Focusing Screens.

Thingy · Post by **Thingy** » Wed Dec 10, 2008 5:07 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Joanna Carter wrote:
Thingy wrote:I am awaiting a second reply as I have asked about the suitability of the HI-LUX Ultra Brilliant Matte 4.7 screen as my universal screen for both Macro and ordinary photographic uses with my lenses ranging from the Schneider 58XL through to the Nikon 300mm/f8. I will post that reply here once received, for your information.
Well, I can tell you that I can easily use anything from my 72XL right up to my 400mm FujinonT

You might be able to use your 58mm as I don't really get any noticeable falloff in the corners on the 72mm.

Thingy wrote:I think the price is relative. I was originally expecting to pay £315 plus VAT to buy an additional mount plus Ebony's wide-angle screen to use whenever I was doing architectural photography. If I can get away with a single screen mounted in the holder supplied (retaining the Ebony screen as a back up - for emergencies) it will be cheaper, even if I go (more than likely ) for the HI-LUX Ultra Brilliant Matte 4.7 screen with the bespoke coverglass.
I have both a spare Ebony standard and a W/A fresnel, if you want to do a comparison. All I can say is that it is not only cheaper to buy the Maxwell, it is also much easier than having to change backs whenever you need a longer/shorter lens.

Joanna

Is that with the Maxwell HI-LUX or their standard screen?

Steve

Thingy · Post by **Thingy** » Wed Apr 01, 2009 5:55 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Would this interest anyone - a Hi-Lux Ultra Brilliant Matte 4.7 Without Grid Lines? It is currently on sale on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Maxwell-Fresnel-F ... 240%3A1318

Apple · Post by **Apple** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 12:27 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Postage £62

You could almost get a plane ticket and pick it up for that...

I wonder why there's not a bid for it yet?

Thingy · Post by **Thingy** » Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:08 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

When I receive my Ebony and have fitted my new Maxwell screen, I will post a photograph of what it looks like here, for those who are considering buying one.

As for that postage rate.... ???!!!!

Thingy · Post by **Thingy** » Fri Apr 03, 2009 4:33 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Apple wrote:Postage £62

You could almost get a plane ticket and pick it up for that...

I wonder why there's not a bid for it yet?

£62 is astonishing. The cost of posting my screen plus bespoke cover glass including insurance came to $34.60. It was insured for $325.

If you are interested in the screen but unhappy about the excess postage price you may wish to contact the seller indicating your interest but pointing out the postage cost I've paid for the same screen!

Peter B · Post by **Peter B** » Sat Apr 04, 2009 11:40 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

This thread just prompted me to go to the Morco site to check out Beattie prices for comparison. I noticed that they have reductions on their 5x4 gridded screens for Sinar, Arca, Horseman and Deardorf only, and they're selling them at £170 if anyone is interested.
http://www.morco.uk.com/latest/beattie_sale.htm

ps Loved the early posts from 2007 when the £ was worth $1.95

Thingy · Post by **Thingy** » Mon Apr 06, 2009 2:14 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Below is the image of the coverglass Bill Maxwell made to use with my camera.

The red lines indicate the position & coverage of following film formats (rollfilm): 6x9cm, 6x12cm.

The blue lines mark the asymmetric focussing lines.

timparkin · Post by **timparkin** » Sat Apr 11, 2009 10:12 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

Thingy wrote:Below is the image of the coverglass Bill Maxwell made to use with my camera.

The red lines indicate the position & coverage of following film formats (rollfilm): 6x9cm, 6x12cm.

The blue lines mark the asymmetric focussing lines.

I missed your reply and question. The screen I have is the older version...

Here is the markings Maxwell did for me

Thingy · Post by **Thingy** » Wed May 27, 2009 10:19 am Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I have contacted Bill Maxwell to find out the cost of a screen for ultra wide lenses (ie my 58mm Schneider XL) with grid lines only. I have also enquired if it will be brighter at the edges that the Hi-Lux Ultra screen I bought earlier. I will post his reply here, once received.

Steve

Thingy · Post by **Thingy** » Wed May 27, 2009 9:37 pm Etc/GMT-1+01:00

I received the reply from Bill today and have just read it. I almost choaked on my cornflakes.....

Looks like this may be the screen too far..... unless I can somehow claim it on expenses!

I need a sugar dad...

...or a SAFE Parliamentary seat!

If you have a heart problem, do NOT read beyond this cordon....
______________________________________________________________________

From: maxwellprecisionoptics@toast.net
Subject: Re: HI-LUX Extreme Wide Angle screen for Ebony 45SU
Date: 27 May 2009 18:21:36 BST
To: Thingy

Steve,

My HI-LUX Extreme Wide Angle screen is a multi-component screen which will require a dedicated installation into a second dedicated Ebony focusing back, which will require installation by Bill Moretz of Pro Camera (see below):

Bill Moretz
Pro Camera Inc.
618 Forrest St # B
Charlottesville VA 22903 USA
(434) 979-1915
info@procameraus.com

The cost of the components for this screen are: $675.00 for the standard brightness version: $775.00 for the Ultra Brilliant version. Bill Moretz charges $150.00 to do the modification to the Ebony focusing back, install the screen, and test for accuracy of focus. Therefore, the total for my standard HI-LUX Extreme Wide Angle screen installed into an Ebony back (focusing frame) would be $825.00 + the cost of the Ebony focusing frame + the shipping charges. The total for my Ultra Brilliant HI-LUX Extreme Wide Angle screen installed into an Ebony back (focusing frame) would be $925.00 + the cost of the Ebony focusing frame + the shipping charges. It would probably be best to discuss this over the phone since this is a bit more ambitious, and requires a little more planning than my other screens for the Ebony.

Bill Maxwell
1+770-939-6644 (EST, USA)

Thingy wrote:

Hi Bill

I have been using & enjoying your HI-LUX Ultra Brilliant Matt 4.7 screen since my camera arrived early last month. I particularly like the fact that I can use it in shade, with a few of my lenses, without a hood. I took it with me to a workshop organised by the UK Large Format Photographers Group late April and a number of participants were astonished with its brightness and consequent ease of focussing.

I am thinking of adding your HI-LUX Extreme Wide Angle screen later this year, as the existing screen is too dark at the edges with my 58mm Schneider. Would the HI-LUX Extreme Wide Angle be brighter? If it is then could you tell me the cost of this screen including a cover-glass with a standard grid. I will not need asymmetric lines or medium format focussing grids with this screen as I will only be using the 58mm for architectural photography: exteriors and possibly interiors.

Regards

Steve