Rolleiflex SL66 Focusing

[JHannon]

Hello all, I have recently bought a Rollei SL66 camera with the 80mm Carl Zeiss Distagon lens (f4). Previously, I owned a Mamiya M645. The Rollei has the stock waist level finder and the M645 had a prism.

The problem is I find it difficult to focus the Rollei especially outside in bright conditions. A prism for the Rollei is out for now because of the cost. I was wondering if a bright screen or something with a split "dot" would help.

I know that the SL66 is not made anymore but I read somewhere that the Rollei 6000 series screens will fit the SL66...I am not sure about that.

Anyone have any ideas, Darkcloth and Loupe? I really love this camera, thanks for your advise.

Thanks,
John

 

[LFGuy]

I've never had problems focusing on mine, so I don't know how to help. But there are many different types of screens you could use for your 66.

http://www.sl66.com/sl66_accessories/screens.htm

You can also get them custom made, check the links on the bottom of the above URL.

 

[fhovie]

The SL66 is my MF weapon of choice. My waistlevel has a loupe that flips up and that is what I always use. When my eye covers the loupe, the waistlevel finder is in the dark. Never a problem in sunlight or dim. I have never been very good at using the waistlevel finder as it was intended. I just can't tell if it is in focus from that distance and with my middle age eyes, it has got to be the loupe. - Frank

 

[LFGuy]

Agreed, the built in flip-up loupe is the way to go. I always use it. Make sure it and the screen are clean, otherwise that might be causing it to appear somewhat dim. Like fhovie said, when you use this your head blocks out the sunlight pretty good. Although sometimes, when the light is coming in from the side, some sunlight can sneak through the bottom of the finder (my finder, at least). This problem is easily solved by blocking the sunlight with my hand.

I do have the metering view finder, and while it has its uses (macro shots), it's pretty large and cumbersome, and is (for me, anways) a little more difficult to focus. I'd have to try and compare it again, however, as it has been a while since I've used it.

 

[JHannon]

Thanks for your responses. I do use the flip up loupe. My eyesight has gotten worse (especially close up). I thought one of the other screen designs (micro prism) may help as a focusing aid.

I was wondering what people use in the field for landscapes with these type of cameras.

Thanks,
John.

 

[Ed Sukach]

</span><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (JHannon @ Apr 18 2003, 12:37 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'>I was wondering what people use in the field for landscapes with these type of cameras.
</td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'>
Check with Rollie... Hasselblad has "correction lenses" that snap into their common "folding" viewfinder. I would imagine Rollie does too.

 

[JHannon]

Just as a follow up... I bought a pair of clip on/flip up magnifiers from Carson Optical ($10) and they work great right over my current glasses. Much better focusing. I am still going to look into a bright screen since the Rollei 6006 screen will fit on the SL66.

Thanks,
John.

 

[frank]

If you're focussing on a landscape, just use the distance scale on the lens, taking note of the aperture and the DOF markings.

Frank (the other)