Focusing screen options for R bodies

["joe b." <joe.b@private.nethead.co.uk>]

In message <199607260434.AA05899@halcyon.com>, aubin@halcyon.com writes
>Got one question though.  If I exchange the viewing screen
>for one of those Beattie type screens, will it make an 
>effective improvement in the light level in the SLR 
>viewfinder, and will it effect the light meter in any 
>way??  I've had good success with the screen in the 
>Rollie SL66 but am not sure about these SLR critters with 
>the built in light meters etc.
>I'm not sure this is necessary yet, but just want to 
>know what options I may have.

I would personally go for ease of focusing rather than brightness any
day. The Rollei screen in my SL66 is my all-time favourite! It snaps
into focus very decisively. As for Leica screen options, the screens for
the R series were improved (made brighter) with around the time of the
R5 (although I could swear I had one of these in an R4s/II) and you
could possibly consider one of these rather than a Beattie. I would not
change the Leica screens in my two R bodies for any off-brand versions,
even if you paid me! I understand the metering is not affected by
updating the screens.
-- 
joe b.