How do I make my Graflex Crown Graphic's ground glass brighter?

[Certain Exposures]

Have any of you purchased something for this and verified that it makes a noticeable difference? My glass is too dim. I use a F5.6 lens.

[Tin Can]

Wash it inside and out

Maybe regrind by hand, takes no time

I have handmade many GG up to 11X14

I like mine best

Do some research on this forum as it is spelled out many times

[Tin Can]

A 70 year old camera often has a filthy GG, just from dust and pollution

I wash mine in Dawn scrubbing both sides and dry in dish rack

Be gentle IF it has a grid, some grids are pencil

[Certain Exposures]

A 70 year old camera often has a filthy GG, just from dust and pollution

I wash mine in Dawn scrubbing both sides and dry in dish rack

Be gentle IF it has a grid, some grids are pencil

Wash it inside and out

Maybe regrind by hand, takes no time

Thank you! I will try this out. I don't have a grid but I could use one so I might try that too.

[Kevin Crisp]

Are you sure your camera has the proper "ektalite" Fresnel, installed the right way? Many times they are missing. Even so, the gg is a bit on the dark side.

I did have one of my backs converted to a Maxwell screen. It was expensive at the time, and required also sending the back to Maxwell's recommend machinist to make some adjustments to get it to index properly. It was expensive at the time, but a huge improvement.

By the way, Bill Maxwell is winding things down, so if you want one you better act now.

[LabRat]

The later Pacemaker GG's have a plastic fresnel lens between lens/GG, so make sure you carefully note the orientation of grooved side of fresnel and proper stacking order and reinstall exactly, or a focusing error will come to life...

Don't scrub the plastic fresnel with anything rougher than your finger or soft cloth + dishwashing detergent...

If lines wash off, you can make new lines with a sharp pencil and a tri-square...

Good is clean...

Steve K

[Tin Can]

Your next task is making sure the GG distance and your film holders with film agree

These 2 websites are authorities

https://graflex.org/

https://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/Nieuw...%20Cameras.htm

A depth gauge and very careful usage MAY help, I have a lot of tools

https://www.amazon.com/iGaging-Elect...s%2C96&sr=8-11

[Drew Bedo]

Are ther not any 'bright screen" new GG that would just drop in?

I'
d wash it first and see.

[Kevin Crisp]

The unusual lines-facing backward nature of the fresnel is what makes machining necessary when converting to other screens. At least that is my understanding. I don't think shimming cuts it. Why so many used cameras (particular the baby ones) have the fresnel gone I cannot explain. They don't break. Lots of people who stop down probably don't know what they are missing.

[Certain Exposures]

Are you sure your camera has the proper "ektalite" Fresnel, installed the right way? Many times they are missing. Even so, the gg is a bit on the dark side.

I did have one of my backs converted to a Maxwell screen. It was expensive at the time, and required also sending the back to Maxwell's recommend machinist to make some adjustments to get it to index properly. It was expensive at the time, but a huge improvement.

By the way, Bill Maxwell is winding things down, so if you want one you better act now.

I am not sure if it has a fresnel. I'll look into that this weekend. Thank you for the suggestion.

How much did that Maxwell conversion cost you? I don't see myself using this camera forever but if the price is affordable I would consider it. The dim glass makes working quickly in dim light a task.