Linhof Technika V - Ground Glass is Dim.

[stephenmcateer]

I recently acquired a 1972 year model Technika V.

I'm finding the ground glass to be pretty dim.

Are more recent Technika ground glasses brighter?

Would I be able to fit one myself?

Thanks for any advice.

[Bob Salomon]

The current one is much brighter and is easy to fit.

[stephenmcateer]

Great. Thanks Bob.

[David Lindquist]

Is see Linhof & Studio has these in stock. Since you ask for advice, here's my thoughts for what they are worth: There are two styles, one is "multi-format"; in addition to a grid of 1 cm squares it has outlines for 6 x 7, 6 x 9 and 6 x 12 cm. If you think you might use any of those three formats in addition to 4 x 5 then I expect you would want that one. I don't use any of those three formats and personally find their presence makes the ground glass a bit "busy." So I like the simpler version that just has the 1 cm grid.

David

[stephenmcateer]

Is see Linhof & Studio has these in stock. Since you ask for advice, here's my thoughts for what they are worth: There are two styles, one is "multi-format"; in addition to a grid of 1 cm squares it has outlines for 6 x 7, 6 x 9 and 6 x 12 cm. If you think you might use any of those three formats in addition to 4 x 5 then I expect you would want that one. I don't use any of those three formats and personally find their presence makes the ground glass a bit "busy." So I like the simpler version that just has the 1 cm grid.

David

Thanks David. The markings on the ground glass are something I was thinking about: I like as few markings as possible so I'll probaby go for the simple grid. [6x12 interests me but if I ever get a 6x12 back I can always get the correct glass for it — they're not hugely expensive.]

[Tin Can]

Try washing the GG

Most are filthy and dim

Grind does make a difference, my 1950's OE studio 4X5 Linhof has very coarse grind

but it has uses too

[stephenmcateer]

Try washing the GG

Most are filthy and dim

Grind does make a difference, my 1950's OE studio 4X5 Linhof has very coarse grind

but it has uses too

Thanks. Hadn't thought of that. I bought a new glass from Linhof. I believe it should improve things quite a bit.

[LabRat]

Whatever you try, carefully note the orientation of GG + fresnel surfaces as you remove the old to make sure they are reassembled correctly, or a focusing error can be introduced...

If you wash GG, it will wash off lines on it, but I just draw in new ones with a hard lead pencil + drawing/measuring instruments...

Steve K

[Greg]

Years ago the GG on my 11x14 Burke & James view camera was also "dim". Took the GG out and very, very lightly scrubbed it with a very soft brush in a diluted Ivory soap solution. Rinsed it several times under the tap, and then finally a few times with distilled water. Dried it slowly using a hand held drier. I swear after doing this, the GG was X2 times brighter. Used the same posted procedure for cleaning a front surfaced telescope's mirror... Google it.

[stephenmcateer]

Whatever you try, carefully note the orientation of GG + fresnel surfaces as you remove the old to make sure they are reassembled correctly, or a focusing error can be introduced...

If you wash GG, it will wash off lines on it, but I just draw in new ones with a hard lead pencil + drawing/measuring instruments...

Steve K

Okay thanks. I looked at the hardware that secures the glass — 6 screws, a couple of plates and I think some shims. Hopefully fitting the new one won't be too difficult. I may put the old one on eBay to recoup some of the cost of the new one.