Ground Glass focusing ???

Gerry M · Mar 16, 2009

Sorry about this question. It probably has an obvious answer, but I'll ask anyway. I would like to use the GG focus screen on my, new to me, Crown Graphic 23. I have been using the RF and optical VF so far. I tried the GG for the first time today in fairly bright sunlight. It was very difficult/impossible to see the screen, even when wearing a billed cap. Is a dark cloth the only answer? Also, while begging information, it sure seems fiddly to compose/focus, then remove GG back and install rollfilm back before squeezing the trigger. Is this the correct sequence? Thanks for any input.
Gerry

Ian Grant · Mar 16, 2009

Graphic screens are very poor, I measured mine last Summer (on a 5x4) and it was 3 stops dimmer than my Wista's screen. You might look for a better screen. I have one waiting for me when I next return to the UK.

That is the sequence it's just the same with a 5x4 and dark-slides. When working hand-held I focus on the screen, slide in the darkslide (film holder), remove the sheath re-frame using the wire frame or optical finder & shoot.

Ian

ic-racer · Mar 16, 2009

It may indeed be dark. For general composing make sure the lens is wide open. There are a lot of threads on dim Graphic screens. Some have just cleaned them or replaced them. Adding a fresnel can also help.

On my Horseman FA with a Fresnel, much of the time it is bright enough that I can use the fold out screen shade on the back without the dark cloth.

Fotoguy20d · Mar 16, 2009

My preference is to remove the metal hood and use a dark cloth (usually a black t-shirt). The metal hood just gets in the way when trying to get in with a loupe. A fresnel does help a bit. As does a faster lens (f6.8-f8 is dim indeed)

The roll film holder with ground glass is a nuisance. That's been my method and I finally started using sheet film with a grafmatic or double sided holder - at least that way you don't have to pull out the ground glass panel.

Dan

Vaughn · Mar 16, 2009

Gerry...I was working a Mamiya Super 23 in that manner a week ago. It is a bit of a hassle...a vest with pockets helped so that I did not have to set down the GG when putting on the roll back. And I could have the 6x7 and the 6x9 backs in my pockets so both were handy depending on what the scene called for. As far as your sequence of events, that sounds good...just don't forget to pull the darkslide on the roll back before clicking the shutter!

I removed the hood for the day and used a darkcloth. I am very near sighted, so I can get my eye within 3" or so to focus. I primarily use a view camera, so the routine of GG focusing and inserting the roll back seemed "normal" to me...but I was thinking that a 35mm camera user would find it quite a bit awkward and time consuming.

The advantage of the GG viewing (if it is accurately marked) is that one can fine-tune one's edges of the image. I find that the edges of the image helps to define what is in the middle, and so are very important.

Vaughn

Gerry M · Mar 16, 2009

Thanks to all for the response. I should have said that my CG has a 105mm f3.7 Ektar. When focusing (aperture wide open), the screen seems bright enough, it's the sunlight blasting through the folding hood that blanks things out. Probably then, the black T shirt/ dark cloth/ no folding hood will be a necessity. Good tip on the vest, with all the various pieces needed, it will probably come in very handy. I do have 4, double sided sheet film holders, but have no darkroom, so can only process in a daylight tank. I have a couple of Patterson's and a Jobo tank for roll film, but nothing for sheet film (which I would like to try). I guess I am digressing from my original question though.
Gerry

Fotoguy20d · Mar 16, 2009

I picked up a Yankee sheet film tank on ebay - I think with shipping it cost me little more than $20. It'll handle up to 12 sheets of 4x5.

Dan

Gerry M · Mar 16, 2009

Fotoguy20d said:
I picked up a Yankee sheet film tank on ebay - I think with shipping it cost me little more than $20. It'll handle up to 12 sheets of 4x5.

Dan

Will the Yankee do 2 X 3?

JRJacobs · Mar 16, 2009

Gerry M said:
Will the Yankee do 2 X 3?

Yes, it will. The film holder is adjustable, similar to plastic roll film reels (slides closer or further apart).

fschifano · Mar 16, 2009

The metal hood on my Crown is a pain to use, just like your's is to you. However, it detaches fairly easily and I leave it on the camera to protect the ground glass. If I must use the ground glass, I remove it then use a dark cloth. I got so fed up with it though, that I fixed the rangefinder and now use it mostly as a hand held camera. For tripod work, I use a Graphic View II. With the tripod and all, it's a bear to cart around and I sure wouldn't use it for back packing. But with a rolling cart for the camera and accessories in its case and the tripod it's not too bad.

Fotoguy20d · Mar 17, 2009

Gerry M said:
Will the Yankee do 2 X 3?

Yes, it will. But, mine is an FR as it turns out. But, it will do 2x3 also.

Dan

David A. Goldfarb · Mar 17, 2009

Not everyone gets along with folding hoods. I usually bring a wide brimmed hat along for some extra shade. A darkcloth is better, but usually I'm using the folding hood in areas where I want to avoid using a darkcloth, so that I can be aware of my surroundings.

A fresnel, which you may already have, will give even out the illumination of the screen, but at the expense of having a narrower viewing angle. With a 105/3.7, you shouldn't actually need a fresnel. It helps more with wide lenses.

You may just need to clean the groundglass, which usually isn't too difficult to remove. If you decide to try this, keep track of the position and orientation of the groundglass and the fresnel if there is a fresnel lens, so you can put them back in the same way. If the groundglass has markings or grid lines, they may come off when you clean it, so you may want to test in a small area. You can just rinse the groundglass and the fresnel with warm soapy water and let them dry.

Ground Glass focusing ???

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