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Thread: Waxing ground glass

  1. #1

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    Waxing ground glass

    I read somewhere that waxing a ground glass will in some cases give a brighter view. Does this really work, and if so, does anyone have specific instructions as to type of wax and application that works best.


    Sandy King
    For discussion and information about carbon transfer please visit the carbon group at groups.io
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  2. #2

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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    Back in the early 60s we used shellac, Just sprayed or brushed a thin layer on in a dust free room and let it dry.

  3. #3
    Octogenarian
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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    Sandy,

    It's similar to the principle that the Boss Screen uses. However, the Boss Screen uses a layer of wax between two layers of thin glass.

    Years ago, when we wanted to compose and focus on the ground glass of our Speed Graphics, we would place a dab of Vaseline on the frosted side and wipe off the excess.

    It brightened up the focusing screen quite a bit, but as the Vaseline dried up it tended to pick up dust.

    IMHO, an acid etched ground glass or a Fresnel are much better choices.

  4. #4
    IanG's Avatar
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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    Sandy, I've just read how to make the waxing solution this morning in a pre WWII BJP Almanac, I'll find it for you, just got to find which of the 5 it's in

    As Bob says it's Shellac based.

    Ian

  5. #5

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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    Spray on a thin coat of Krylon brand window frosting. Let it dry before adding a second thin coat if needed. This treatment vastly improved the ground glass on two antique cameras I use. It removes very easily in acetone if you don't like the result.

    Peter Gomena

  6. #6
    Pastafarian supremo Rick A's Avatar
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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    I made a ground glass for my home made 4x5 using plain glass sprayed with Krylon glass frost and it works fine. I dont think its quite as bright as the GG on my Calumet though.
    Rick Allen

    Argentum Aevum

    practicing Pastafarian

  7. #7

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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    I've used waxed paper snugged up on a fresnel magnifier in a pinch. It works just fine.

  8. #8

    Re: Waxing ground glass

    You could try the wax on clear glass. I have worked on a few cameras that came in with that type of ground glass.
    Richard T Ritter
    www.lg4mat.net

  9. #9

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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    Sandy-

    The fellow who taught me photography learned from the fellow who taught him photography (1938-41) --- a small dab of clear nail polish spread as thinly as possible with the brush --- dead center of the ground glass --- produces a brilliant spot to check the focus at a higher magnification than with the gg surface itself.

    Russ Young

  10. #10

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    Re: Waxing ground glass

    Back when the Earth was still cooling, we used good old genuine, and free, nose grease. Elstwise, a little 3 in 1 oil on a cloth, wiped on the ground side works as well as anything. Nose grease ---
    Last edited by Glenn Thoreson; 2-Jul-2010 at 11:48. Reason: I goofed

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