Maxwell bright screens

[f16sunshine]

A few weeks ago I sent an email query to Maxwellprecisionoptics.com about ordering a pair of screens for my Rolleiflex D cameras. Two hours later Bill Maxwell called me and we had a good talk. He helped me choose the right screen and planted the seeds to help me instal them correctly myself. The screens arrived last week. Careful and well written installation instructions included. I installed tge first this morning in about 15 minutes. My god what an improvement!!! I just developed the test roll and everything is on the money. If a TLR is your main film camera (especially an older Rollei) a Maxwell screen is a must have. Thank you Bill Maxwell!

 

[Leigh Youdale]

Amen to that. I just ordered my second one this week.

 

[raid]

Bill also treated several 35mm screens for my Canon cameras.

 

[leica M2 fan]

My Rollei came with the Maxwell installed.

My Rollei came with the Maxwell installed.

So I can't compare to anything previously but it is seriously bright and I can't imagine using a dark viewing screen, I'd probably just shoot with the sport finder all the time.

 

[Ezzie]

I haven't a Maxwell screen, but one from Rich Oleson on my Flexaret. Same effect, much brighter. He too was very helpful. Good investment, the camera is a joy to use.

 

[hiorgos]

uhm.. My rolleicord screen is dim even outdoors!

 

[ronnies]

I haven't a Maxwell screen, but one from Rich Oleson on my Flexaret. Same effect, much brighter. He too was very helpful. Good investment, the camera is a joy to use.

My new Rolleicord screen from Rick Oleson is currently in the mail. 😀

Ronnie

 

[Mablo]

I'm using Rick Oleson's screen in my Rolleicord V and I've been quite happy with it. I know it's not as bright as Maxwell screen but the price ($30) is good.

I know a local photog who bought a used Mamiya 6x7 screen (RB I assume) and cut it to fit on his Rolleicord V. He says it's much better than Oleson screen. I wonder if someone here has gone this route?

 

[EliasK]

I installed a Mamiya RB67 screen to my 3.5F, it was not difficult.
You can find instructions for the conversion here
Bought it new for 30$.
Never had a Maxwell or Oleson screen so I can't compare, but it is much brighter than the original.



.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

He's a rare gem in this face-less customer service age. When I called to inquire about mine, he also walked me through the best choice, sent me very detailed instructions...worth every single penny.

The screen gave a breath of new life to my Rolleiflex (Automat IV, the one with the very dim original screen)

 

[MC JC86]

A few weeks ago I sent an email query to Maxwellprecisionoptics.com about ordering a pair of screens for my Rolleiflex D cameras. Two hours later Bill Maxwell called me and we had a good talk. He helped me choose the right screen and planted the seeds to help me instal them correctly myself. The screens arrived last week. Careful and well written installation instructions included. I installed tge first this morning in about 15 minutes. My god what an improvement!!! I just developed the test roll and everything is on the money. If a TLR is your main film camera (especially an older Rollei) a Maxwell screen is a must have. Thank you Bill Maxwell!

That URL isn't working for me. Do you have his e-mail or pricing info, is the yahoo address correct? Thanks!

 

[Calzone]

I had Harry Fleenor install a Maxwell screen when he performed a total overhaul on my Rollei 3.5F. What a great camera. A Maxwell makes a huge differance.

Cal

 

[marduk]

So what is the price of the screen from Bill Maxwell himself these days?
I have a DIY Mamiya screen in my Rolleiflex T and Rick's screen in my 3.5E but I'm still keep on getting one Maxwell screen.

 

[raid]

If I am correct, then a Maxwell TLR screen cost me about $150 each [it could be slightly different], while the Canon T90 and Canon F1N treatment of my own screens may have cost me $50-$65 each.

 

[MikeL]

Nice work Andy!

This could be my eyes, but I have noticed I need to use the magnifier more with the Maxwell screen. Objects seem to pop into focus better with the original ground glass. But then it is hard to use in lower light. The brighter fresnel screen is worth it, but the ease of focus difference is noticeable on my Rolleiflex.

 

[hiorgos]

How is the focus with these screens?

Is it possible to find a screen with no split circle for focusing?

 

[PatrickT]

I also just got a Rick Oleson screen for my 2.8A and man...what a difference. He was extremely helpful, screen came quickly, and the camera is now a joy to use (whereas before I couldn't see anything!).

The screen was $30 shipped and is pretty much a must-have for these older cameras.

 

[raid]

How is the focus with these screens?

Is it possible to find a screen with no split circle for focusing?

Yes, Bill offers both types; with split-image and without it. He told me that if your eye sight is not perfect, go with the split-image.

 

[raid]

Nice work Andy!

This could be my eyes, but I have noticed I need to use the magnifier more with the Maxwell screen. Objects seem to pop into focus better with the original ground glass. But then it is hard to use in lower light. The brighter fresnel screen is worth it, but the ease of focus difference is noticeable on my Rolleiflex.

I agree with Mike; you will get a much brighter screen from Maxwell than your original Rollei screen, but images do snap into focus as well as with the original screens. Maybe it is my eye sight, or maybe there is a parice to pay for extra brightness.

 

[f16sunshine]

The original screen in the f2.8D was a ground glass. When in focus it was a slightly more clear view of the image compared to the fresnel screen from Bill. The problem is the ground glass is very, very dim by comparison. I much prefer the slightly more grainy yet nearly 50% brighter image from the fresnel screen. Focus still "pops" in and the microprism collar and slpit image is an accurate and useful aid in low or difficult light. Here is Bills email address : maxwellprecisionoptics@yahoo.com

There are 2 screens available for old Rolleis with or without focus aids. Both are made to order. He will help you choose correctly.

Rick is also a great guy. I've interacted with him in different forums over the years. His screens are indeed much brighter than the ground glass in the early Rolleis. He does say they are not meant to compare with what Maxwell is offering. Ymmv, I have never tried on e of Ricks screens but, a friend is quite happy with the improvement he achieved doing so.