Ground Glass Replacement

[Nathan Potter]

Alas! I've broken my best GG that I've had for 40 years. So far I can't find a replacement and the original is unmarked. It came originally as part of a Leitz copy camera (4X5) with a Linhof back. Maybe more than 40 years old! Image of what it looks like is below. The clear cross area is what is really valuable for precise focus along the edge of the grind and the clear area, from center to corner. Actual glass size is 125.7 mm X 99.5 mm actually a little too short for the old linhof back I use on my TK45 - the clips barely hold it in place - well, finally they didn't.

I suppose this could be an old Linhof product but I'm not able to find any references. Anyone have any idea of the source and where I might get an equivalent in todays market?

If I'm desperate enough I'll make one using platers waterproof tape to mask the cross area from abrasion but that's kinda tricky and a big pain in the neck.


_DSC0746 by hypolimnas, on Flickr

Nate Potter, Austin TX.

[Bob Salomon]

We may still have one of these old Linhof Micro Screens in stock. Call me when I am back in the office tomorrow and I can check. 800 735-4373 x15. The one we might have was the last version without the clear cross but with a clear center spot.

[Nathan Potter]

Bob thanks, I have one with a clear center spot (Linhof) but I find the corner to corner clear X indispensable. By the way do you perchance remember any old stock that was like the one I pictured?

I now have a bit of a clue that possibly Leitz contracted with Zeiss to produce this screen, but that info is fuzzy.
I would have guessed that it was a Linhof screen. Date bought with the Leitz Macro copy setup was about 1964.
Don't ask how I kept it in one piece for 50 years with constant use!

Nate Potter, Austin TX.

[Roboflick]

Just a suggestion, maybe one of the ground glass guys on ebay can grind one to your specifications?

Nik

[Roboflick]

I have no connection to this seller, but his feedback looks good, maybe try contacting him
Nik

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x5-Machine-...item2a21fe1a4d

[E. von Hoegh]

Just a suggestion, maybe one of the ground glass guys on ebay can grind one to your specifications?

Nik

A screen like that could be made by masking the areas you want to remain clear and blasting the glass; I'd try very fine sand or coarse pumice (on a trial piece) and go from there.

[IanG]

A screen like that could be made by masking the areas you want to remain clear and blasting the glass; I'd try very fine sand or coarse pumice (on a trial piece) and go from there.

It could also be etched, but neither would be as bright as a modern screen and the chances are the original wasn't either. If Bob has a later version it may be muich better.

Ian

[cowanw]

Or grind a new one and tape off the required grind area and spray the x with clear lacquer

[Ari]

I have no connection to this seller, but his feedback looks good, maybe try contacting him
Nik

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x5-Machine-...item2a21fe1a4d

That's Steve Hopf, nice guy, well-known and respected here.
It's worth a try; he does answer emails himself, and tries to accommodate as much as he can.

[Bob Salomon]

I checked inventory when I got in this morning and we have a 57 clear spot left but none in 45 or 23.