Replacing Speed Graphic ground glass

[Cybertrash]

Hi everybody,

I've an old spring back Pacemaker Speed Graphic in my possession that I'd like to start using more (it is quite a nifty camera after all). That said I find that the ground glass is a bit difficult to use compared to a monorail camera I've used in the studio. When I bought the camera it had the original ground glass in place however I've since modified it by placing a fresnel panel on top of the ground glass, which did improve brightness, but made focusing with a loupe trickier.

My question is, is there any way to replace the existing ground glass with a more modern one, or otherwise improve it?

 

[Ian Grant]

The original Graflex screens are very dim I replaced or reground all mine a few years ago and now they are significantly brighter.

Like you I fitted a fresnel to the outside on a Pacemaker Crown Graphic, I find it very easy to focus now using the focus hood I rarely use a loupe, I'm often using it hand held, You need to shim the two bits that hold the screen/fresnel or the focus hood doesn't lock in place fully.

Ian

 

[Neal]

Dear Cybertrash,

I would contact these folks. They hooked me up nicely with a new glass set for my negative carrier.

EDIT: Ooops. They might be able to help but I looked more carefully at the site and they don't mention ground glass.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra