Horseman 985 Focussing

Andy80F · Nov 6, 2021

I bought a very nice Horseman 985 with the 6x9 120 film back. All works well and focussing is via a rangefinder. However it did not come with a Ground Glass focussing screen and I now think I need one of these to explore the camera movements etc. Does any one know of either a ground glass back for sale or any homemade version I could try and make?

Dan Daniel · Nov 6, 2021

One kludge is to take another film back and put a ground glass at its film plane. I am assuming the 'graflok' or whatever it is called mechanism is still workable for the film back.

madNbad · Nov 6, 2021

Look for an angle finder. They’re about 150 usd but provide the ground glass and are easier to use than a traditional folding back. Had one on a VH-R and it worked great in all types of light.

Dan Fromm · Nov 6, 2021

I have a Horseman angle finder and don't like it. Too dim. But it fits all 2x3 Graflok/international backs, not just and only Horseman.

A 2x3 film pack adapter is a good starting point for a DIY focusing panel. Just make sure to shim the GG back far enough from the front of the FPA. The ANSI standard (here: https://web.archive.org/web/20190227102149/home.earthlink.net/~eahoo/page8/filmhold.html) is 0.197" +/- 0.007 from the front of the film holder (FPA) to the film surface (ground side of the GG, which must face the lens).

madNbad · Nov 6, 2021

I had a Maxwell screen installed in my angle finder and it was much brighter.

Dan Fromm · Nov 6, 2021

madNbad said:
I had a Maxwell screen installed in my angle finder and it was much brighter.

Ah.

Ian Grant · Nov 6, 2021

I've replied to Andy elsewhere but should be able to help him make a focus panel quite quickly and easily and just by chance the wood I have achieves the exact T distance Dan's stated.

It would of course be nice for Andy to have the proper Horseman back but I guess thwe original was lost like the focus panels from many 6.5x9, Quarter plate, and 9x12 plate cameras where the owners just used a Rollex or Rada roll film back and scale or rangefinder focussing.

Ian

Andy80F · Nov 7, 2021

Thanks to Ian Grant and a conversation with an engineering savvy friend I may give making a homemade screen a go and rigid black 5mm plastic sheet seems an inexpensive material to try. I wonder if its a 3d printable item?
The 90 degree finders look interesting but reviews indicate a dim view and its a fairly expensive option particularly if I then need to upgrade the screen to make it useful.

ic-racer · Nov 8, 2021

Might want to check with a dealer that frequents this site: B.S.Kumar. He sells many items from Japan and I frequently see Horseman items. Maybe he can track one down for you.

Andy80F · Nov 20, 2021

I made a screen, using the information from Ian Grant and Dan Fromm, but before the chance to give a proper try and test focus etc a pukka horseman version popped its head up on Ebay and I snapped it up. Arrived today but as family all sat down to watch the Rugby with a few beers, no chance to try it out but tomorrow and I can start playing with movements etc. B.S.Kumar responded also and though his services were not needed he Amy well be a good contact to have.

Horseman 985 Focussing

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