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Hello everyone, I am new to the forum, entering into the world of large format photography.
I received a speed graphic in the mail and am excited to start trying it out. However, I notice that the ground glass seems to be missing. I posted pictures for reference, but could anyone see if anything else might be missing in there? And if it is only ground glass, is it as easy to replace as people say it is online?
Thank you! I am still learning.
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Hello! I cant see any other part missing since the focusing hood is opened, but i can see that both ground glass holders are present, so you wount have any problem installing a new glass. Replacing a ground glass is an easy procedure which only requires a screwdriver.
Best regards,
Alex.
To get you started, https://www.largeformatphotography.i...l=1#post729978
You need to find out exactly what model and year, then study
My Speed had Fresnel and GG from factory.
Until you get the GG you really want, you can make your own by using the finest wet/dry abrasive paper from your local auto shop, laid down on plate glass, smothed flat all the way across the paper glass contact area, and take a piece of single thickness cut glass, the size of the camera's GG and gently and slowly, begin to make figure eights on the paper.
Check every three minutes or so, until you have an evenly ground surface, then wash with Dawn Liquid, no soap, and dry.
On a lint free piece of paper, lay the ground surface up and take a rule and make whatever grid pattern you want with a HB technical pencil.
Done correctly this will serve, my 4" x 5" Speed Graphic Camera's GG was made this way, by me, many years ago, and I've never had an issue with it, though a Fresnel would be great.
One last tip; if you can salvage a flatbed scanner, with a clean, unmarked glass screen, use that glass for your GG and make spares to carry with your film holders, between two pieces od 3mm birch plywood, like Woodcraft sells, with Rubber bands holding them in place.
Just be sure to grind the screens 'top' surface where papers were placed, so any defects that may be there, are dealt with and use the protected side for your viewing side of your camera.
Good luck.