Protective cover plates? (4x5)

[chase]

Hi,
Been a while but here I am again.
I have a Toyo Omega 45D with the 360 rotating back and bi focal viewer. (or whatever it's called). Here a pic of my 45D and rear viewer all together...

However, Once the viewer is removed from the camera it leaves the focusing glass exposed as well the inside of the viewer which has the mirror, etc.

My RB67 has protective cover plates for the camera body and film backs. I'm hoping they make something similar for the Toyo Omega View 45D... Or one that will fit at least by another manufacturer.

I looked on the Toyo Site for this, I didn't find anything for either one. It's not listed as an accessory at any rate.

I'm just an amateur, there's no camera stores left, and Google search... well, somewhat limited these days. I'm just not finding what I'm looking for. Perhaps I'm not using the correct name or keywords... ?

At any rate, I'm coming to Apug in hopes those here might have a source. Or know the correct name for what I'm looking for so I can search some more on my own. Or have a couple lying around you wouldn't mind parting with.

I appreciate any insight and help in this area.
Thanks
- chase -

PS this is off topic but I'm kinda excited having just set up the 45D on it...
I've been using a Tiltall 4602 tripod for my RB67 and 45D... As seen in the images above.

This weekend I picked up a used Bogan 3036 Tripod with a 3047 head in great condition. As stated, I just set up the 45D on it... Oh man! Saaaweet! Rock solid, smooth controls on the head. I'm just so happy with it right now. I goes so low... And so high! Freaking awesome! Just had to tell... well... the world!
Hurray! I finally have a tripod with a removable head!
Yeah.. I'm smiling about it... it's so cool!

Again, thanks in advance for any help you all can give me on the protective cover plates for my camera.

 

[bdial]

I don't know if Toyo makes such a thing, even if they do, obtaining them might be difficult. But, some mat board, or perhaps even cardboard cut to the right size and secured with masking tape or maybe a rubber band will probably take care of the problem.

 

[choiliefan]

I believe what you are looking for is a ground glass protector. I made one out of a thin sheet of plexiglas heated and bent to form a U-shape which slides under the back like a film holder and covers the top of the ground glass as well. Hope this helps.

 

[chase]

Thanks for the replies.

I would think that someone actually makes such a thing.

Mamiya and other MF makers have camera body and film covers.

You'd think with the focus plate being exposed the way it is, someone said, I don't want to remove it, I just want to protect it, perhaps others do too! And started manufacturing it.

I can see it might be somewhat easy to make a board to fit the rear of the camera. The viewer somewhat more of a challenge.

I found blank lens boards (without the hole) for the front of this camera, but my Graflex's as well. Great protection...

There's got to be something for the rear... If not, I'll have to get some ABS or other type plastic and print something out. Though, I'd prefer a manufactured (injection molded) item. No worries about delamination as with 3D printed parts.

I'll keep looking...
Again thanks.

Oh, here's a snapshot of her on the new to me 3036 stand and 3047 head...

Only taken me about 14 yrs... How's that for patients... that said, the Tiltall was my first tripod. It served well.

 

[faberryman]

It is called a ground glass protector. One is available here.

 

[chase]

It is called a ground glass protector. One is available here.

No... That's not going to work for me. I think that's meant if you take off the ground glass and it wraps it.

I need something that will slide into the back, taking the place of the viewer.

And one for the viewer that, either slides on, or clips like the back of the camera.

The back on the camera is kinda like the lens board. Except one side you just slide the viewer in, the other side has the sliding lock.

I'll see if I can find a pic of the back online or snap a shot of it so you have a clear visual of what I mean.

- chase -

 

[John Koehrer]

The picture shows a typical GG protector, It slide in place like a film holder, one side in front of the GG, one behind.

 

[faberryman]

I think that's meant if you take off the ground glass and it wraps it.

Nope.

 

[chase]

Nope.

Hmmm, well, that certainly cleared that up.

I didn't see Johns post explaining how it goes on, but did a search and saw it installed on a couple cameras. As well as different makes.

I still don't think it'll work for me as my back is pretty thick with the 360 back on it. Plus I have the slide lock there that I really don't want to rake plexi/metal, anything, across. But good to know about that style.

Anyway.. here's a snap of the back on mine. You can see the tabs on one side and the slide lock on the other.

And in looking at it, I suppose it would be easy enough to just make a finished board to fit it. Or get a piece of thin acrylic... something.

Additionally in looking through a bunch of pics using ground glass protector as key words. I do see Ebony makes one more like i was looking for. It won't fit my 45D... But they make it.
It's this one:

Found here:

https://www.robertwhite.co.uk/cameras/ebony-5x4-screen-protection-cover.html

At least I have a couple options... If it's out there, I'll find it, I'm patient

That really just leaves the viewer...

 

[Kilgallb]

I made a home made one with a discarded DVD case. I taped my bellows extension table to the inside.

 

[Mick Fagan]

This made me think about my Toyo 45G, I don't use any kind of GG protector, although I probably should.

I have the one from Badger, it is used on my Shen Hao

exclusively. I wondered if it would go on the Toyo, it does.

Attached are some shots of the Toyo and the rear, which incidentally, has a rotating bail back.

Mick.

 

[chase]

@ Kilgallb - A DVD case... Great idea. Funny because, I literally went through my things a month or so ago. I had bought empties for a project, never used them. Gave the entire lot to Goodwill. lol. All my DVD's as well, they're all on hard drive now... who'd of thought. I'm sure I'll run across an empty somewhere. I'll see if it'll fit. Thanks!

@ Mick -

That Shen Hao looks sweet...! But I'm somewhat partial to the wood camera's. They just have a look about them that really like.

I see the acrylic lens protector will go over and around the rear lock slide on the back of the Toyo... With some breathing room. The space in-between is bigger than I thought it would be.
Hmmmm... Well, proofs in the picture as they say. They may work but they sure are an ugly sort. lol.

I have to ask, what is that handle on the back of your Toyo? Is that a combo opening/locking mechanism of some sort? I don't have that on mine.

- chase -

 

[Rick A]

This from Badger Graphic Sales
http://www.badgergraphic.com/opencart/index.php?route=product/category&path=2_82_166

 

[rmann]

I would highly recommend the one from Badger - it is the same as a Canham - simple design that works great and I clip it on my tripod leg when its not on the camera. The Ebony type becomes another thing to lose track of when not on the camera.

 

[chase]

I would highly recommend the one from Badger - it is the same as a Canham - simple design that works great and I clip it on my tripod leg when its not on the camera. The Ebony type becomes another thing to lose track of when not on the camera.

Good point about the Ebony style. I hadn't thought it through as far as the field.

it'll clip onto a set of legs.. hmm. Handy feature for sure.

Thanks for that tip.

 

[Mick Fagan]

@ Mick -

I have to ask, what is that handle on the back of your Toyo? Is that a combo opening/locking mechanism of some sort? I don't have that on mine.

- chase -

That is a Bail Back system. Essentially it is a lever to open the camera back to allow you to insert the film holder with minimum fuss and disturbance. On larger formats they certainly make a difference as the spring tension required to hold 8x10" and larger is quite strong. Having a bail Back allows you to open the back quite easily, compared to doing so by your hands.

I'm not too sure if this link will work, but hopefully it will take you to a bare Bail Back.

http://glennview.com/jpgs/sinar/p/810/backs/midvintage/big_2.jpg


Mick.

 

[wiltw]

Here is my Horseman LX with a Calumet groundglass protector, shown partly inserted. Also, with the binocular viewer mounted and swung out to the side...it cannot lock into place if the groundglass protector is inserted.

With the Horseman in its softsided travel case,

the groundglass assembly has the protective Calumet in place and travels attached to the mainframe standard (hidden by protective cushion of bag).
In the same bag as lenses and film holders is placed the Horseman binocular viewer, knocked down and in two gallon Ziplock bags for dust protection.

I know of no protective cover for the reflex viewer mirror, but I suppose if I was worried enough about the mirror I would drop a suitably sized rectangle of plexiglass in place before collapsing the reflex housing to hold it in place.

Although Calumet is no longer, there happens to be a protector listed on the web right now!
too pricey...
http://www.catlabs.info/product/calumet-universal-4x5-camera-ground-glass-protector

OK in price (although higher than when it was new!)...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Calumet-4x5-Ground-Glass-Protector-Cambo-Sinar-Horseman-Toyo-View-Arca/142181265717?_trksid=p2047675.c100011.m1850&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=38530&meid=c316b7e08bca42c4be7e4e4e4798f1b0&pid=100011&rk=3&rkt=5&sd=272253019608

 

[silveror0]

I was concerned about groundglass breakage as well. I have three Sinar cameras from 4x5 up to 8x10 that have slide locks like most (or all) camera backs that are used for attaching accessories like your binocular viewer. My thought was to slide in a sheet of polycarbonate plastic and lock it in place with the slide locks, and have it custom-cut at a local plastics supplier while I waited. I measured the size I wanted with vernier calipers (not that such precision is really required) and took my camera backs with me to confirm a good fit. It took them just a few minutes to make them for all three cameras, as they were simple rectangular cuts. The polycarbonates are nearly indestructible but will scratch rather easily since they are plastic (the abrasion-resistance surface is an option if desired but not critical for this purpose). You could also request some holes be drilled for tethering (or whatever) when off the camera. The cost was relatively small for all three sheets, using 1/8" (actually .118") for 4x5 and 3/16" (actually .177") for the larger formats. My supplier has stores all over the west coast but will take orders online. Per their website, you can send in your dimensions and have it made and get a quick quote:

http://www.tapplastics.com/product_info/plastics_information/polycarbonate

 

[chase]

Hey thanks for the replies and showing me some of your solutions and gear.

@ Micki - I really like the bail back. I wonder if it'll fit my Toyo Omega 4D... The only issue would be my binocular viewer. It would definitely be in the way. And I like it, especially since i modified the face portal. (I added a rubber seal to keep out stray light and make it more comfortable against my face.) But great to know about it.

@ wiltw - Sweet looking Horseman. I like that your binoculars fold. Mines a single piece, no fold. I have it in a plastic bag for safe keeping. Along with a drier bag.

I saw your glass protector when I was searching google. It's an interesting style.
I like your bag... I've been looking around at some lately. I haven't found anything that really fit the bill for me. I'll know it when i see it.

@silveror0 - I'm thinking if I am going to go with that style and go if I go with plexi, I can just make my own as was suggested. I have the tools and I've worked with plexi before. it's been a while but it's pretty simple design and plexi not that difficult to work with.

I'm still considering one like the Ebony style as well. In the field, I can easily add something to allow it to hang. Or make both styles and see which I like better. There's a thought.

Cheers...