Making a Ground Glass for a View Camera - It's Easy!

[@ericbudworth5895]

I used Valve grinding paste when I made mine, it was a much smaller quantity to purchase and was fine enough to give me a good result.

[@tonysantophotography]

That’s a great idea! Thank you for sharing with all of us. 😎

[@paradisepictures1527]

Good video. One suggestion - put double-sided tape between the underside of the glass and the cardboard to avoid any of the carborundum getting between them and grinding the plain side of your new piece - otherwise you risk getting a double image on the GG.

[@tonysantophotography]

That's a great tip! Thanks for sharing and taking the time to watch. Tony

[@Roma-mr1ry]

And one more - author uses way too much abrasive. It may cause uneven and scratched surface. Easily divide by five or more. Theoretical ideal - one layer of abrasive particles. Anyway respect and thank you for inspiration.

[@MichaelWellman1955]

Thanks for this video. May be the best video out there. A simple quick fix for ground glass replacement.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for the kind words Michael! Tony

[@PMoney365]

100% going to go do that right now.

[@tonysantophotography]

Awesome! How did it work out for you?

[@PMoney365]

Great. I did it on an 8 x 10 sheet of glass to make a viewing screen for a giant pinhole camera. @@tonysantophotography

[@tonysantophotography]

Glad to hear it!@@PMoney365

[@georgelove767]

I wish that I had seen this video in 2005 when I had to replace the ground glass in my brand new Speed Graphic. GREAT VIDEO! Thank you .

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you!

[@lesliehowells]

Many thanks for this!

[@tonysantophotography]

You are very welcome Leslie! Thanks for watching!😎

[@rwl7532]

Just did my 4x5 GG. Used about ¼ of a teaspoon four times. Disperse the grit with a salt shaker would work well. Look for tumbling grit 600 on eBay. ¼ pound under $5 shipped is still a lifetime supply.

[@tonysantophotography]

I like the salt shaker idea! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@rwl7532]

Tony Santo Photography After my comment I proceeded to refresh my 2 other GGs, light taps on the spoon held about 9" above worked well. I spritzed the tool not the grit directly. With a very sharp mechanical pencil I made grid lines. Almost too easy. My tool was a 3" diameter of glass circle I cut myself, glued to a block of wood.

[@tonysantophotography]

Excellent!

[@4570Govt]

While I don't make my own ground glass, this came as a courteous reminder that I (still) need to get a backup screen to keep in my kit for a (hopefully never to happen) situation like you encountered. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching! I appreciate the support!

[@timbuckner8245]

I have a backup one now.

[@markandrst8767]

Thank you! Could I use 600 grit silicon carbide paper? Trying to keep the cost down.

[@tonysantophotography]

Hi Mark. I’ve never tried it but theoretically you can use it. Thanks for watching!😎

[@klofisch]

This actually an awesome solution for my new camera....

[@tonysantophotography]

Glad to help Peter! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@DrgnSlyr]

I wonder if the sacrificial glass could be taped to a random orbital sanding disk and then attached to the sander?

[@tonysantophotography]

That’s an interesting idea Mike! Always a good excuse to try a power tool and speed up the process. 😎

[@HermSchreurs]

Thanks Tony! My kind of approach 😊

[@tonysantophotography]

I appreciate you taking the time to watch!

[@davidlegault2749]

Thanks for your reply Dr. Santo. I,m a Canadian but lived in Japan from 1990 to 2010. I had OM,s Bronicas, Toyo view, Shneider, etc. Living in Thailand now so getting E6 processing here is impossible. But I agrree, we need to inspire others to get back to reversal film. I hope we can meet someday. Let me know if ur coming to Thailand. Yours, David RedHawk.

[@tonysantophotography]

David Legault That would be great! Thailand looks beautiful. Tony

[@jass4team823]

@@tonysantophotography Thailand to India would be another unforgettable trip. Awaiting your oK

[@jeffreythomasdoonan4502]

This looks like an option for restoration and replacement. As I understand these were usually manufactured using acid to etch one surface of the plate. When I compared an acid etched surface to a ground surface the etched surface had more uniform tooth compared to the surface ground down with the abrasive. In the end it may make little difference with focusing the frame. My application was used for a large format B&W enlarger and the glass I etched with acid diffused the light source before passing through the condensers, through the negative and onto the surface of the paper. I did try light diffusion gels from LEE, and ROSCO and they were not durable enough to be cost efficient. I wonder if the light diffusion gel option would solve the problem of focusing glass? The glass I used in the enlarger for diffusion was also etched only on one side. The edges and the opposite side were painted with an acid resistant material used in the intaglio printing process as a barrier and later removed when the etching was finished and the glass was completely rinsed and acid free. Nice work with the abrasive technique for this application and a plus is a quick finish from start to clean up. Acid etching is a bit more volatile and one needs to take specific precautions when using this and disposing of the waste at the end.

[@tonysantophotography]

Jeffrey, That is an iterating option that I've never tried. Thanks for watching and commenting! Tony

[@paulukjames7799]

Great tutorial you were spot on with everything just done a 6.5x4.75 inch screen perfect after redoing not so good bits and saved me lots of money.

[@brianhudson5807]

Excellent video. I need a replacement 8x10 ground glass so I'll give your idea a try.

[@massimodadone3797]

Very interesting project, I want to try it too, the only thing I didn't understand at the end of the video when you explain the sandwich that makes up the glass, do you put the fresnell lens on? In which sequence do you place the glasses? Sorry but you don't understand the subtitles, I'm Italian and I don't understand English very well, one more thing, is the grain size of the silicon carbide you used immediately 600? I thought first the 400 then the 600, what do you recommend? thank you very much

[@tonysantophotography]

This is debated amongst photographers. In my case, the Graflex came with the fresnel closest to the lens, followed by the ground glass on top. Hope this helps! Thanks for dropping by the channel.

[@billkaroly]

I have always wondered about making my own ground glass especially now that there are less and less sources.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching Bill!

[@carylee2002]

I did this to make a replacement 8x10 GG and it works great and brighter than the original glass

[@tonysantophotography]

Cary, I' glad to hear that it worked out well for you! Thanks for your support! Tony

[@Jerbod2]

Cary, was that groundglass that you replaced stock or not? I find it hard to believe that a factory original is worse than a homemade one.

[@carylee2002]

Great video...I made 2 8x10 ground glass using this method and saved a bunch of $$. Ps...I noticed my new ground glass is considerably brighter...almost like having a fresnel in front of the glass. I have the old one from another camera and it is about one stop darker. I'm going to make another GG and mount it on that camera and place the old one as a backup.

[@tonysantophotography]

Cary, I am glad to hear it worked out for you! Thanks for your support! Tony

[@peteraxelsson5207]

Hi Tony, thanks for an imformative video. I just wonder what quality of glass are you using ? Plane window glass ? Crystal glass ?

[@tonysantophotography]

Peter, the glass I used in this video is picture frame glass from Lowe's. From my understanding, the clarity and brightness can be improved if borosilicate glass is used. I have not felt the need to experiment with that type of glass. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@mjstow]

Wow. Such handy info, and at last.... something I probably can't screw up.

[@tonysantophotography]

Michael, Thank you for taking the time to watch; I am glad that it was useful to you. You'd be surprised what you can accomplish with just s little bit of knowledge. I appreciate your support, Tony

[@JHuntPhotography0]

This video will come in handy in the future.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching! Tony

[@jogrant3851]

Ah, thankyou!! Very helpful.

[@tonysantophotography]

Glad to be of help! Tony

[@maxernststockburger9420]

Excuse my stupid question but do I mount the ground glass with the ground side facing the fresnel or facing me? Also, the only glass I found is missing like 0,1mm in thickness. I can easily put some tape in between the mount and the glass and everything is tight and firm. But I'm not quite sure whether I have to back it up from the fresnels side or the ground glass side? I guess this is crucial when it comes to focusing?! Thanks for your help :)

[@tonysantophotography]

No questions are stupid. Ground sound faces the fresnel. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@uneesh]

Hey. Trying to find an answer to whether you can restore old ground glass? I'm assuming you can but checking to see if any pitfalls of that method. It's an old Rolleiflex 3.5 with a very dim screen. Also, if the image has a huge vignette, is that a sign of a old or worn focusing screen? Thanks!

[@tonysantophotography]

It depends on the material. If it is glass, you should be able to "re-grind" the glass. If it is a composite material then I do not recommend it. The vignette is from the lens not the ground glass. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@uneesh]

Tony Santo Photography Thanks brother. Appreciate it.

[@deemdoubleu]

Yes great vid. I tried using the valve grinding paste which is suspended in a glutenous material and it doesn't work too well. Powder and water looks like a much better idea.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching! There are other grinding agents you can use but this is the only one I've ever tried. It works well so I've never had to seek an alternative. Tony

[@EstebanFonsecaAR]

I would recommend to do it the opposite way: get a bigger piece of glass, stick a suction cup to your ground glass, pour the grit and water to the large glass, and start grinding by doing eighths, I mean the number eight, shaped movements. that way you create the most even grind and flat surface.

[@cdl0]

Correct!

[@amatuprojimo]

Great tutorial! Thanks for share your experience with us! This week I bought a Calumet 4x5 and your channel will be very usefull!

[@tonysantophotography]

Enjoy your 4x5! Thanks for watching and I appreciate your support! Tony

[@blackbirdpie217]

I had a nice piece of 8x10 glass already ground and broke it trying to cut the corners out. Now I have to start over and I'll likely do the same. If my chances of breaking it are only 25% it will end up being 100% by the time I cut all four out. And by the way it's Sil-icon as in con artist not silicone. That is a kind of rubber polymer made using silicon.

[@tonysantophotography]

Dave, I am sorry to hear that your GG broke when you tried cutting the corners. Perhaps your home improvement store would do this for you? As an academic, I always appreciate eliminating technical errors, however, it is grammatically acceptable to pronounce the vowel "o" in silicon with a short or long sound. I appreciate your support. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@seksualusis]

One would cut coners first, to reduce unneeded effort. Tests on leftover pieces should do good to build up technique of corner cutting.

[@davidchild3681]

You might try using large shears while holding the glass underwater. Any shock/vibration to the glass is dampened by the water. I learned about this method when reading about cutting round corners on a sheet of glass; nibble a little at a time.

[@german-in-korea]

Awesome video! One question, would it be also possible to make such a ground glass from transparent pvc or something like that?

[@tonysantophotography]

Max, I've tried unsuccessfully to make a GG from plexiglass but I may have been using the wrong kind of abrasive. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@german-in-korea]

@@tonysantophotography thanks for your answer!

[@flobble7]

excellent video, to the point and very informative.

[@tonysantophotography]

+flobble7 Thanks very much for the kind words! I appreciate your support! Tony

[@nousavonsable]

wonderful video!! congrats to you to teach this technics ! best

[@tonysantophotography]

+martin gomez Thanks Martin! I appreciate the support! Tony

[@kolabuzlu]

Hi. Thanks for this instructional video. My problem with this technique is, I've applied this exactly 1 hour, glass only had 2-3 minor scratches only.. Why? I use 600 grit..

[@tonysantophotography]

Derin, the only thing that I can think of is there may have been a larger grain that abraded the glass a bit more. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@davidrichards6718]

doesn't putting the fresnel screen in the holder before the ground glass change the point of focus as the ground glass is not flush against the mount that has been designed to be in the same plane as the film ?

[@tonysantophotography]

David, this particular setup requires the fresnel to be on the lens side. I've never had any issues with focus. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@davidrichards6718]

@@tonysantophotography it was a pleasure to watch, I live in the middle of nowhere so finding a way to make a screen was a pleasure, thank you

[@j3d89]

Why silicon carbide? Isn't it posible to use sandpaper of the same grit and do wet sanding? Or even user higher grit.. instead of 600 maybe 800?

[@tonysantophotography]

I haven't experimented with other abrasives but that is an interesting idea. I have tried plexiglass with poor results. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@enricololli6531]

for a second i though you were that famous climber. Very good video

[@tonysantophotography]

I've gotten that a number of times! Alex Holland is the climber. Thanks for stopping by! Tony

[@KevinTKeith]

Great video - thanks! How do you mark on the GG surface (for lens coverage, grid lines, etc.)?

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you Kevin! To make lines, I simply use a fine-point permanent marker. I appreciate your support! Tony

[@rosebold4301]

this is process of gold time... i am subscribers of your course..... sir... thanks for the social

[@tonysantophotography]

+wardah chaniifaa Thank you for watching! I appreciate the support! Tony

[@gabrysgabriukas]

Is it possible to do this with wet and dry sandpaper?

[@tonysantophotography]

I've never tried it. Maybe worth experimenting with? Thanks for watching! Tony

[@Philippe1952]

Very usefull !

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to stop by! Tony

[@parratt-world]

Good one Tony. Thanks!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you Kevin! I appreciate and value your support! Tony

[@jogrev]

Hi, Tony. First of all, thanks for the input. I wonder if you can apply the same technique on a piece of plastic. I have to replace a GG on a 35mm DOF adapter for my video camera. I think a piece of glass can be quite heavy as the GG is mounted on a vibrating system to avoid seeing the dust and texture of the GG. That's why I believe that applying the same technique on a piece of plastic could work, Isn’t it? The reality is that I live in Venezuela and I don’t have the possibility of buying a new one in my country and import one from another is almost impossible. Anyway, thanks Tony for sharing your experience and knowledge!!! It was excellent. Two tumbs. May GOD continue blessing your life!!!

[@tonysantophotography]

Jose, Muchas gracias! I've only tried sandpaper on plexiglass and that did not work. I have never tried to use the carborundum powder on plexiglass but I think it should work because it is a very fine grit. Thanks for your support! I appreciate it very much! Tony

[@jogrev]

Thank you Tony!!!

[@seksualusis]

Yes, I recall even some ancient cameras were equipped with plastic focusing screens. These don't break as easily and may be lighter.

[@CarlCoxArtist]

Thank you for the awesome video, Tony! I'm a newbie so please forgive what is potentially a silly question; I am rebuilding a beautiful 4x5 that has no plate/film holder. I noticed when you assembled your plate holder you put two pieces of glass into the holder, one plain one ground?

[@tonysantophotography]

Carl, no worries! I enjoy helping people! One piece is the ground glass which allows us to see the image and the other is a Fresnel which disperses the light more evenly and vividly across the ground glass. Hope that helps. Thanks for the kind words! Tony

[@Lucky-tf4yf]

Is there any alternative of silicon carbide? Cause I'm not able to find it in this lockdown 😐

[@tonysantophotography]

Lucky, I've not researched other alternatives to the extent needed to answer your question completely, but I am aware of grinding stones and chemical etching that might work as well. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@mzny4314]

Is this the same powder/ grit that is used in rock tumblers? If it is hobby shops might carry it.

[@Lucky-tf4yf]

@@mzny4314 I used sand paper ( wet sand paper is best for this kinda work), look for finer grit paper

[@DavidLee-bj5zl]

thanks for the video now 1k likes

[@tonysantophotography]

David, Thanks for the support! Tony

[@edgeblending4015]

can i use this methode for my dslr camera?

[@tonysantophotography]

I don't believe so owing to the thinness of the glass. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@mike.thomas]

Awesome. Thanks!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks for watching Mike!

[@joeysartain6056]

So that is, from the lens side outward, fresnel lens, rough side towards the lens, smooth side towards the ground part of the ground glass, then the smooth side of the ground glass outward towards the viewing photographer? Is there any considerations for the thickness of the fresnel lens? I am just concerned about the actual point of focus in this system. Do you know of any good articles on this subject?

[@tonysantophotography]

Joey, There is contentious debate in the film community regarding the proper placement of the Fresnel. Prior to breaking my ground glass, I took hundreds of images that were all tack sharp. Thus, I decided to to keep the arrangement as it was because the Graflok back was designed with this setup. The placement of the ground glass is what is critical; if this changes, then that could throw off your focus when using lenses wider than 90mm and in instances where the aperture is less than f/22. The best thing to do is to shoot a few pieces of film to determine what is the best placement for your setup. You might want to try Large Format Photography Forum. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@joeysartain6056]

@@tonysantophotography thanks for the advice. It is confusing no doubt. I have been doing a little camera repair and have been cutting and grinding glass. I have been making sizes to fit 35mm cameras and 120 film cameras to help me check focus settings. As you know the viewed image on the ground glass is often times dark, and I want to incorporate fresnel lens to brighten the image up, but it gets confusing.

[@GeekVFood]

Hey Tony, this is Spencer from Postal Pros. Watching your videos has gotten me really interested in E6/Slide film photography. Is there an entry level camera body you would recommend for someone who is looking to branch out from digital photography and get into film?

[@tonysantophotography]

Hi Spencer! That all depends on what you like and your shooting style. Maybe we can chat next time I'm in the store? I'm glad your excited about experimenting with film! Tony

[@nickfanzo]

I just dropped my intrepid and the glass broken right down the middle in two pieces. Gonna go to Home Depot and try this

[@tonysantophotography]

Oh no! I hope you like the results! Tony

[@nickfanzo]

Tony Santo Photography it’s actually better than before, and much brighter lol phew

[@tonysantophotography]

@@nickfanzo That great news! I'm glad it worked out for the better! Tony

[@OnnieKoski]

Wonderfully done! I assume you ended up keeping the “scrap” glass at a backup :3 Also, I must say, E-6 FOREVER!!!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Onnie! I appreciate your support. I do keep spares, just in case. Tony

[@Luisbeatbox]

... I'm trying to make a DOF adapter ... I'm just wondering if this kind of ground grass can be replaced the focusing screen in the DOF adapter? ... btw, nice video tho Tony ...

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you for the kind words Luis! I don't see why you wouldn't be able to use this technique to replace the focusing screen. The only concern I have is that it might be a little on the dim side for this application. I suppose the only way to find out is to try. Good luck! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@timothymorrison1235]

Great informative videos. I subscribed.

[@tonysantophotography]

Thank you Timothy! I appreciate your support! Tony

[@davidlegault2749]

WHat can we do to keep E6 alive?

[@tonysantophotography]

David, The best thing we can do is continue to purchase, shoot, and develop film. This sends a clear message to manufacturers that there is a viable market for film. Thanks for your support! Tony

[@ronb5949]

Hey Tony great video. Have you tried the silicon carbide 600 grit wet dry sand paper on glass? It would seem that it is cheaper and more readily available at the home center.

[@tonysantophotography]

Ron, That sounds like a plausible idea but I've never tried it. Thanks for watching and I appreciate your support! Tony

[@potkop12345]

Nice!!

[@tonysantophotography]

Thanks Gerhardt! I appreciate the support! Tony

[@syrnik11]

Thanks !!!

[@tonysantophotography]

Your welcome! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@richardichard4237]

the guy in the small window is alittle slower at grinding than you are...Nice vid, thanks.

[@tonysantophotography]

Ha! I'll try to keep up next time! Thanks for watching! Tony

[@briansegarra9312]

could I use normal 600 wet/dry sand paper?

[@tonysantophotography]

Brian, I've never tried it with sand paper, but it doesn't hurt to experiment. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@briansegarra9312]

@@tonysantophotography thanks for the reply also awesome video :)

[@tonysantophotography]

@@briansegarra9312 Thanks!

[@briansegarra9312]

Tried with barely any results , tried to make one with acrilic and sandpaper worked decently , im just waiting for parts to arrive an ill try making one out glass :)

[@tonysantophotography]

@@briansegarra9312 Experimentation is a big part of LF photography. Let me know how you make out. Tony

[@TheJACKCOLORADO]

Thank you! I have two Graflex cameras, a Graphic ViewII and aCrown Graphic. Both need new glass and it's hard to find. Now I know. Questions; Where can I find a Fresnel lens for my ViewII and was did you say the lens incerts with the rough side facing away from the glass? Thanks again.

[@tonysantophotography]

Beemer, I would check out eBay for a replacement Fresnel; I believe there are some after market replacements available. Both the fresnel and ground glass's rough side face the lens. Thanks for watching! I appreciate your support! Tony

[@anonymousguy7723]

I would have used glass etching cream....

[@tonysantophotography]

Bernard, That would work as well. There are many different ways to approach production. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@iansights7526]

Thanks for the video. On the order of the ground glass and fresnel lens there is quite a number of opinions on the correct order and configuration. I have seen some say your way of installing them is correct but I don't believe the fresnel lens should be between the lens and ground glass. Here is my reference. web.archive.org/web/20080501175650/www.wisner.com/viewing.htm

[@tonysantophotography]

Ian, I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and commenting. There is definitely discourse regrading this subject matter. Correct or incorrect, having the ground glass in the position you see in the video is the original configuration that my Graflex came in. To date, I've never had any issues with focus or imaging viewing in this configuration. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@eminusipi]

I have to wonder if something else was on your mind since you kept saying Silicone Carbide rather than Silicon Carbide ;)

[@tonysantophotography]

eminusipi 🤣 it was late at night when I recorded the video. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@hamiltonqkarl]

silicon not silicone

[@tonysantophotography]

Hamilton, I appreciate you watching and taking an interest in the fine details. I am assuming you are referring to pronunciation as my banner is spelled "silicon". You are correct, my apologies. Thanks for your support. Tony

[@blekfut5763]

Why so much a do? Why didn't you just buy a piece of ground (matte, frosted, whatever you call it) glass?

[@tonysantophotography]

Good point. That might work as well. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@EmonKhan-sw1fx]

What the heck is a ground glass screen

[@tonysantophotography]

The ground glass is a frosted piece of glass that allows a photographer to focus and compose the projected image (from the lens) on said ground glass prior to inserting a film holder; a film holder contains the film that is exposed to light to create an image. Thanks for watching! Tony

[@EmonKhan-sw1fx]

@@tonysantophotography where is a ground glass screen in a camera. Do you know that. And also thanks for the help.