an almost essential item for the natural light shooter
Written: Oct 22 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: 2 stop light increase makes for easier focusing and composition in low light
Cons: need to compensate in-camera metering and easy to scratch surface
The Bottom Line: I find it to be a valuable tool because I can focus and compose my images at night and in low light.
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| uniq's Full Review: Beattie F/rb67 {d} Si Frame #83314 |
The Beattie "Intenscreen" focusing screen is a third party replacement screen for the Mamiya RB67 Pro and Pro SD models. Its purpose is to intensify the brightness of the image upon the focusing screen therefore making it easier to achieve critical focus and composition in low light conditions. Beattie makes similar screens for scores of 35mm, Medium Format and Large format systems and I have had the pleasure of using several models.
While not the only manufacturer of such screens, Beattie is certainly one of the major players in the aftermarket "bright screen" field and a visit to their website at www.intenscreen.com will fill you in on all the different models available.
Overview:
The Beattie Intenscreen model 83314 for the RB67 is a direct replacement screen for Pro and Pro SD models. Beattie does not make mention of the Pro S model on the website but I also have a Pro S body and was able to verify that the screen did fit as expected. The 83314 model is characterized by its overall matte finish with standard RB67 crop guides and a diagonal split focusing circle. Beattie offers 5 other models for the RB67 including pure matte (no focus circle), matter with horizontal focus circle, matte with grid lines, matte with grid lines and horizontal focus circle and matte with grid lines and diagonal focus circle. Beattie claims these screens will provide a two to two and one half stop increase in light intensity thru the viewfinder. The screen comes with the required mounting frame and exchanges easily with the stock focusing screen. It is constructed of a plastic material and actually weighs less than the stock screen.
Impressions:
Using the Beattie Intenscreen takes a little getting used to, but the results are well worth it. There is an amazing increase in the amount of light transmitted. I made some attempts to measure the intensity difference by swapping screens and taking exposure readings with my PD finder and it does seem that the light is about 2 stops brighter. What is a little unusual about using the Beattie screen vs. the stock screen is that the image kind of "explodes" into view as you put your eye closer to the viewfinder. What I mean is that the image appears fairly ordinary when used in waist level mode but when you put your eye to the WLF diopter the image suddenly intensifies. There is a definite sweet spot for the image and it is very easy to perform composition and critical focus adjustments with the intensified image. I find it less of an issue with the eyelevel prism finder than with the standard WLF or chimney magnifying finder...in fact I find the eyelevel prism finder to be well paired with the Beattie Intenscreen since there is a subtle loss of light vs. the WLF already. The screen compensates for this loss and increases it.
I have used Beattie screens without the focus circle and I find them impossible to focus critically. This may very well be a personal quibble...but I need the rangefinder circle to get everything right. If you rely on focusing by "splitting the difference" between apparent in-focus and out-of-focus zones I find the zone is too large without the focus circle and it is hard to determine exactly where to set critical focus. I much prefer the diagonal split circle to the horizontal one because I find it easier to focus. With a diagonal split you can focus off a horizontal OR a vertical edge on the subject. With the horizontal split you usually have to find a vertical line to focus off of.
One negative to the screen is the need to compensate your exposure settings if you use viewfinder meters. Since the meters for the RB67 read off the focusing screen, the resulting reading will be off by about 2 stops. Since I use a handheld meter unless I am doing macro, copy or severely filtered work I don't find this to be a problem. My primary reason for buying the screen was night work and I use EV tables or a handheld spot. It is difficult enough working at night without having to guess at composition and focus. The Beattie Intenscreen has made a huge difference in my ability to conquer both of these problems in most situations.
I bought one for every camera I own from 35mm to LF.
One major strike against the Intenscreen is its tendency to be easily scratched. It is made from a lightweight plastic that can be marred by the slightest mishandling. Luckily, once placed in the camera it is very difficult to directly touch the screen anyway and a can of compressed air can be used to drive most particles off the screen. If you do not keep the screen in the camera all of the time be sure to be extra careful to handle it by the edges and store it in its case when not in use.
What I like about the Beattie Intenscreen 83314
1. Adds 2 stops making it easier to focus and compose in natural light situations.
2. Installs and removes easily from the camera without any fuss
What I don't like about the Beattie Intenscreen 83314
1. Easy to scratch
2. Requires metering compensation on cameras that take readings off the focus screen (like the RB67)
In closing, if a dim focus screen has been a problem for you in the past then this might very well be the answer. If cared for the screen will last as long as the camera. Its cost/performance ratio is reasonable. Unfortunately it is tough (but not impossible) to find a good one on the used market.
My rating is 4 stars. I think the item performs well, but there is room for improvement and the screen is not cheap.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
uniq
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Member: Bob K
Location: Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio, USA
Reviews written: 109
Trusted by: 13 members
About Me:
An unchallenged opinion is worthlessly held..... (someone important)
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