MX focusing screen

KingsleyB · 08-17-2017, 11:05 AM

Unfortunately my MX's focusing screen has dirt embedded in it. I tried cleaning it but the dirt is practically part of the screen now.

Is there a way to clean this? I heard about using lighter fluid or some form of isopropyl alcohol to clean it but I'm not too sure.

If it can't be salvaged where can I get an SC-1 screen from. I really like the microprism collar so would like to stick with that one. Haven't been able to find any on ebay.

Thanks,

Kingsley

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pschlute · 08-17-2017, 01:15 PM - **1 Like**

Go for a beaten up MX being sold for spares, but check with seller condition/type of screen first. I made the mistake of trying to clean the focus screen once and regretted it. i learned to live with tiny hairs and dead insects after that.

KingsleyB · 08-17-2017, 02:57 PM

Yeah I think that's my best bet. None going on ebay in the UK at the moment though, will have to keep an eye out.

Thanks!

**cpk** · 08-18-2017, 12:05 PM - **1 Like**

When I bought my MX in the early 80s I immediately swapped out the original screen and replaced it with an SC-21 grid screen because I did a lot of architectural photography (I still do). When I first saw this post, I looked for it but found only screens for my digital Pentaxes. Not an hour ago I tripped over it in reorganising my equipment. It is a C-21 screen with a split image rangefinder surrounded by a microprism focusing area. It is clean except for a few light abrasion marks; what effect these would have on the image through the viewfinder I cannot say. I would be happy to mail it to you if you send me your address in a pm.

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08-17-2017, 01:15 PM - 1 Like	#2
pschlute Moderator Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Surrey, UK Photos: Gallery Posts: 8,202	Go for a beaten up MX being sold for spares, but check with seller condition/type of screen first. I made the mistake of trying to clean the focus screen once and regretted it. i learned to live with tiny hairs and dead insects after that.

08-17-2017, 02:57 PM	#3
KingsleyB New Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 10 Original Poster	Yeah I think that's my best bet. None going on ebay in the UK at the moment though, will have to keep an eye out. Thanks!

08-18-2017, 12:05 PM - 1 Like	#4
cpk Site Supporter Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Montreal Posts: 638	When I bought my MX in the early 80s I immediately swapped out the original screen and replaced it with an SC-21 grid screen because I did a lot of architectural photography (I still do). When I first saw this post, I looked for it but found only screens for my digital Pentaxes. Not an hour ago I tripped over it in reorganising my equipment. It is a C-21 screen with a split image rangefinder surrounded by a microprism focusing area. It is clean except for a few light abrasion marks; what effect these would have on the image through the viewfinder I cannot say. I would be happy to mail it to you if you send me your address in a pm.