Fresnel lens worth getting?

[thegman]

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

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Garry,

I've a couple of cameras that came with Fresnels, and I'd back a better dark cloth every time.

Cheers,

R.

 

[sevo]

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]

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.

 

[thegman]

Looks like what I really need is a dark bit of cloth. Nice when a problem can be solved so easily.

Cheers

Garry

 

[oftheherd]

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.