vincent_alpino Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Hello all, I recently bought a 503cw (used) and love everything about it, EXCEPT the focusing screen. I'm not sure if it's third party or what, but in looking at its markings I can't find anything like it in Hasselblad's system compendium book. The problem is its got this strange thing where I can see nothing on it at certain elevations, but when I lean really close I can see a vignetted image (while using a 60mm f3.5 CF Distagon on it) that is nearly impossible to focus. It reminds me in a way of the ground glass on my Linhof, but horrible to work with. The previous owner kept the camera in immaculate condition, so I'm assuming the focusing screen isn't a cheap part, but maybe specific for some application? In any case I was just wondering if anyone might know what this screen would be or any suggestions for replacement. Thanks, -Vincent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terry_dent1 Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Your focusing screen should be an acute-matte D model. To check remove the viewfinder and look down at the screen. Check the screen frame. You should see two small divots in the edge of the frame somewhere. If not, your screen has been switched at some point and you have an older model which isn't as good. You shouldn't have any problem focusing this camera! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richard_oleson Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 it almost sounds as if the groundglass is missing, or has been replaced with a special purpose non-focusing screen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nick_wilson2 Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Not something strange like being upside down, is it? The Acute Matte's are bright, but not always the easiest to get used to focussing in some cases. But unless you are talking only of the little split rangefinder bit in the middle, which can darken easily, it sounds something is odd in this case. Does the flip up magnifier help? Do you have a prism finder and, if so, is the problem still there? Failing further good ideas and sleuthing on your part, can you call the Hasselblad distributor? Or otherwise get it checked or even a a pic for here. Nick PS Congrats on the camera! It will come good. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincent_alpino Posted August 26, 2007 Author Share Posted August 26, 2007 This is the screen... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincent_alpino Posted August 26, 2007 Author Share Posted August 26, 2007 Thanks for the quick responses, I attached a pic of the screen, and as you can see, the lines are different then anything I see in the Hasselblad compendium...anyone know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vic_. Posted August 26, 2007 Share Posted August 26, 2007 Vincent, the lines on the screen appear to be a mask for 645 film size. Maybe the screen is put on backwards (upside down). The smooth side should be on top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_gardener Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 This is as you already suggested not a Hasselblad screen. Some screens by other manufacturers are known not to be acurate. The later Acute Matte D screens are best suited for this camera. They are easily recognised by two small notches near a corner in the metal frame. If you use a metering prism or think about getting one do not buy a screen with a split as this interfers with the metering. The compendium is a great help to select a screen that will suit you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken_wayne1 Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 I second Paul's comments. This is definitely "not" a Hasselblad screen. I would contact the seller to see if he has the original screen and ask if he will swap it out with you. Sometimes the owners don't even really know anything about the screens. The camera did come with an Acute Matte D screen when sold new. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_gardener Posted August 27, 2007 Share Posted August 27, 2007 The first 503CW cameras were sold in 1994. The first Acute Matte screens did not arrive untill 1996. Just statistics. A minority of these cameras were supplied with the early version of the Acute Matte. To avoid confusion go for the later screens that are easily recognised. Depending on the age/history of the camera a CLA might be sensible. Have this carried out by a qualified technician who is able to check mirror and screen alignment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vincent_alpino Posted August 27, 2007 Author Share Posted August 27, 2007 Thanks for all the great answers everyone...will look into CLA services in LA and start scanning ebay for the Acute Matte D. Thanks again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
q.g._de_bakker Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 Paul,<br><br>The <i>second generation</i> Acute Matte screens was released in 1996. The first Acute Matte screens became available in 1988/1989, years before the 503 CW (1996). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_gardener Posted August 28, 2007 Share Posted August 28, 2007 Q.G. You are right. The "D" was omitted in the second sentence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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