Brightest Focusing Screen for MX?

baltochef920 · 09-11-2008, 04:37 PM

Since my eyes are aging I desire to have the brightest possible focusing screen in my MX..

It is soon to be sent off to Eric Hendrickson for a full CLA, as well as any repairs that might be necessary..

If possible, I would like to purchase a focusing screen before sending the camera to Eric, so the metering system can be properly calibrated while he has it..

My question is what focusing screens from the LX are brighter than the factory stock screen in the MX?..

Who on the forum has actually had this type of conversion performed, & were you pleased with the results?..

Thanks, Bruce

*ryno* · 09-11-2008, 07:29 PM

Is this an easy DIY change, or a job for a professional?
Ryan

frank · 09-11-2008, 08:10 PM

Beattie Intenscreen?

I heard it's pretty bright, quite a bit brighter than the original one on LX. I just bought one for my LX, hopefully it'd be here in a day or two

Beattie Pentax Plus Lx - BT0263 - 82410
Beattie | Intenscreen Split Image Diagonal Grid | 82415 | B&H

KEH got a BGN condition one selling for $39 ...

*séamuis* · 09-12-2008, 06:08 AM

ive never heard of these Beattie Intenscreen's. they look good but damn they are expensive..

Nesster · 09-12-2008, 07:07 AM

I got one for my OM2s maybe 10-12 years ago. It is bright and may even be worth it. I'll start a new thread though on other considerations...

While my Beattie is bright and has a good split prism, the overall impression is of a cruder ground glass image than with the stock Olympus screen. This is a trade-off I think between absolute brightness and the tactile (visile?) feel of the screen itself.

frank · 09-12-2008, 04:15 PM

Originally Posted by ChrisPlatt

FWIW when it comes to focusing brightness isn't everything.
A screen that's too bright may actually be harder to focus,
so my advice is to try before you buy...

Chris

The problem for most users is that we can't try a focusing screen before we buy. It's the other way around ...

Rico · 09-13-2008, 10:17 AM

Bruce

Another consideration is that the different screens are suited for particular focal lengths. The split screens are better for normal to wide angle and the center microprism screens are better suited for telephoto. The center microprism screens are also better for larger f stops below f2.

wlachan · 09-13-2008, 10:38 AM

You might use the MZ-M split focus screen on MX. It will be slightly smaller but will work and a lot brighter than the original MX screens. But it has to be purchased from Pentax parts department as it is not being sold as accessory.

baltochef920 · 09-14-2008, 06:17 PM

Thanks to all for the info in your posts..

Chris Platt--Thanks for the link to the e-Bay seller..

wlachan--Thanks for the heads up on the M-ZM screen..I'll check with Pentax on the cost..

Bruce