calling fc2

donut

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just wondering if you had any luck with the rollei focusing screen . now that ive aquired the automat series 1 ,i'm looking to do the same , like you i was looking at cutting down an rb67 ,but cant seem to find one at the mythical prices that people seem to be able to get them for , also did you consider putting a new mirror in at the same time ? if you can get them ,and how much they would be ??
 
donutagain,
Failed to find these elusive well priced RB67 screens. Ffordes have a few in for £29 if you are interested, although some of them aren't ideal (they are specific screens for specific photography purposes, quite evidently): http://www.ffordes.com/search/mamiya screen

However, since focussing screens are so delicate anyway and the thought of going near one with a sharp blade makes me shudder, I decided to not go down that route. Instead I bought a focussing screen from Rick Oleson: http://rick_oleson.tripod.com/index-175.html

I'm guessing yours might count as a "Rolleiflex fixed hood (E and earlier ONLY)", although it would be wise to contact Rick first, who is helpful via email.

I bought the rule of thirds pattern, 6608. It's a decent screen for the money, it was brighter than the stock screen it replaced and good value considering the cost of the Beattie Interscreens and the Maxwell ones. However, although I reckon my close focussing is now better (because of the split image, which is very handy), my focussing skill when looking at the WLF from head height has reduced - I think the images don't quite pop as much on the glass, although that said I use it in less than ample light on the street sometimes.

Still, especially considering your Automat's screen is getting on for decades and decades, replacement or cleaning is probably essential. No idea about the mirror, the one in my 3.5F was clean and in great condition. I have read about TLR mirror cleaning (and how to do it properly) in the past on the internet, so there are definitely articles around. For cleaning my Yashica Mat's mirror, I managed to remove it and use a rocket blower to get rid of the bigger pieces of crud and gave the surface a quick wipe, which removed 50+ years of grim that had managed to get in. However, as I sent my Rollei for a service, Brian Mickleboro would've cleaned the mirror anyway.
 
fc2 .thanks for the detailed reply ,the beattie and maxwell screens are a bit much for the camera , i think the screen you have got looks about the best option ,,as for servicing it , i knew there was someone in essex that did them ,,but i came up with someone called Keith Leedhan who is in Rayleigh ,,going from your post ( s ) about Brian i will give him a call instead ,,thanks very much
 
Go with Brian. There are a few specialists around but Brian seems to be the specialist of the specialists in the UK, the Harry Fleenor/Krikor on this side of the pond (those two being the well known Rollei technicians in the USA).

Let me know how it goes - yours might need some adjustment to get the new screen in, so sending the screen in with the camera for the technician to CLA and install might make more sense.
 
will do ,cheers again
 
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