Getting Back to Large Format for Landscapes

brianentz · Apr 19, 2020

I'm getting back into Large Format Photography. After 30+ years. I just ordered an Intrepid 4x5 MK4 and a few lenses, etc... It will be several weeks until I get my new camera. Can't wait to get out in the field with the new set up.

Anticipating having some difficulty focusing, I have been researching ground glass and fresnel lenses. Seems like a number of companies that made upgraded focusing screens are out of business. Only Bill Maxwell seems to be operating still. Spoke to him the other day. From what I hear from others he has always had the best product. It's a bit pricey for me right now. Was hoping for some updated information from members here.

Some people say to apply some wax to the screen and that can make focusing easier. Some folks are selling screens on eBay that claim to be, effectively, a ground glass and fresnel screen sandwiched together offering two stop increased brightness. I see where sometimes a Beattie Intenscreen shows up on eBay, but may or may not fit my new cam.

Right now I'm thinking I should wait till I get a hold of my camera and perhaps wax the screen or maybe add a fresnel screen or both.

Any advice?

Donald Qualls · Apr 19, 2020

I've got plain ground glass in both my Speed Graphic and my Graphic View. I've never had a problem seeing to focus, even on a bright day -- and I've never owned a dark cloth, I just use the hoods built into the ground glass backs that came with both cameras.

Now, the slowest lens I have for these cameras is my 150mm Componon, at f/5.6, but when I remove the front group to use the ~250 mm rear group, it's effectively about f/13 -- and I can still see well enough to focus. If you went ahead and got a Black Jacket or other proper dark cloth, you'll have more trouble focusing your eyes close enough to see if your camera is in focus, than you will with ground glass brightness.

Ariston · Apr 19, 2020

I have to have a dark cloth for my Speed Graphic, and it does have a hot spot. I also have an old Wista that doesn't fare much better; and I wish I had a gridded ground glass for it, because I am new to movements. Having a dark glass with no grids makes it especially hard to learn... at least for me.

I tried to get in touch with Steve Hopff, but he never returned my email, unfortunately. I wonder if he is retired.

Bob S · Apr 19, 2020

Wista sells a grid gg. Check them out.

Bob S · Apr 19, 2020

2 stops brighter then what?

GKC · Apr 19, 2020

brianentz said:
I'm getting back into Large Format Photography. After 30+ years. I just ordered an Intrepid 4x5 MK4 and a few lenses, etc... It will be several weeks until I get my new camera. Can't wait to get out in the field with the new set up.

Anticipating having some difficulty focusing, I have been researching ground glass and fresnel lenses. Seems like a number of companies that made upgraded focusing screens are out of business. Only Bill Maxwell seems to be operating still. Spoke to him the other day. From what I hear from others he has always had the best product. It's a bit pricey for me right now. Was hoping for some updated information from members here.

Some people say to apply some wax to the screen and that can make focusing easier. Some folks are selling screens on eBay that claim to be, effectively, a ground glass and fresnel screen sandwiched together offering two stop increased brightness. I see where sometimes a Beattie Intenscreen shows up on eBay, but may or may not fit my new cam.

Right now I'm thinking I should wait till I get a hold of my camera and perhaps wax the screen or maybe add a fresnel screen or both.

Any advice?

My advice is to wait until you get the camera, then us it "as is" first (with a loupe of course,)
Maybe you don't need anything else.

brianentz · Apr 19, 2020

Thanks for all this input. It's great to have a forum to check in on for things like this. I will wait until I've used the camera for a while and then decide.

RalphLambrecht · Apr 19, 2020

Donald Qualls said:
I've got plain ground glass in both my Speed Graphic and my Graphic View. I've never had a problem seeing to focus, even on a bright day -- and I've never owned a dark cloth, I just use the hoods built into the ground glass backs that came with both cameras.

Now, the slowest lens I have for these cameras is my 150mm Componon, at f/5.6, but when I remove the front group to use the ~250 mm rear group, it's effectively about f/13 -- and I can still see well enough to focus. If you went ahead and got a Black Jacket or other proper dark cloth, you'll have more trouble focusing your eyes close enough to see if your camera is in focus, than you will with ground glass brightness.

I've never had much of a problem focusing either.I've never had much of a problem focusing either. I suggest you wait for your camera and your lenses and try it first Siri I suggest you wait for your camera and your lenses and try it. You may not have to spend much money on an expensive screan.

Alan Gales · Apr 20, 2020

RalphLambrecht said:
I've never had much of a problem focusing either.I've never had much of a problem focusing either. I suggest you wait for your camera and your lenses and try it first Siri I suggest you wait for your camera and your lenses and try it. You may not have to spend much money on an expensive screan.

Such good advice that you had to say it twice, Ralph!

Getting Back to Large Format for Landscapes

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