Which focusing screen do I have?

[brian_turner2]

Ok- I'm new to Hasselblads, but I've been doing lots of research

these past few weeks. Here's a question that's been skirted

around, but never fully answered on here...

 

I'm trying to determine which focusing screen is on my 500 C. It

is actually a C/M from '71 branded with the name "C". This is,

however, the model with the two locking pins for the screen. It

has a diagonal, split-screen in the middle, but no grids or

anything.

 

From all that I'm reading on MFD about the Acutte-Mat D screens,

these are apparently the ones you should upgrade to for brighter

viewing. The Wildi books seem to suggest that some of these

models came with the Acutte-Mat screens, but from what I can

tell, this glass isn't any brighter than those on some of my

Yashicas, which are rather dim. I would like to purchase a

brighter glass, but not if my camera already has one of these

screens and I'm just not experiencing this awesome brightness

that everyone claims from the D screen. Is there an easy way to

tell which one I have?

[ernie_gec]

It's hard to say without being able to see the screen, but you can be sure of this. If the screen is factory original to the camera it is not a "D" as they hadn't come out yet when your camera was made. Another way to come closer to the answer is to examine the screen carefully under the loupe of your hood. If you can see fresnel lens lines it is an earlier screen. The new Accute-matte's apparently have over 7 million fresnels?? per screen, making it impossible to see them with the naked eye. Hope this helps.

[john_hicks___]

Your camera doesn't have its original screen but if it's not _tremendously_ brighter and contrastier than an old Yashica I think you can be certain it doesn't have an Acute-Matte.

 

Don't try to skimp and buy a Beattie or Brightscreen.

[rick_campbell]

Brian,

 

A D screen has two little notches on the metal frame. Unless someone put in a new one there is no way a camera of that vintage would have the newer screen. It's well worth the money to get one. I prefer one with the split image myself but my eyes may be older than yours. ;-)

 

Have fun with it.

[paul_claesson]

Brian,

Most likely you have a Hasselblad #42218 focusing screen diagonal split with a microprism. It was manufactured starting in 1981 up until a few years ago. The orignal screens were a plain fresnel.

An Acute matte D would make a world of difference, Brighter, more contrast, even illumination even to the edges of the frame.

Try the #42215 Horz/vert split with micro prism.

 

Paul