Cutting and fitting a Plastic Fresnel Lens

[Greg]

Finally have acquired 2 plastic fresnel lenses for my Whole Plate and 11x14" view cameras. Both fresnels are oversized so have to be cut to working sizes. Both cameras are Charmonix (wooden backs). I have yet to figure out the best way to secure the fresnel lenses to the back standards.

2 questions:

1. How to cut plastic fresnel lenses? Which side is best to cut into?

2. How to mount the fresnel lenses? Any hints or ideas will be very welcome.

thanks

Greg

[Bob Salomon]

If I had to cut them I would go to our local plastic supply/fabrication shop and let them do it properly for a minimum charge. I would mount it to the eye side of the gg with some good, clear, double sided tape in the corners.

[LabRat]

Cut them the way you would cut a sheet of acrylic... Use a plastic cutter knife (or Xacto with more scores), and score it until about half way through the material, then rest the sheet on a piece of wood (as a step), and one over it to clamp the sheet, then press on the cut-off part with another strip of wood to break it off evenly with even pressure... Cut into the groove side so the base breaks evenly...

If thin and flexible, a paper cutter might do it...

Steve K

[vinny]

I've cut them as labrat describes and with a band saw. The band saw produced a smoother result w/o any chips.

[LabRat]

Oh, and don't forget to keep the center of the fresnel centered by cutting off the equal amount from the two sides, and top/bottom...

Steve K