Seagull 4A TLR screen replacement

[Minox]

Hello all! I have an old Seagull 4A camera, the 60s or 70s model, with a dimmed screen. This was my first medium format camera and I'd like to have the screen replaced, if possible, with a brighter one. I know Rick Oleson has such screens, but I do not see this model among his offers, so I guess this is not available.

These cameras, being what they are, do not have much info on them; this is why I have called here, perhaps someone can help. I know this is a cheap camera, but I am quite fond of it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!!

Thank you !

 

[blee1996]

If you can remove the current focus screen or at least remove the hood to get closer to it, you can measure the exact dimensions. Then Rick might be able to cut the custom size for you? His screen is acrylic so should be relatively easy to cut.

I know people buy Mamiya TLR focus screens and cut them to size to fit their vintage TLRs.

Also the eBay generic bright screens for TLRs are quite good: Dan Daniel helped me install them on a Voigtlander Superb as well as Rolleicord V.

 

[Minox]

Thank you, blee1996, appreciated. I have two left hands, when it comes to camera dismantling or repair, so if I find a suitable screen I will send the camera to a repair shop to do the swap. I thought about contacting Rick, but I cannot see any email address or such. Any ideas?

LE - managed to find an email address for Rick and I have sent him a message. Hopefully he'll get it and he'll provide a solution for me. Fingers crossed!

 

[henryvk]

Otoh there's virtually nothing that can do wrong with the swap, it takes maybe two minutes to do it. There are four screws iirc that hold the hood in place. Remove them, there's probably some kind of flexible bracket holding the screen in place. Swap them, screw the hood back in place. done.

 

[Ian Grant]

I bought a Chinese TLR screen, I fitted it in my MPP Micrord, I was pleased with it as it is way brighter than the original scree.

Ian

 

[Minox]

Otoh there's virtually nothing that can do wrong with the swap, it takes maybe two minutes to do it. There are four screws iirc that hold the hood in place. Remove them, there's probably some kind of flexible bracket holding the screen in place. Swap them, screw the hood back in place. done.

Sounds pretty straightforward, that I can try. Thank you !

 

[henryvk]

Sounds pretty straightforward, that I can try. Thank you !

No worries. I understand that you don't want to mess something up, but it is *that* easy. I've replaced the Seagull screen with one from eBay (item number 315330328966) and either it was a straight fit or I cut it to size with a pen knife.

 

[Minox]

No worries. I understand that you don't want to mess something up, but it is *that* easy. I've replaced the Seagull screen with one from eBay (item number 315330328966) and either it was a straight fit or I cut it to size with a pen knife.

So, if I install this screen, the Seagull will focus like an SLR? I mean, the split prism will behave just like a focusing screen on my OM2n or similar?

Will the entire screen be viewable. only coming in focus when well, focused correctly?

Sorry to ask, never been knowledgeable on these TLR screens .

 

[henryvk]

So, if I install this screen, the Seagull will focus like an SLR? I mean, the split prism will behave just like a focusing screen on my OM2n or similar?

Will the entire screen be viewable. only coming in focus when well, focused correctly?

Sorry to ask, never been knowledgeable on these TLR screens .

Yeah, the split prism will work like on an slr. It’s the same principle after all and, yes, things do „come into focus“ all at once but the fresnel lens that makes these screens brighter lessens that effect, I think. I tend to rely on the split prism.