Friday, November 26, 2004, 4:57:15 PM, Shel wrote:
SB> Does anyone know if it's possible to get a brighter focusing screen (maybe
SB> even split image) installed in a Spottie or Spottie F?
I think it's possible. Actually, I did so in my SP 1000. The assembly
would be probably the same.
I tried installing a modern screen from other camera, which was too
small to fit (but offered very bright focusing). So I settled on a
late-production K1000 screen, which is definitely better than the old
one. If money and time permit, I would like to put there some truly
modern screen.
You have to remove the prism & remove the focusing screen holder
underneath it. Carefuly so you don't damage the meter's little dial
(the meter can be removed I think without soldering.
Calibration of the focus is done purely by screwheads which are in the
mirror assembly. So if the focusing screen you install is the same
thickness and has the surrogate focus plane in the same place as the
original screen, there shouldn't be any focusing adjustments. If the
screen is different thickness, you would have to adjust the screws.
Service manual for Spottie is readily available on the web as PDF
file.
Critical checking of focus afterwards would still be recommended,
preferably with some focusing magnifier or even a strong loupe.
Remember to check focus in all four corners as well as in the middle.
The modified SP1000 is so much easier to focus than with the old screen
- and that was even with super-fast lenses like 1.8/80mm wide open.
Good light!
fra
