Rolleiflex 2.8A: on mirror and ground glass brightness

[alberto]

I recently got as a gift an excelent Rolleiflex 2.8a #1154034 (1949-1951, Opton), very good technical and look conditions, fully serviced. I have only a doubt: the image through the ground glass looks no that bright (3-4 stops darker than true). Moreover, light is not even through the whole glass: while the centre is bright (good for critical focusing), corners fade smoothly in a grey shade. Is that normal? Should the almost 60 years old glass be replaced with a newer and brighter one?

thanks!

[JanBoettcher]

Congratulations!

The 2,8A still has a ground glass, no bright screen ... but as soon, as you have viewed the first pics taken with it, you'll come to the conclusion: This is not a users' camera anyway.

It is possible to install a bright screen and clean (or replace) the mirror, but it is more reasonable to get a Rolleiflex T (as a shooter) for the money.

Best
Jan