Maxwell screen for Rolleiflex 2.8F
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you can try..FOTOGRAFIX at Chinatown Point.
Seems like Mr Wong only has the Intenscreen... so, back to the question... where can I get+linstall the Maxwell screen? I'm reluctant to part with my Rolleiflex :cry:, furthermore, Harry Fleenor has a 3-4month backlog!!!
clubgrit
Senior Member
I got mine from Harry ... the Maxwell screen is overall better than Intenscreen. The Beattie is brighter, great in daylight, normal light, and I prefer it in such light because of the diagonal split screen. Maxwell however is better at dim light, and is fine in daylight. Maxwell is easily scratched, real easy.
Someone said call Maxwell directly, not email.
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Someone said call Maxwell directly, not email.
Seems like Mr Wong only has the Intenscreen... so, back to the question... where can I get+linstall the Maxwell screen? I'm reluctant to part with my Rolleiflex :cry:, furthermore, Harry Fleenor has a 3-4month backlog!!!
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Did you self-install the screen? I'm a Rolleiflex newbie, but I had a look at the original setup and it seems straight-forward enough.
On the 2.8F, there doesn't seems to be anything to adjust the screen height, am I right to assume that there is less chance of mucking-up the focusing due to screen change?
Lastly, you said that Maxwell is better at dim light, but is the Beattie any good in this regard? Many thanks!!!
On the 2.8F, there doesn't seems to be anything to adjust the screen height, am I right to assume that there is less chance of mucking-up the focusing due to screen change?
Lastly, you said that Maxwell is better at dim light, but is the Beattie any good in this regard? Many thanks!!!
clubgrit
Senior Member
Maxwell was installed by Harry for me. But it's not a problem to install yourself, I also took it in and out to interchange with Beattie. You have to be very careful as Maxwell is easily scratched (like better never to wipe it), just wear gloves.
For the 2.8F, there is no need to adjust anything, same on the Rolleicord Vb. These are the latest models where exchanging screens is straightforward, just change and use, nothing to adjust. Just make sure you have the right side up.
The Beattie is average in dim light, it will still work although it is not as easy to focus as the Maxwell. The Maxwell is not as bright as the Beattie, but this is what gives it better contrast for focusing in darker situations. In very dark places, you won't be able to see the Beattie's split image part anymore (this is a rare lighting situation, however).
Anyway, in short, personally I will go for Maxwell. But if not available, then there is no point, and the Beattie is next and it still is a great screen to replace the original.
You could just buy the Maxwell from Harry, forget about sending your camera. I remember that CLA can be expedited, just pay more to jump the queue. However, I am not sure which one, it may have been the Leica CLA guys I am thinking of. I did it once, but I forgot which camera I paid extra to jump the queue for fast CLA work. But if you only want him to install the screen, better do it yourself.
For the 2.8F, there is no need to adjust anything, same on the Rolleicord Vb. These are the latest models where exchanging screens is straightforward, just change and use, nothing to adjust. Just make sure you have the right side up.
The Beattie is average in dim light, it will still work although it is not as easy to focus as the Maxwell. The Maxwell is not as bright as the Beattie, but this is what gives it better contrast for focusing in darker situations. In very dark places, you won't be able to see the Beattie's split image part anymore (this is a rare lighting situation, however).
Anyway, in short, personally I will go for Maxwell. But if not available, then there is no point, and the Beattie is next and it still is a great screen to replace the original.
You could just buy the Maxwell from Harry, forget about sending your camera. I remember that CLA can be expedited, just pay more to jump the queue. However, I am not sure which one, it may have been the Leica CLA guys I am thinking of. I did it once, but I forgot which camera I paid extra to jump the queue for fast CLA work. But if you only want him to install the screen, better do it yourself.
Thank you so much for the detailed reply! I've already sent Harry a mail asking to have a Hi-Lux ship to me
Just got the camera and everything seems great except for focusing accurary. Doing a 45degree at 1metre test is often off by 3-5cm (normal?!?!). Would like to blame the camera but since I could not see/judge properly, I think getting a better screen will help.I'm still amazed at the workmanship that goes into a mid-60s camera :bigeyes: However, the Rolleiflex does seems more fragile as compared to a Hassy.
clubgrit
Senior Member
No problem ...
But after testing and it still is off, it could be a deeper problem, you have to make sure of it. One of my 2.8F (which I bought locally) that I sent to Harry was actually because of a back-focusing problem. I told him to mount film on it to test after he fixes it, before he sends it back to me (extra charge again !). He fixed, he did the test, it failed. Back to the drawing board, he found out later that the back of my 2.8F was not the correct one, and he replaced it.
Anyway, for focusing issues, you could just send it to the local repairman recommended by folks here, Philip I think (I never used him). Someone here should be able to help with exact contact details.
I have no luck buying locally, there is always a problem. Never had any problems for stuff I bought overseas. Just my luck.
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But after testing and it still is off, it could be a deeper problem, you have to make sure of it. One of my 2.8F (which I bought locally) that I sent to Harry was actually because of a back-focusing problem. I told him to mount film on it to test after he fixes it, before he sends it back to me (extra charge again !). He fixed, he did the test, it failed. Back to the drawing board, he found out later that the back of my 2.8F was not the correct one, and he replaced it.
Anyway, for focusing issues, you could just send it to the local repairman recommended by folks here, Philip I think (I never used him). Someone here should be able to help with exact contact details.
I have no luck buying locally, there is always a problem. Never had any problems for stuff I bought overseas. Just my luck.
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Thank you for the advice. Film back issues can indeed be hard to trace sometimes. It happened for my Hassy before :bsmilie: I had dealings with Philip Tay before and I will probably go to him when needed.
Now, I just hope that the rolleiflex I have has a matched lens set to begin with ... :think:
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Maxwell screen is not that bright but has better contrast than Intenscreen. So, your purchase is a good choice. It is easy to install on the 2.8 F. (Just for info, if you don't want to pay so much for the Maxwell screen, a Mamiya 67 screen ($30-ish) is as good if not better. Just that your have to trim it to size yourself, not too difficult.)
As for focusing off, it may or may not be due to the slight different thickness of the various screens. It could be due to the taking lens not "sync" with the viewing lens. It is possible to visually check/verify focusing accuracy if you have a Rollei "Plate Adapter" (see picture below), which basically replaces the standard back of the Rolleiflex TLR and allows one to use a loupe to do critical focus checking:
If through this focus check and conclude that the lenses out of sync, you either have to send it for repair, or DIY to fix it (with some risks of course. I did it, after that perfect focusing every time.)
YOL
As for focusing off, it may or may not be due to the slight different thickness of the various screens. It could be due to the taking lens not "sync" with the viewing lens. It is possible to visually check/verify focusing accuracy if you have a Rollei "Plate Adapter" (see picture below), which basically replaces the standard back of the Rolleiflex TLR and allows one to use a loupe to do critical focus checking:
If through this focus check and conclude that the lenses out of sync, you either have to send it for repair, or DIY to fix it (with some risks of course. I did it, after that perfect focusing every time.)
YOL
Where to get M67 screen. How to trim it. What tools needed. Can do for other models too?
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clubgrit
Senior Member
Good advise for a cheaper option, but not as good and not better overall. Still my 3rd choice overall after Maxwell and Beattie. It did tide me over while waiting for the Maxwell and Beattie to arrive. I've tried RB67 and RZ67, and they focus better than Beattie in dimmer light.
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Thank you for the information 
I actually saw this option, but went with the Maxwell screen nonetheless (just sent an order to Bill).
I am fairly cetain that the lens are matched/synced. I did the some test shots again, range from infinity, 6-7 metre to 1 metre, etc. Putting more effort (and eye power) into focusing this time, and they are dead on. Hope that having a better screen will enhance the shooting experience.
Hope to get the screen soon
I actually saw this option, but went with the Maxwell screen nonetheless (just sent an order to Bill).I am fairly cetain that the lens are matched/synced. I did the some test shots again, range from infinity, 6-7 metre to 1 metre, etc. Putting more effort (and eye power) into focusing this time, and they are dead on. Hope that having a better screen will enhance the shooting experience.
Hope to get the screen soon
Maxwell screen is not that bright but has better contrast than Intenscreen. So, your purchase is a good choice. It is easy to install on the 2.8 F. (Just for info, if you don't want to pay so much for the Maxwell screen, a Mamiya 67 screen ($30-ish) is as good if not better. Just that your have to trim it to size yourself, not too difficult.)
As for focusing off, it may or may not be due to the slight different thickness of the various screens. It could be due to the taking lens not "sync" with the viewing lens. It is possible to visually check/verify focusing accuracy if you have a Rollei "Plate Adapter" (see picture below), which basically replaces the standard back of the Rolleiflex TLR and allows one to use a loupe to do critical focus checking:
If through this focus check and conclude that the lenses out of sync, you either have to send it for repair, or DIY to fix it (with some risks of course. I did it, after that perfect focusing every time.)
YOL
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