Fuji GSW690 grad nd hack

espressogeek · Mar 16, 2008

Let suppose I wanted to frame up a picture in a high contrast situation and I was shooting slide film. I am a stickler for that just right ND position so approximating position and taking multiple frames is both time consuming and non-exacting. Would it be possible to open the back of the GSW690 while on a tripod and perhaps hold a piece of ground glass to the back of the camera to view and adjust the position of the ND grad filter? Once done I could load the film and shoot my roll.

If so would could cut me a piece of ground glass to the precise height to fit nicely?

Lee L · Mar 16, 2008

Yes, this is possible. I had ground glass cut for 6x9 and 35mm cameras by Dave at Satinsnow. He's backlogged right now and not taking orders currently AFAIK. You could make your own from clear polycarbonate sheet with a light "sanding" using extra fine sandpaper. I've done something similar, but used Japanese water stones (used to sharpen woodworking tools) for the "grinding".

Place the sand paper or emery paper on the flattest surface available and move the clear plastic sheet across it with even pressure. Water makes a good lubricant for this, and it might be best to use waterproof sand or emery paper.

Lee

David A. Goldfarb · Mar 16, 2008

Since you're not actually focusing with the groundglass, it doesn't need to be absolutely precise, so you could do it yourself, and yes it is possible.

Tom Duffy · Mar 16, 2008

All you need to do is check the alignment of the graduated filter at the film plane. A piece of glassine negative envelope would work. Of course you might want to rig some sort of dark cloth to view the glassine better.

Lee L · Mar 16, 2008

Tom Duffy said:
Of course you might want to rig some sort of dark cloth to view the glassine better.

This could be easily done with some black cardboard or plastic, and tape hinges attached to a plex/perspex "ground glass" in a fashion something like a Crown or Speed Graphic back.

Actually, putting a "frosted" style clear tape on the "emulsion" side of a clear piece of plastic would work well as a "ground glass" for checking ND filter alignment, no sanding/grinding required.

Lee

espressogeek · Mar 17, 2008

This makes me very happy. I love TLR's and RF cameras but have always thought I could not do serious landscape work with them. I suppose I will buy a a replacement mamiya body for my TLR lenses and have them serviced so they might once again see a little use.

I am going to try to make a crude viewing glass myself as you all described but if I need to have one cut is there someone else other than the shop listed previously in this thread?

Thanks so much!

espressogeek · Mar 17, 2008

Ill mess around with the tape or perhaps some frosting spray that is used to screen windows. Actually people make some frosting adhesive that is used to provide privacy for windows perhaps I could use that to greater effect.

Fuji GSW690 grad nd hack

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