jaifo Posted December 21, 2009 Share #1 Posted December 21, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi friends, Taking advantage of the fabulous prices of analog R cameras, i bought a R8 + 28f2.8 some days ago. I haven't processed any roll yet, but i know it's been difficult to focus the camera all these days with the standard screen (collar prism and split) I also own a M6, so maybe i just have to be patient and learn to. But i remember there were some Maxwell focusing screens, as well as Beattie (but not for R8,R9), and Brightscreen. I have found the later to be still in the business but no references of the former. Do you guys know if one of this screens could be of any advantage? And where to buy them? Maybe another alternative is to use the microprism-only leica screen. I loose the split but i gain more microprism area. Split image is superb for architecture images, but very difficult to use with wideangles and social pictures... Thank's for your help and opinions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted December 21, 2009 Posted December 21, 2009 Hi jaifo, Take a look here Help focusing R8. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted December 21, 2009 Share #2 Posted December 21, 2009 Basically the standard screen should work just fine with the 28. Did you adjust the dioptre of your viewfinder? It is only with lenses over 180 mm and macro that I find I need a full matte screen. The microprism screen is collecting dust in my cupboard, I don't like focussing with it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
topoxforddoc Posted December 21, 2009 Share #3 Posted December 21, 2009 Jaifo, I changed my screens for the full matte ones, as the standard screen is difficult in low light/small apertures. Ted Grant gives out this tip for focussing with wide angle lenses - turn the focus to the shortest focussing distance eg 1m and then focus from close up to more distant - you will see the image snap into focus better than when you focus the other way round. It works! Top tip. Best wishes, Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaifo Posted December 21, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted December 21, 2009 Thank's for your inputs! Charlie, i will try that tip. Seems like a winner. About you change to the plain matte screens. Is it better just because you get a cleaner view (no focusing aids) or because the matte zone is better in terms of discerning in-out focus (better than the outer zone of the standard screen i mean). Thank's again Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
roguewave Posted December 22, 2009 Share #5 Posted December 22, 2009 Jaifo, I think you will find that each screen has it's best intended use. I have 3 R8's, each with a different screen. Sometimes I prefer to use one over the other. Within a short time, it becomes much easier to focus, particularly with the wides. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ismon Posted December 23, 2009 Share #6 Posted December 23, 2009 The interchangeable screens are mostly a matter of preference. Even a modified Brightscreen is not magic. All SLR camera systems are lovely viewfinders, they just don't focus short lenses worth a damn. It's just the nature of the beast. An M6 (.72) has an effective measuring base of 49.9mm, while your R8 (with a 28mm lens) has an effective measuring base of less than 2.75mm. Need more accuracy? Just use a longer lens on a second body--or better yet mount a FOKOS on your R8. Sounds a little goofy, but it works. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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