Rolleiflex screen... q please.

[dwdmguy]

Good day.
I have the orig. Flex 3.5e and the orig. screen. I'm beginning to find it SO dim. I understand I can purchase a brighter screen such as the "Maxwell"

Can someone please give me suggestions and method. i.e., where to find? Can I do this myself? If not, where can I send it to have done, Zacks?
Thank you tons.

 

[ic-racer]

I don't recall off hand if all 3.5E cameras came with a fresnel. Perhaps it is missing on your camera.

On my Rolleicord, there was no fresnel, so I added one and the benefit was great. (on that camera the GG screen is glass and there was an accessory fresnel that fits over the glass)
On my 2.8F, there is a fresnel built into the standard plastic focusing screen. I wanted even more so I tried a Beattie screen, which was brighter, but everything looked in focus, making it too difficult to focus, so I went back to the standard Rollei fresnel on that camera.

So, can you tell if you have a fresnel already?

 

[dwdmguy]

ic-racer, nice to see you again and thank you.
So, your saying that I can do this myself (Fresnel)?
If so, any idea where I can find one?
Thanks again.
Tom

 

[Peter De Smidt]

Rolleiflex TLRs have had two different sized screens, the non-removable and the removable. I have a 3.5 Automate from 1953. It has the "non-removable" screen. It's a silly designation, since it's very easy to remove. The issue is that the screens are a different size, and so be sure to get the right one. It's possible that a new screen might need to have a focus adjustment made, which could be made by any competent camera tech. Personally, I'd buy a correct sized replacement screen and test the cameras focus wide open. If it's fine, then nothing needs to be done. If not, send it in to have it's focus adjusted. Maxwell screens are great. Another option would be to have Marflex, once the official Rollei repair place in the USA, install a current Rollei brightscreen. I have a Beattie intenscreen plus in mine, and it was a huge improvement over the original screen, but it doesn't pop into focus as well as some of the other screens in my various cameras.

 

[ic-racer]

Don't know if your 3.5E has the early finder, but finders had the provision to hold this accessory fresnel in place over the GG focusing screen. If that is the case, you can make a fresnel to fit. I was able to cut down a 6x9 Horseman fresnel that was buggered on the edges.

 

[Larry.Manuel]

Maxwell Screens - how to buy.

Last I heard US$175 + shipping was the price. I have one in my Rolleicord, and it is fabulous, bright and easy to focus. The image snaps to focus much like a ground glass, but MUCH brighter - right out to the edges. I cannot imagine doing as well without one.

Keep in mind that the taking and viewing lenses may be unsynchronized when putting in a new screen. A technician can correct this, or you can fiddle at home if you are inventive. PS: I've read that sometimes he has "seconds" at reduced prices. I prefer the plain screen [no split image area].


Maxwell Precison Optics Contact Information

NOTE: You are advised to call before placing your order in case we are temporarily out of some items (this does not apply to Hi-Lux screen enhancements).

We accept checks, m.o. and all major cards (American Express, Optima, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover)If you have any questions, please call us at:

(404) 244-0095

Or you may email us at:

maxwellprecisionoptics@toast.net

Or write:

Maxwell Precision Optics
P.O. 33146
Decatur, GA
30033-0146

 

[jimper]

Funnily enough, I'm just back from picking up my microcord TLR from repair after breaking the ground glass. They fitted a rollei fresnel screen (with focusing split in the middle), and the image is so much brighter. It's great!
UK based repairer though: PJ Cameras, Newcastle under Lyme. Cost £46.
Jim

 

[36cm2]

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry8330/4.3.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

Krimar photo, in north jersey, replaced one for me on a 2.8F a couple of years ago, if you don't want to do it yourself. He's probably about 40 minutes from where you live and an excellent Rollei tech. The screen is great.

 

[dwdmguy]

Awesome!!! I won't go to Le's Camera anymore, that guy is crazy with what he offers for Mint used equipment and his selling prices.
Thanks, Do you have any idea how to Contact Krimar, google does not show anything?
Thank you.

 

[36cm2]

**Krimar Photo Shop 105 Broadway # B, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407-3045 (201) 796-0554