Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 16

Thread: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

  1. #1
    Name: ______William Booth
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Alabama, USA
    Posts
    195

    Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    I have just acquired a Crown Graphic in excellent condition from a seller on E***. While I plan on shooting 4x5, my primary goal is to contact print Carte de Visites using the Albumen printmaking method. I am going to order a replacement ground glass from Steve Hopf (and Son), and I would like to have him include format markings for this format.

    Given the limited movements of the camera, I'd prefer to take my shots in landscape orientation, and given that the format for CDV images is 2.125"x3.5", the 4x5 film should, in my mind, accommodate that nicely. Given that all CDVs are done in portrait orientation, I'm planning on having him do the 2.125"x3.5" format marking vertically so that I can shoot a portrait-oriented CDV with the camera in the landscape-oriented position.

    Can anyone with a bit more experience in shooting LF point out any caveats, pitfalls, or "oh God no, please don't do it"s that I should be aware of before I order the Ground Glass with format markings done like this?

    Hopefully that was all clear enough, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. I've actually been lurking on these forums for quite a while now, but this is the first question I've had that hadn't been answered already in ten different ways.

    Thanks!

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula
    Posts
    5,808

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    I've marked formats onto GG successfully with pencil on the ground side, grease pen and old-fashioned drafting tape on the smooth side.

  3. #3
    Moderator
    Join Date
    Jan 2001
    Posts
    8,640

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    Quote Originally Posted by fecaleagle View Post
    Can anyone with a bit more experience in shooting LF point out any caveats, pitfalls, or "oh God no, please don't do it"s that I should be aware of before I order the Ground Glass with format markings done like this?
    Like Brian, I've marked alternative formats on the GG. As for having it marked permanently, the worst case is that you'll decide you really don't like the GG that way after all. Then you'll need to reinstall your original GG or perhaps get a replacement, which won't cost very much for 4x5. Which is to say, if you think it will help, go for it!

  4. #4

    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    3,142

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    You can get two CDV images on one 4x5 sheet.....
    One man's Mede is another man's Persian.

  5. #5
    Name: ______William Booth
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Alabama, USA
    Posts
    195

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    Quote Originally Posted by E. von Hoegh View Post
    You can get two CDV images on one 4x5 sheet.....
    This seems like a good idea, but I can't imagine how I would accomplish it without constructing some sort of split back for the camera/film holder. That's a good thought though. Maybe I should sleep on that for a while and just go the pencil route for my format markings for the time being...

  6. #6
    Jon Shiu's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Mendocino, California
    Posts
    1,317

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    What some people do is make a mask out of paper/cardboard and affix it to the back of the ground glass.

    Jon
    my black and white photos of the Mendocino Coast: jonshiu.zenfolio.com

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Sep 1998
    Location
    Oregon now (formerly Austria)
    Posts
    3,397

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    My question is this: Why do you not want to mark the cdv portrait marking in alignment with the portrait orientation of the ground glass? In other words, why a vertical format marking on the horizontal ground glass? Is there an advantage to having it this way?

    I imagine I would keep portrait-to-portrait orientation.

    I agree with the others that you may not need to have Steve Hopf do the marking for you. You can do it yourself with pencil to try it out (in whatever orientation you like) and then, when you want to make it permanent, just get out the fine-point Sharpie.

    FWIW, I've gridded a ground glass or two with a Sharpie, on the viewing side, and it works just fine and is fairly robust.

    Best,

    Doremus

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Dec 2005
    Location
    El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula
    Posts
    5,808

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    Why not consider shootin 6x7 (roll film) in portrait orientation and not worry about the slight difference from the traditional CDV size?

    The more I think about this, I echo Doremus' question about the limitation you've set for shooting portrait images on landscape orientated film. Seems artificially restrictive.. unless your camera cannot support putting the film in portrait format.

    But a split-back sure sound interesting!

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Dec 2006
    Location
    Hamilton, Canada
    Posts
    1,881

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    You mentioned about limited movements, and it is true that you will have more movements on the 4" side of the film but only because you are using less of the image circle to start with.
    Film shifting in the holder may make the long edge of you image close to the edge of the film. You have about 1/4 " to play with given 1/8 on each side will not be exposed any way
    If you shoot in portrait format your image will be more centred on the film and in truth the available movements will be the same.
    Still nothing wrong with what you want to do.

  10. #10
    jadphoto
    Join Date
    Feb 2000
    Location
    Solvang, California
    Posts
    465

    Re: Question about Format Markings on Ground Glass

    Graflex at one time made a split 4x5 back that gave two images on one sheet of 4x5 film. You might find one on ebay or KEH, Midwest Photo or some such.

    It used a standard sheet film holder, fit any camera with a Graflok back and had it's own ground glass. You'd take one shot and then slide the film holder horizontally to uncover the other half of the film. Great for what you're trying to accomplish.

    JD

Similar Threads

  1. To owners of 600mm Fujinon C lens
    By Marco Annaratone in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 12
    Last Post: 30-Apr-2021, 12:28
  2. Are there format markings on Ebony ground glass
    By jesskramer in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 7-Feb-2010, 04:57
  3. Replies: 4
    Last Post: 6-May-2008, 14:05
  4. Fresnel & Ground Glass - Which first?
    By Sheldon N in forum Cameras & Camera Accessories
    Replies: 15
    Last Post: 22-Jun-2007, 11:06
  5. A question about large format optics
    By claudiocambon in forum Lenses & Lens Accessories
    Replies: 24
    Last Post: 14-Feb-2007, 10:54

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •