RZ Focusing Screen Type B?

[pbryld]

I have a focusing screen for a Mamiya RZ67 which on the box says "Type B". On the side it says "rangefinder spot", but it totally looks like a regular focusing screen.

I've searched on Google and nothing turn up about a Type B focusing screen.


Can somebody help me out?

Thanks!

 

[bushpig]

I don't know if the RZ takes the same screens as the RB, but I know some about the screens.

What exactly do you mean by 'regular' focusing screen?

The one supplied (at least with the RB) is the plain matte screen. Nothing else in the viewfinder except the frame lines.

The rangefinder spot screen (which I also have for my RB) is not the same as what you'd see on a 35mm rangefinder camera with the two images that overlap when they're in focus. These screens have a 'split-image' spot that is VERY common on most 35mm SLR cameras since the 70s or so.

I'm thinking you may be thinking of the split-image finders as 'regular' because they're so common on small format SLRs, to the point of being what you'd expect on most.

I don't know if that helps. I'm not exactly sure what you're asking to be honest.

 

[landscapepics]

I'm not sure if you mean that you have an extra screen, with a box marked Type B, which you haven't used yet. If so, it should be easy to fit it and therefore see what the difference is, if any, to the currently fitted screen. Instructions for changing the screen are on page 34 of the camera manual, which can be found here: http://www.butkus.org/chinon/mamiya/mamiya_rz67/mamiya_rz67.htm

The screen which is fitted to my RZ67 has a central split image. Personally I don't see how a "rangefinder-type" dual image would work, on a camera which doesn't have a rangefinder fitted- so perhaps the wording on the box is misleading.

 

[bushpig]

Personally I don't see how a "rangefinder-type" dual image would work, on a camera which doesn't have a rangefinder fitted- so perhaps the wording on the box is misleading.

Agreed. I've never really liked when they use the word 'rangefinder' instead of 'split-image' or 'split-focus' or whatever.

Just adds more confusion if you ask me.

 

[Marc B.]

Does the screen have dark/blacked out corners?
Also, does the box or screen have a six digit part number, ie...#212-421 or #212-424, etc...?

RZ Accessory link at Butkus Manuals, PDF Page 6:
http://www.cameramanuals.org/mamiya_pdf/mamiya_rz_accessories.pdf

 

[EdSawyer]

speaking of RZ screens

Speaking of RZ screens, I have a spare type D crosshairs screen (ideal for macro and/or long telephoto) for the RZ that I won't be needing. Feel free to email/PM.

-Ed

 

[Ian C]

Mamiya RZ67 Instructions (1987 Version)

Page 46, page heading

“Accessories

Focusing Screens RZ

Type B Rangefinder Spot

Same as Type A Matte, but with central split-image rangefinder wedge added. Matte surface can be used for focusing, but split-image rangefinder significantly boosts focusing precision."


The RZ67 manual on various websites now is, I think, a different version that doesn’t list the Type B focusing screen. The type A screen is the standard screen installed on new RZ67 cameras.

My manual also has line drawings accompanying each screen described in the list. The drawing matches the description.

From your description of the screen in the box, it is most likely a standard Type A screen in a box that originally held a Type B screen.

The type B screen is distinctly different from the Type A screen in having the central split-image rangefinder.