Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/05/19
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]In my previous post I mentioned Maxwell screens being a good choice for R users. I this opinion on personal experience from several years ago. I tested the various (alleged) brighter screens on medium format and 35mm cameras and compared. My findings were published in an article in The Rangefinder Magazine in 1995. Basically, the Brilliant Matte screen made by Maxwell Precision optics was the clear winner. For the record, this was not a scientific test but a more subjective one that involved real use of each camera in several lighting situations. I also spoke with several pro photographers who had installed the various screens to gain opinions for the article. One in particular, a stock photographer who use Pentax 67s, had experienced a tunneling effect when using WA lenses with the Brightscreens installed. This problem went away when Hi-Lux screens were installed in her P67s. It was interesting to find Pop Photo do a similar, but far more scientific analysis, when they did a comparison of brighter focusing screens. Their conclusion was the Minolta made Hasselblad screen and Maxwell Hi-Lux were the top choices. Why I am saying this? Because for those R users currently using slower lenses (F4 or slower), macro lenses, or extensions/bellows, A Hi-Lux screen makes an incredible difference. There is also a way of having the Hi-Lux processing applied to your existing R focusing screen (around $70 if memory serves). For those interested call Bill Maxwell at 404-244-0095. He is also quite a Leica Aficionado and does much of the Leicas repairs (Ms and Rs) for KEH, so if nothing else it will be a good conversation. Peter K