Technikardan 23 Ground Glass Replacement

[Matthew Gorringe]

I'm looking at buying a TK23S in the near future. While very impressed with the engineering of the camera, the GG is woeful. There's no fresnel fitted at the moment but even allowing for that the image is very dim. Bob at HP has suggested that I may not have the latest version of the Linhof glass and that replacing it and using the Linhof fresnel might help a lot. Because the camera I'm buying is used it's hard to tell which version I have now.

On the other hand I'm used to using a Maxwell screen on my Ebony23 and would be confident in buying another one for the Linhof if I could be sure the replacement would be a simple affair.

Has anyone replaced the GG on their TK23S and was it an easy operation?

 

[naturephoto1]

I replaced the GG of my Linhof Technikardan 45S with a Satinsnow GG. Not difficult. Just make sure everything goes back in the correct position and order. The Satinsnow GG is I would guess at least 1 stop brighter and easier to focus than the original Linhof GG. The replacement can be used with or without the Linhof Fresnel Screen. I like the Satinsnow GG so much that I have one on order from Dave Parker for my new 2lb 12 oz (modified) Toho Shimo FC-45X field monorail camera.

Rich

 

[Matthew Gorringe]

Thanks Rich
How is the 4x5 screen mounted? On the 23 it appears that the rear surface of the back is the precision surface, this means the thickness of the screen will be critical to put the ground surface at the film plane.

 

[naturephoto1]

As I recall, the ground (grind side) glass surface should be nearest the lens. That is the film plane should register at the same plane as the ground glass focusing surface. As a result the actual replacement GG thickness should have no affect on the focus of the camera (Grind Surface should always therefore be at the same plane. The markings are on the smooth surface should be nearer the photographer. The Fresnel Screen if you have one should mount between the GG and the photographer.

Rich