New To LF - using an old Calumet 4x5

[Steve8088]

I am new to LF photography. I am using a Schneider-Kreuznach 75mm lens. I have to use a recessed lens board to focus. This is my problem , the ground glass on this camera is frosted (and lacks composition guides / lines) and the image appears somewhat muted ( I don’t know if this is the right term) . Is it possible to get better image quality by changing to a different glass ? And can anyone suggest where I could obtain a new glass.
Thanks
Steve

[BrianShaw]

Ground glass is supposed to be frosted; otherwise it doesn't wok very well to produce an image that you can focus. The composition lines are a convenience and not required... maybe not even as helpful as onemight think.

Are you sure that the image is really in focus? Describing as "somewhat muted" makes me think maybe not. A different ground glass might make the situation a little brighter but maybe not as much as you expect if your basis of comparison is a SLR.

it is not clear which old Calumet you are using, but for some the recessed lens board is only one thing necessary to focus a short lens. More details (pic) of your gear would help.

[djdister]

If by "muted" you mean it is a bit dark and hard to focus, make sure the aperture (f stop) is at its largest setting, which may be something like f/5.6 or more likely f/8.

Other lenses will offer a faster (wider) maximum aperture, yielding a brighter image to focus on. Also, adding a fresnel lens to your groundglass will help, in addition to using a focusing loupe and dark cloth.

[Peter_Jones]

I had similar issues with an old MPP and a SA90/8 - I cut a cheap and cheerful "page magnifier" fresnel down to size, and placed over the ground glass, resulting in a better spread of light, and a much more "see-able" image. Had to make sure the darkcloth wasn't letting much light in though, as it was quite reflective. I'm sure a proper fresnel designed for the purpose would be worth seeking out.

[ic-racer]

I am using a ...75mm lens

That would be a tough lens to learn how to use a view camera. Do you have access to a 150mm?

[mdarnton]

Name of the lens you have, please, beyond the maker's name you gave? Not all 75mm lenses are suitable for 4x5

Also, where are you? Some of us might be local to you and be able to help.

[Tom Monego]

Is the 75 able to focus on the camera? Been a while but I thought a 90mm was the shortest lens that could be used on the standard Calumet, there was a wide angle version, the rail on that camera was 10 inches to a foot in length while the standard was about 18 inches. The other issue with the longer rail on the standard camera is even a 90mm would catch the rail in the image. Look for a 150mm to start, f4.5 or 5.6 normal lenses are much brighter on ground glass than wide f8s. The edges are easier to see too.
KEH has decent prices for lenses, also look at B&H or Adorama used departments. If you don't mind no warranty there is always Craig's List or Ebay, I'd stick with the established stores.

[DrTang]

are you using a dark cloth over the camera back and yourself to focus - you know..like old timey photographers did (guess what - they still do)

if not - it would be dang hard to focus, esp with that lens and almost impossible outdoors

[ImSoNegative]

yes that would definitely be hard lens to learn with, better a 150 or 180, can a 75mm even focus on a calumet without a recessed board? I don't think it can, my old sc wouldn't even focus a 90 without one, and unless its the super angulon it wont cover 4x5 I don't believe

[ImSoNegative]

if its an sc you have to move both standards in front of the tripod mount, if its one of the 401s or whatever they are called can it even focus a 75?