thegman
Veteran
Hello,
I have a Wista 4x5 DX, great fun to use, but the focusing screen is a very shiny bit of glass. I can focus sharp enough, even close up, but it's dim and I seem to spend more time looking at my own face than the subject.
Would a Fresnel lens help? They're pretty cheap on eBay, just wondering if it's worth a go, or would a better dark cloth (rather than my coat) be better?
Cheers
Garry
I have a Wista 4x5 DX, great fun to use, but the focusing screen is a very shiny bit of glass. I can focus sharp enough, even close up, but it's dim and I seem to spend more time looking at my own face than the subject.
Would a Fresnel lens help? They're pretty cheap on eBay, just wondering if it's worth a go, or would a better dark cloth (rather than my coat) be better?
Cheers
Garry
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Garry,
I've a couple of cameras that came with Fresnels, and I'd back a better dark cloth every time.
Cheers,
R.
I've a couple of cameras that came with Fresnels, and I'd back a better dark cloth every time.
Cheers,
R.
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
Fresnel lenses are handy for composition, but may make it even harder to focus. If you get one, make sure it is a clip on type (and that your back can hold the same - Sinar and later Linhofs sport easily removable fresnels, many other cameras don't).
Vickko
Veteran
Hmmm. Interesting thread. My friend at the old camera store suggested getting a fresnel lens at the local stationery store (they are sold as magnifiers) to try on a camera with a dim focusing screen.
Sounds like if it makes focusing harder, it isn't going to work.
Sounds like if it makes focusing harder, it isn't going to work.
thegman
Veteran
Looks like what I really need is a dark bit of cloth. Nice when a problem can be solved so easily.
Cheers
Garry
Cheers
Garry
oftheherd
Veteran
I think the idea of a good and properly placed dark cloth is the first place to go. I have an 8x10 focusing screen I made myself with fine grit sandpaper. With my darkcloth it works well.