Graflex Graphic View GG replacement

henk@apug · Aug 16, 2011

Hello,

I would like to replace the GG on the Graflex graphic view I just bought.
As you can see on the picture I think the ground glass on it is not original and it is
Not held by screws. Could I see some pictures of graphic view owners
Of your graphic view cameras back to see how it is supposed to be ?

Thank you !

Henk

Jon Shiu · Aug 16, 2011

If you go on ebay and do a search you can find some pictures. The ground glass is held in place with a metal frame that has a door and hood attached. Your ground glass looks too small. As you may know it is important that the ground glass plane be positioned correctly (equal to the film holder film position) so that photos will be in focus.

Jon

...er, never mind. didn't realize it was GVII with graflok back.

Dan Fromm · Aug 16, 2011

Go ask at www.graflex.org. I could be mistaken, but I don't think the focusing panel is original issue for a Graflok back made by Graflex. I take it you have a GV II.

Someonenameddavid · Aug 16, 2011

pictures of the GV2

The GV2 uses spring metal retaining prongs to hold the ground glass in place, the metal viewing hood detaches completely with minor difficulty

hope this helps sorry for the poor quality d******* pics

David

Jim Jones · Aug 16, 2011

Jon describes the Graphic back typically supplied with the first model of the Graphic View. Yours appears to be the Graflok back that was common on the Graphic View II camera. The two backs are interchangeable. The two clips that originally held the ground glass (and perhaps a fresnel lens) have been replaced on your camera with something else. These clips also retained the snap-off hood. If the ground glass frame was built for the fresnel lens, a proper fresnel lens must be mounted in front of the ground glass for correct focusing. If the frame was built for no fresnel lens, no fresnel lens should be used for the same reason. In this instance, the front surface of the ground glass should be about .190 inches from the surface of its frame that rides against the film holder. On my camera, the fresnel is about .150 inches from the surface of the frame.

edit: It takes this old man a long time to research and post anything. Dan and David posted while I was struggling with it.

brucemuir · Aug 16, 2011

My Pacemaker Speed and Graphic View II (w/spring back) both have the same clips Jim shows above.

It looks like someone made those on the OP's camera...but you knew that.

filmamigo · Aug 16, 2011

Is there a good source for ground glass for these? I also have a Graphic View II. It came with a broken GG, and I ended up (crudely) cutting down a Toyo glass to fit. Is there a source for OEM or compatible replacements?

Wade D · Aug 17, 2011

http://stores.ebay.com/Steve-Hopfs-Ground-Glass-Store?_rdc=1
This guy on ebay is really good. I needed a GG for my Crown Graphic with Graflok back.
He custom cut and ground it for a very reasonable price. At least 2X brighter than the broken original.

henk@apug · Aug 17, 2011

Thanks for the answers !

I am new to 4x5 hence my following question(s) :

In comparison to Jim's picture I see that my gg is positioned OK.
For the focussing, since the gg is in a graflok back, the position
is automatically OK right ? Or does the thickness off the gg must be correct as well ?

Could I replace the gg with a gg of a different vendor that has graflok backs,
say for example shen-hao, chamonix... or has it to be customed made ?

As for lenses are lensboards for this camera still used (easely available ?).
(If I wanted to buy another lens)

By the way I bought the camera for 150$, with a graflex 135 f4.7 on it.
The only thing in not so good shape is the gg, the rest seems very ok.

Thanks again,
Henk

Wade D · Aug 18, 2011

The film holder slips under the GG back and the film will be where the GG was so focusing shouldn't be a problem.
The Graflok back takes a slightly smaller GG than most backs so it is important to get one that fits properly. Specify that you have a Graflok on a Graphic View.
Lens boards are a standard size, I believe 4"x4", and are readily available or one can be made quite cheaply.

henk@apug · Aug 18, 2011

Thanks Wade !

I have contacted Steve Hopfs for a new gg

Jim Jones · Aug 18, 2011

Henk, the thickness of the ground glass is unimportant. Only the position of the surface towards the lens is critical, and that is determined by the frame and by the existance or absence of a fresnel lens. Accurately measuring the diminsion given earlier will show if a fresnel was originally used. If a fresnel was used, the ground glass can still be used without a fresnel by shimming it back about .040". Not all fresnels have the same thickness. Casually interchanging them may result in focusing errors.

Lens boards for this camera are the fairly standard 4" square boards used on many other cameras of that day. They can be built up from 1/8" plywood, MDF, or other material with basic woodworking tools and skills. They also can be milled down from the same material 1/4" thick on a table saw or router.

Graflex Graphic View GG replacement

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