R9 focusing screen

[ryee3]

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As I am getting older I am getting more photos out of focus with my current microprism screen. Any one have a favorite screen they would recommend? I have tried a Brite Screen but feel it was not made correctly because I would be in focus differently from what I saw through the camera and lens.

 

I recently put the universal split screen and that helps, however, it takes a while to get use to. Appreciate all comments on how to improve the focus.

[leicapages]

autofocus or at least automatic focus-assist? ;-)

 

Seriously, I am using the focusing screen with microprism and split-image aids and crosslines. See here:

Leica Universal Screen with grid division - Rahn GmbH Foto & Fine Art

 

Pascal

[jaapv]

It depends on the lens; the universal screen is a general-purpose compromise, but for long lenses, slow lenses and macro the full matte screen works better. For wideangles I personally prefer the microprism screen, but it is not really feasible to change screens when changing lenses. I find that the Brightscreen magnifier is an ideal solution for the problem you describe, in combination with a full matte screen. And then there are tricks, like "walking" the focus over the ground, be it grass or pavement, until your main subject is slap in the middle of the sharp zone..

[EJohnE]

It depends on the lens; the universal screen is a general-purpose compromise, but for long lenses, slow lenses and macro the full matte screen works better. For wideangles I personally prefer the microprism screen, but it is not really feasible to change screens when changing lenses. I find that the Brightscreen magnifier is an ideal solution for the problem you describe, in combination with a full matte screen. And then there are tricks, like "walking" the focus over the ground, be it grass or pavement, until your main subject is slap in the middle of the sharp zone..

I had to use the diopter adjustment at -2, add a -3 correction lens, plus about minus 2 spectacles to focus slowly and with difficulty with any of three types of R8/9 screens.

Had cataract surgery on the right eye 3 days ago. Even so soon after, the v/f diopter djustment is at -0.5, no extra aids/specs needed, and fucussing easy and spot on. See your opthalmologist. It is worth the "walletectomy" cost!

 

John.

[EJohnE]

I had to use the diopter adjustment at -2, add a -3 correction lens, plus about minus 2 spectacles to focus slowly and with difficulty with any of three types of R8/9 screens.

Had cataract surgery on the right eye 3 days ago. Even so soon after, the v/f diopter djustment is at -0.5, no extra aids/specs needed, and fucussing easy and spot on. See your opthalmologist. It is worth the "walletectomy" cost!

 

John.

Curses. That was meant to quote the OP. Eyes better, brain still anaesthetised.

 

John.

[dhsimmonds]

It's very easy really. Just buy a good modern film or full frame digital SLR with some excellent fast autofocus lenses. Modern AF systems are both very fast and also accurate. Many modern DSLR's are still very good for manual focusing too...especially macro or with your existing R lenses.

 

I know that this is not what Leica users want to hear (unless they are using the S2!) but it does solve many problems as we get older..........if we can still carry a DSLR that is!!

[Overgaard]

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One thing I can recommend is to send the R9 to Leica for focus adjustment. I did that with both my R9 and R8 and asked for "focus adjustment for film and DMR digital back" and they both came back tack precise and sharp (which also proves that the DMR and R8/R9 doesn't have to be paired; because if the camera's focus is adjusted, it works).

 

Several issues but the actual prism can result in out of focus. If the mirror is out of adjustment, the focusing you do on the screen won't be precise for the film plane.

 

I use the standard DMR screen (split-screen) for anything from 19mm to 90mm and that works well. Also use it for the 400mm some times, and that works as well though I only use that lens a couple of times a year (so Jaap may be right about other focusing screens for longer lenses).

[EJohnE]

As I am getting older I am getting more photos out of focus with my current microprism screen. Any one have a favorite screen they would recommend? I have tried a Brite Screen but feel it was not made correctly because I would be in focus differently from what I saw through the camera and lens.

 

Sending a camera to Solms (in my case for a shutter replacement - refused by me as uneconomic @ nearly $2,000 Aust) will cost more than an eye examination and new spectacle prescription! I use a Canon 5D-II with a Novoflex and two chipped EOS-R adaptors. In my case it was almost impossible to see the small dull focus confirmation green blob, so I simply just hoped the red flash in the main viewfinder would be near enough. An autofocus body/lenses might be the way to go for you, as suggested.

 

John.