martin_davidson Posted July 29, 1997 Share Posted July 29, 1997 Having read how good these are, how can I get hold of one (preferably in the UK). Mine would be used in a Rolleiflex 2.8C. How much are they? And having got one, are they easy to have put in? <p> Many thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_pflasterer Posted July 29, 1997 Share Posted July 29, 1997 Best bet might be to order directly from Beattie: <p> Beattie Systems, Inc. 2407 Gutherie Ave. Cleveland, TN 37320, USA Phone (423) 479-8566 <p> They take credit cards, so a telephone order from the UK shouldn't be a problem. I recently bought one for my Mamiya C330, and it was about US$140 with shipping. Some retailers (such as Calumet Photographic) sell these at some discount, although I couldn't find one in stock at a retailer when I wanted it. <p> Installation is simple; it shouldn't require more than a small screwdriver in your Rollei. (Beattie sends installation instructions.) <p> As to the improvement in a Rollei 2.8C: you're gonna love it! It will make that camera a real joy to use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ian_hughes2 Posted July 31, 1997 Share Posted July 31, 1997 You can get them in the UK from Morco, in Mansfield, tel 01623 422828. However, they're not cheap at #100 + VAT plus for medium format cameras. Probably pounds for dollars compared with US prices. From the general feedback on the MFD, they're worth it if you can justify this price for a 2 inch square piece of plastic! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin_davidson Posted August 5, 1997 Author Share Posted August 5, 1997 Thanks for your help -- I finally ordered one this morning from Morco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_pflasterer Posted August 5, 1997 Share Posted August 5, 1997 Let us know how you like it when you get it installed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
martin_davidson Posted August 7, 1997 Author Share Posted August 7, 1997 It's fantastic! I had it installed yesterday, and it makes about 100% difference! When I took it out of its little wallet, I did feel 117.50 UK pounds was a lot for a sliver of opaque plastic, but once inside it has transformed my Rolleiflex. I always enjoyed using it, but found quick focussing, and composing on the trotm, all but impossible. A 45 year old glss screen was like peering into a well. <p> But now, I can hardly tear my eyes away from the viewing screen! <p> It is true that it would probably have been cheaper to go to the States, where they are listed for about 106 US dollars, especially with a strong pound, but with excise of 8% plus VAT, plus the inconvenience etc etc. I finally just went to Morco. <p> Only caveat -- forget trying to insatal it yourself unless you know what you are doing. The "instrcuctions" -- what a joke! I was told to "open focusing frame (duh!) remove original screen, and replace with the Beattie...." BUT HOW??? No mention of how to do it in the old Rolleiflex guide I had. <p> Anyway I live up the road from London's Rollei centre, and Classic Repair shop, and for a tenner, they had it done in quarter of an hour. (PS if you dont know these people, then I really, really, recommend them, on 0171 251 2525, Wharf Road, London N1). <p> Can't recommend it enough! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter_pflasterer Posted August 7, 1997 Share Posted August 7, 1997 That's great, Martin! Glad you're happy with it. :-)) Beattie sure did wonders for my Mamiya C330. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_lakey Posted October 23, 1997 Share Posted October 23, 1997 Beattie Systems Inc. has recently stopped producing and selling focusing screens. Brightscreen offers a large variety of screens. You can reach Brightscreen at 800 235-2451, local and international 423 478-1451. Brightscreens are also available in the UK through Bob Rigby Photographic. Brightscreen and Bob Rigby Photographic both have web sites at: <p> http://www.brightscreen.com <p> http://www.bobrigby.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yusef_belade1 Posted December 30, 1999 Share Posted December 30, 1999 I just checked out Brightscreen home page. Their screen for a Rollei TLR cost over $200 and that's with a 20% discount! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spearhead Posted December 30, 1999 Share Posted December 30, 1999 This is a very old thread. However, note that Lakey works (worked?) for Brightscreen and posted an out-and-out lie about his competition. Beattie is widely available. Music and Portraits Blog: Life in Portugal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yusef_belade1 Posted December 30, 1999 Share Posted December 30, 1999 Jeff, Many thanks for the clarification. Lakey ought to be banned from the list. Yusef Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_chuah Posted December 31, 1999 Share Posted December 31, 1999 After having a new Beattie screen installed, it is wonderful to have my 1950 Rolleicord III, bright, easy to focus and compose again. A f3.2 viewing lens certainly is as bright as a f2 lens now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yusef_belade1 Posted December 31, 1999 Share Posted December 31, 1999 Paul, how much did it cost and how long ago did you have it done? Tx. Yusef Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_chuah Posted December 31, 1999 Share Posted December 31, 1999 Hi Yusef, I bought the Beattie screen for 225 Singapore dollars. That works out to about US $133. Bought the screen two weeks ago. Comes in three versions for the Rollei TLRs.1. For non-removable viewing hoods.2. For removable viewing hoods, up to the latest F series & Cord Vb.3. For the 2.8GX, which is also used in the 6000 series SLRs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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