010

This is a choice where you get what you pay for.
The problem with the cheaper screens is that
they are Fresnel lenses and the concentric lines
in the screen are big enough to get in the way
of fine focus. The image just doesn't snap into
focus with the clarity of a ground glass or of
the Maxwell and Beattie screens. If you are
photographing subjects where this isn't an
issue, such as landscapes or objects more than
5-6 feet away at f/8, then the cheaper screens
will do just fine. But if focus is critical, you
will likely find the cheaper screens just hard
enough to focus to make you wish you had
spent the extra cash. For me, the Maxwell
screens are essential for any Rolleiflex I shoot.

jmcd · Jan 24, 2010

The condition and cleanliness of your mirror is also an important factor in how bright your screen is.

I have several screens. If the light is good, the original ground glass is great and snaps into focus, especially if you focus fast you can see it pop. If the light is less bright, the Beattie works well, as does Rollei Clear (not sure about the accuracy of that name, but made by Rollei).

No matter what the light, the best by far of these four for clarity of composing and focusing ease is the Maxwell. I like the plain one without a split image.

Jerevan · Jan 25, 2010

The best replacement screens I've found are the RZ/RB screens, cut to size. Not easy to find around here at least, but well worth it. Of the original screens, the one in the Rolleicord Vb are really nice.

Steve Smith · Jan 25, 2010

Jerevan said:
Of the original screens, the one in the Rolleicord Vb are really nice.

I have never had a problem with the factory fitted screen in my Rolleicord V. Perhaps it's the same screen as the Vb.

Steve.

Jerevan · Jan 25, 2010

Steve Smith said:
I have never had a problem with the factory fitted screen in my Rolleicord V. Perhaps it's the same screen as the Vb.

Steve.

It could be that the later V models has the brighter screens. I am not sure, but I think the ones where you can take off the hood without using a screwdriver are the ones with the brighter (plastic) screen. In the end, I think overall condition of mirror, screen and eyes are highly important.

kwm · Feb 12, 2010

The original screen of the Va is much more dim than the screen of the Va. I own a Vb in original shape and a Va with a seagull TLR screen, modified by the seller.

Broken Seagull TLRs are easily to get as "shelf-queens", so you can take the screen und cut it down to the size of a rollei.

vG

Karl

JPD · Feb 13, 2010

The Rolleicord V and early Va originally came with a groundglass. From 1959-61 the Va got a plastic viewing screen with fresnel. The Vb came with the same size fresnel screen as the Rolleiflex F and T.

I don't remember if the accessory fresnel lens, the Rolleigrid, could be used in the V and Va.

ic-racer · Feb 14, 2010

OT, but since we are talking Rolleicord and sources of things to cut up, my IV has little bumps to hold a fresnel over the ground glass. I cut the ends off a fresnel from a Horseman 6x9 and put it in there on top of the ground glass. Big, big improvement.

rolleiflex focusing screen

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