It Really Works! homemade OKARO

[Vintage35]

I just replaced my beamsplitter (click repair link below) and it looks great but I tried it with the filter and it looks even better! Even with a brand new half mirror, the image with the filter is brilliant and the two images are equal, I'd be safe to say the moving image is even darker than the steady image, in a good way.

If you have any Barnack style camera, Nicca, Leotax, whatever uses an RF similar to the Leica, you have GOT to at least try the filter and see for yourself.

 

[faurefan]

Interesting. The RF patch in my IIIf is pretty faded even after a CLA. I just tried the Vintage35 method, put on my Canon 1.8 and went out shooting.

The contrast is definitely better, but the trade-off is that the window is much darker, which makes it harder for me, on balance (I have glasses and not great distance vision).

 

[Vintage35]

Interesting. The RF patch in my IIIf is pretty faded even after a CLA. I just tried the Vintage35 method, put on my Canon 1.8 and went out shooting.

The contrast is definitely better, but the trade-off is that the window is much darker, which makes it harder for me, on balance (I have glasses and not great distance vision).

you can try different colors and shades?

 

[faurefan]

Thanks Vintage35 ... this was pretty much straight orange mask off an end of C41 negative.

Should I try the blue gel recommended above, do you think?

Or perhaps... I should just send off the camera to Youxin or someone else (it was Youxin who did the CLA) to work on the beamsplitter ... ?

 

[Vintage35]

Thanks Vintage35 ... this was pretty much straight orange mask off an end of C41 negative.

Should I try the blue gel recommended above, do you think?

Or perhaps... I should just send off the camera to Youxin or someone else (it was Youxin who did the CLA) to work on the beamsplitter ... ?

perhaps a Kodak negative as suggested by CNNY above or a yellow tab from a file folder.

 

[Luddite Frank]

I installed mine on the RH RF window, so the center patch is colored.

Might not be an ideal substitute for a new beam splitter, but can be a helpful get-by on a camera with a marginal RF patch.

If you can afford it, go for the service and the new beam-splitter.

 

[faurefan]

Actually, I'm going to backtrack. After using the camera for a while and getting used to the orange cast, this is working for me. Thanks Vintage35!

 

[Timmyjoe]

I have a Rosco Filter sampler (2" x 3") and it has maybe 100 different colored thin filters on a plastic film. I sorted through and found one that I liked and did the same thing as you, after reading this thread last weekend. And it does seem to help with the contrast making focusing easier for my eyes. The filter sampler gives you the choice to find just the right density that works best for you.

+1 Works great.