Plastic GGs?

[AgentX]

Hi-

Was hoping the gurus could tell me what options are readily available for "groundglass" that's actually made of plastic. I know there's the Maxwell, but it's a bit steep for me...any other options?

I have an old 8x10 B&J that's had a thick piece of matte window glass on the back for over 10 years since I broke it in transit to Europe as a student...now that I'm using it again I'd like to put something proper on there. Still on the move and don't want to repeat the breakage, however! Anything less fragile than a large pane of glass would be a welcome change.

Thanks.

 

[Stefan Findel]

I had a 4x5 Linhof plastic GG at one time. I would never touch one again. It bent (ever so slightly), making precise focusing impossible. For 2 1/4, plastic may be OK, but not for 4x5 and up. I NEVER had a glass GG break on me, in 35 years.

 

[photomc]

Check with Richard Ritter and see if he can make you one. Richard makes a nice plastic GG for his cameras, and I like the one I have on my Ritter 8x10/7x11. You might call or email (phone calls seem to work better) him and see what he can do.

 

[Ian Grant]

Having just made 15 glass screens from Quarter plate up to 10x8 a couple of weeks ago I'd suggest DIY. It's remarkably easy and the resulting screens are equal to the best glass available commercially.

I've also just ground a large acrylic/plastic screen a few minutes ago which I intend to cut to fit to a Speed Graphic, and keep the rest as emergency spplies. Surprisingly this is harder to grind, more care is needed as it's easy to mark during the grinding process. I can't see a problem making & using a 10x8 acrylic/plastic screen either, the Wista screen/fresnel is acrylic as is the Beattie screen on my 10x8 Agfa Ansco

The total cost for 15 assorted glass screens was less than £15/$24 inc glass. The Silicon Carbide #400 & #600 grit is cheap and goes a long way.

Staples in the US & Canada sell a suitable fresnel screen at a reasonable price.

Ian