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kw
27-Nov-2003, 00:20
I would like to check if that's any alternative for the original focusing screen and fresnel lens. As I have some problem while composing in dim light with a 90mm lens.

Alan Davenport
27-Nov-2003, 01:01
The standard screen on the Tachihara is pretty bright already, IMO. Anyway, mine sure beats my old Calumet. Are you using a dark cloth? Perhaps using some Velcro to seal up the darkcloth, and a little time for your eyes to adjust, will help. A lot of 90mm lenses are not very fast (like f/8) and you reach a point where you're just stuck with what you see...

Chris Ellinger
27-Nov-2003, 06:52
I just installed a Maxwell screen in a Wista VX. It is not as bright in the center as the Wista screen, but is somewhat more evenly illuminated with wide lenses.

Christian Olivet
27-Nov-2003, 12:32
Check www.wyomingphotographers.com/velveteen.html I saw the screen that they have on the website an am quite impressed. I am thinking of getting one. Please check it out and tell me your opinion since I am also interested. Chrstian

Alan Davenport
27-Nov-2003, 13:10
The velveteen screen looks interesting, but I have a lot of questions. It uses 1/16" glass on both sides of the imaging layer; if that is simply placed into a camera just like a regular groundglass, then the actual screen image will be 1/16" farther from the lens than the film plane. Equals focusing error. IIRC, a flat plate will change the focus roughly 1/3 of its thickness; is that closer to the lens or farther? Too lazy to figure it out, but my point is that (unless they have taken heroic measures to correct it) this screen is going to be difficult to match to the film plane. There isn't enough info on their web page to really know, IMO.

Christian Olivet
27-Nov-2003, 19:47
Alan, I have asked that question myself to the creator of this gadget. He says that the screen is factory shimmed so that all you have to do is install it. I don't know anymore about this, excep that I want to try it.

Alan Davenport
27-Nov-2003, 20:40
I have asked that question myself to the creator of this gadget.

That's encouraging! If you go with this, keep us posted on your results.

Peter Collins
27-Nov-2003, 21:10
I own a Tachihara 4x5, with the fresnel screen and it is a lot brighter than both the 1974-vintage Arca Swiss and later, 1981 Ikeda-Anba that I owned. Might work on the dark cloth's effectiveness, etc., instead, as suggested above.

kw
27-Nov-2003, 22:18
Thanks to all for your inputs. Well, I've email Greg (Velveteen View Screen) the dimensions of my Tachihara focusing glass and fresnel screen.

I'll keep you guys posted on the development.

Robert C. McColloch
28-Nov-2003, 14:11
I have an Intenscreen on my older Tachinhara because I wanted it brightened which it does quite well. My new one doesn't need one. I'd be happy to sell my Intenscreed to you. As you would expect, it is already cut to fit a Tachinhara. Or, go to http://www.intenscreen.com/ on the internet.

Christian Olivet
28-Nov-2003, 17:06
"The Velveteen View Screen is permanently shimmed as part of its design.The fresnel lens is located behind the diffusion layer so it does not affect focus it only acts as a collimiter of light, helps to brighten. It is of proper focal length which means it does not affect focus at all.You take out Your old gg and put in the Velveteen View Screen with the smaller glass towards the lens.The shimmed area sitting on the camera back mounting area. This screen is designed to be used without a loupe, just like a tv set if You get too close You defeat the design." This is the email I've got from Greg. Does it help?

Alan Davenport
28-Nov-2003, 20:43
"The Velveteen View Screen is permanently shimmed as part of its design. <SNIP!> The shimmed area sitting on the camera back mounting area."

That addresses most of my questions, it seems that they have tried to address the problem.

kw
2-Dec-2003, 23:50
After much discussing with Greg over email, I have finally ordered the screen for my Tachihara.

I'll inform you guys once I've tested it out on the camera.

kw
27-Dec-2003, 04:38
Finally tried the screen today and the following list my observation:

1) The image on the screen looks rather grainy, as compare to my original Tachihara GG and fresnel lens combination. It really takes some time to get use to the new way of focusing.

2) I compare both type of screen under low light condition (EV 5, at ISO 100)on my SA 90mm, f8. The result with the Velveteen screen is awesome! I can easily see all 4 corners of my composition. With the Tachi GG, only the centre of the image on the GG is viewable, all 4 corners cannot be seen.

3) I perform the same test on a Sironar-N 210mm, f5.6. The difference between the 2 is not so much. To certain extent, I actually prefer the Tachi GG. As it's far less grainy as the Velveteen, which is crucial when performing table top selective focusing shots.

4) As far as film registration, I don't find any problem so far.

Robert A. Zeichner
27-Dec-2003, 06:52
"The fresnel lens is located behind the diffusion layer so it does not affect focus it only acts as a collimiter of light, helps to brighten. It is of proper focal length which means it does not affect focus at all".

If, by behind the diffusion layer, the manufacturer means between the diffusion surface and the viewers eyes, then the Fresnel will not affect focus. If, by behind he means between the diffusion surface and the lens, it will affect focus. Let's just assume for a moment that the maker meant the first option. Wouldn't the proper position for the diffusion surface simply be against the mounting pads that support the standard ground glass? If so, why is there any need for shims? Shims would just move the focusing surface rearward, unless the diffusion surface were trimmed to the size of the smaller (inner) sheet of glass, in which case I suppose you would need to compensate for its thickness with shims of equal dimmension. If the the maker had the second option in mind, then focus would be shifted rearward by an additional amount roughly equal to one third of the thickenss of the Fresnel screen. I suppose that as long as both Fresnel and diffusion surface are hanging in front of the original mounting pads, that this could be compensated for as well by adding an additional thickness of shim material. And, of course some additional shim thickness would be needed in either case for the focus shift generated by the inner sheet of 1/16" glass.

Assuming all of the necesary shifts in position and focus have been accurately compensated for, why would one opt to trade brightness of the gg image for a grainy focusing surface that you can't get close to?