Focusing screen on Rolleiflex 2.8F

[mcblue]

<p>Hi,<br>

I just received a Rolleiflex 2.8F and it doesn't seem to have the original screen. The screen has faint grid lines and a circular area in the center that's clearer than the rest of the screen (which is really scratched and cloudy). Can anyone identify what type of screen it is and maybe suggest a replacement screen? Thanks.</p>

[mcblue]

<p>Hi again,</p>

<p>Sorry. I took out the screen and found out that it actually is the original screen. Is it possible it was in there in reverse?</p>

<p>Anyway, I'm considering a Beattie or a Maxwell...</p>

[d_purdy]

<p>The original screens I have seen say Rollei or F&H on them. The smooth side should be up and the mat side or the etched side should be down. You could try washing it with a bit of dish soap and water and then blot it dry. Beattie and Maxwell screens are both brighter. </p>

[mcblue]

<p>Thanks D Purdy.</p>

[robert_marvin]

<p>If the original screen still appears scratched and cloudy after washing you'd have little to loose by trying to polish the top (glossy) side with a plastic polish. If it's a Rolleiclear screen, found on later "F" Rolleis, it should be nearly as good as a Beattie or Maxwell.</p>

[mcblue]

<p>Hi Robert,<br>

It's a 2.8F Planar (12/24) but the serial is 246xxxx, so I'm thinking it might be an early 2.8F Type 2. I don't really know much about thei screens. The screen itself is only really clear in the center where there seems to be a fresnel. I already tried washing it.</p>

<p>I have an 3.5E-2 Xenotar and the stock screen it came with is actually clearer and brighter than the one on the "new" 2.8F. I was actually using an old, plain Beattie screen on the 3.5E-2, but I took that and put it in the 2.8F to take my test shots. I re-inserted the old stock E-2 screen (with a smaller and more subtle fresnel in the center) into the 3.5E-2. I'd likee</p>

<p>What kind of plastic polish can I use on the muddy screen? Thanks!</p>

[sw12dz]

<p>"Mother's California Gold Plastic Polish" works quite well. It is available at most auto supply stores.</p>

[mcblue]

<p>Thanks Stuart. Will try that. :)</p>

[frank_bunnik]

<p>Should the polish not work, you can use a screen from a Mamiya RB/RZ camera, though you have to cut it so size with an exacto knife. I had one in my 3.5f and it works great. Just make sure that the fresnel side of the screen faces upwards.</p>

[mcblue]

<p>Thanks Frank. I think I'll try that also. I saw that suggestion from another PN forum thread also...</p>

[mcblue]

<p>I haven't found the Mother's California plastic polish, but I did order a Maxwell screen and it's beautiful. I can focus pretty well in darker areas. It's like a new camera. Reminds me of the Acute-Matte screen on a Hassy.</p>