SL screen question

[steed]

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I just picked up an early Leicaflex SL with what looks like an unusual screen, and was wondering if it is "wrong" for the camera. At  the center there is a circular and  very normal split screen which  is very bright and contrasty. Surrounding that central circle, however, is what looks like a darkened area of inscribed circles. It would be almost impossible to focus from the area outside the central circle. is this normal, a special option from Leica, or just plain wrong? Any advice would be appreciated.

John W. 

[ramarren]

I just picked up an early Leicaflex SL with what looks like an unusual screen, and was wondering if it is "wrong" for the camera. At  the center there is a circular and  very normal split screen which  is very bright and contrasty. Surrounding that central circle, however, is what looks like a darkened area of inscribed circles. It would be almost impossible to focus from the area outside the central circle. is this normal, a special option from Leica, or just plain wrong? Any advice would be appreciated.

John W. 

 

 

That sounds like the original Leicaflex screen, not Leicaflex SL. The Leicaflex screen was not ground for focusing on its entire area, only the center portion had focusing capability.

 

If you camera has the external meter eye on the front of the prism, it is a Leicaflex, not Leicaflex SL. 

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[wildlightphoto]

The original Leicaflex (not SL) did not have a split-image focussing aid in the center.  It has very fine microprism.

[steed]

The camera in question is an SL (I have an original standard as well). The dark area surrounding the bright split image has grid lines as well.

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello John,

 

The Original Leicaflex had microprisms in the center & a plain, clear screen around it. It was very bright.

 

The split image surrounded by fresnel lines lead a person to think that the original focusing system has been replaced.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[Michael Geschlecht]

Hello Again John,

 

It was possible to order a regular ground glass for the SL & SL2. 

 

You might have a copy which has been customized in some manner. At the time the SL was produced Leitz was still doing certain asked for modifications on special order. Or it might be work done by a subsequent person.

 

Best Regards,

 

Michael

[spydrxx]

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I had a screen similar to what you described (not on a Leica body though), and learned that it was made for lenses 90mm and greater in focal length....it severely vignetted when using shorter focal lengths.