How do I remove Beam Splitter Glass

[Brooklyn45]

I am in the process of fixing a Busch pressman D and find I need to replace the beam splitter.. Inside the Kalart everything is very clean.. Prism mirror looks good.. but the beam splitter is toast..
I have found a couple of sources on the web for new glass but need advice on how to get the old one out without wrecking the mount... Help me Spock...

[Brooklyn45]

Lots of views but no replies.. someone must have done this ??

[rfesk]

I have seen it mentioned in the past somewhere -- You may want to try acetone or nail polish remover. Just a small drop.

[Duolab123]

I have a Crown Graphic, the glass was shot. I cut a piece from a Polaroid range finder and glued it on top of the original. Works fine. Not very elegant. There are guys that will make it like new for 3-400 bucks.
The Polaroid rangefinders were outstanding.

[Duolab123]

Yeah, mine is a Kalart too. I think Zeiss Ikon supplied Polaroid with rangefinder components. I got my mirror out of a Polaroid Big shot.

[Brooklyn45]

3-400 Bucks.. no.. you must be talking about having someone else do the work... you can buy the glass for less than 20 bucks..

I may try the acetone drop..

[woodlandSerenade]

When I replaced the beamsplitter glass in my Speed Graphic, I was able to loosen the adhesive from the edges of the glass by gently chiseling at it with a very small flathead screwdriver. The adhesive was certainly past it's prime, and it dropped right off once it separated from the glass. I've found that a small drop of cyanoacrylate (super) glue right at the edge of the glass holds it in place without getting wicked to the viewing surfaces. Best of luck!

[Brooklyn45]

Acetone had no effect at all.. `I tried the chiseling with a triangular scalpel.. and managed to break the glass off.. so now I will just have to file it down and glue the new piece onto the stump..