DIY Rigid Fresnel

[Peter De Smidt]

If you don't like Fresnel lenses as a ground glass viewing aid, then this thread is not for you. I don't want to argue about whether one prefers them. We're adults and can make our own informed choices. I like to be able to see the whole composition easily, and so I prefer them. The method is simple. Buy a rigid Fresnel 2x page magnifier. I bought mine at Staples. Cut it down on tablesaw with the center of the Fresnel at the center of the ground glass. Install on the back of the ground glass with the ridges on the outside. Focus your loupe on the grain of the ground glass. Enjoy. For me, they work best with moderate wide angles, which I use the most. I've tried 3x Fresnels, and for my focal length lenses they don't work as well.

[BrianShaw]

Heard.

[diversey]

This is helpful! I am looking for a fresnel screen. Do you have the fresnel catalog number from Staples?

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Magnifier...EAAOSwBahVRS38

I installed some like these in my Plaubel Makina IIIR and II. I like them!

I used scotch magic tape to install them on the OUTSIDE of the glass.

[RedGreenBlue]

I'm not sure I understand the suggestion for mounting the fresnel. If the fresnel is mounted on the outside (loupe, not lens side) of the ground glass, and the ridges are facing the photographer, is the loupe pressed against the ridges and potentially damaging them? Or is the fresnel harder than the soft plastic ones I'm familiar with? Or...

Scott

[Peter De Smidt]

Yes, just as Sinar does it. I have A Sinar version that’s decades old. It’s marked up a bit but it works fine. You can always spend $10 in a few years if it gets too scratched.

[RedGreenBlue]

OK, got it. 5 bucks/year I can afford.

[alex from holland]

Mount it (the ridges) towards the grinded side of your ground glass and it will have the same effect.
But than it is protected by the glass

[Bob Salomon]

Mount it (the ridges) towards the grinded side of your ground glass and it will have the same effect.
But than it is protected by the glass

Provided your gg placement is corrected for the Fresnel underneath it to prevent a focus shift.

[esearing]

Chamonix uses a thin piece of glass over the Fresnel so it doesn't get scratched. Lens > groundGlass > Fresnel > thin glass. The only issue I have with this arrangement is fogging in humid conditions.