Russian Arsenal focusing screens

[raymeedc]

How good/bad are the Russian Arsenal split image focusing screens made for the Kievs & Hasselblads? How do they compare to the Accu-Matte screens? Do they fit on a Hasselblad 500 C/M without any modification?

 

[Lruw]

I have an old style Kiev 88. The focusing screen is quite good actually. I have never had any problem focusing accurately and can usually focus quite quickly. The split prism is quite basic, but the large size of the viewfinder certainly helps it be more effective.

I don't know for sure, but assume it would be compatible with a Hasselblad.

 

[Philippe Grunchec]

It is! I have one on my 503CW.

 

[Voyager13b]

The Arsenal factory, and all the stuff that came out of it is in Ukraine, not Russia (I think Arsenal closed up shop this year though). Different country, different language, different currency, even a different alphabet. Hint: The Arsenal plant is in Kiev, which is the Capitol of Ukraine, and most of the camera lines they built begin with "Kiev" in the model name. Kiev 88, Kiev 60, Kiev 4, Kiev 15, etc. If the plant was about 470 miles east of Kiev, then it would be in Moscow, the Capitol of Russia (it's pretty easy to tell them apart, as Ukraine is a bit larger than France, while Russia is the largest nation on Earth). Then, we would likely be buying the Moscow 88, Moscow 60, etc. ..

Anyway, I do believe the finders and screens built by Arsenal fit those Italian Hasselblad cameras. I'll check when I get back home to New Jersey, Bahamas later this morning, as I'm on my way to that famous Canadian hot dog place on Coney Island in Brooklyn right now. Nathans hot dogs, that's it. Of course, it's cold up here, so I would rather be at that big Cuban theme park, "Disney World" in Orlando, just down the way from that German City called Tampa. Then again, it's summer down under, so maybe I'll take a crash course in Spanish language, and visit Australia instead. Geography.... who needs it!

Sorry, I couldn't resist..

 

[mikebarger]

Should have.

Mike

 

[Q.G.]

Nah... I think it should indeed be pointed out as often as people do mistake one country for another.
So well done, that man!

 

[david_mizen]

back to focusing screens i have K88 derivates with arsenal screens and have no problems with them

 

[hspluta]

I would also be interested to know if the Kiev screen would work properly in a 500cm. I already use a the 45* Kiev TTL/Spot finder which, once you calibrate it, is a wonderful tool.

Thanks, -Harry

 

[battlestation]

I used one of the Arsenal screens to replace a broken one in my Bronica S. I was very happy with it, nice and bright.

 

[raymeedc]

I just now received one. Is it to be installed shiny side or matte side up?

 

[Q.G.]

Shiny side up.

 

[Voyager13b]

This is from page 16 of the 500 C/M manual;

"Insert the replacement screen, ensuring that the smooth flat side of the screen is uppermost, and that all four corners are seated on the support pins. It is not necessary to return the screen latches. This is done automatically when the viewfinder is replaced". I hope that helps.

Voyager

 

[wclavey]

I used one of the Arsenal screens to replace a broken one in my Bronica S. I was very happy with it, nice and bright.

What was the focusing screen configuration in your Bronica S? I tried replacing the GG & fresnel in my Bronica S2A with one of the Arsenal screens but it cased the focus to shift further than I could adjust with the shims. I know that Bronica had several configurations of focusing screens and mounts and I'd like to figure out a way to be able to use one of these brighter Arsenal screens. Thanks.