Ground Glass for a Speed Graphic

[Richard Lee]

I'm looking to replace the scratched and grimey ground glass and fresnel on my 5x4 Pacemaker Speed Graphic. Are there any variations I need to be aware of, or is it a case of one size fits all?

Is there a particular 'go to' supplier in the UK? Any pointers/links and advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Richard

 

[David M]

You might find a temporary improvement, until you get your new set, by simply washing them. Do this as though they were film, being careful with the fresnel’s ridges and allowing them to dry naturally. I’m afraid scratches is scratches.

 

[Ian Grant]

Plenty of Pacemaker screens in the right hand box, 7 or 8 I think,

Wash the fresnel in warm water ans use a sponge, the original Pacemaker fresnels are 2.29mm thick, modern fresnels are typically 1.07mm so you need to use the original, otherwise you would need shimms to fit a new fresnel.

Ian

 

[Richard Lee]

You might find a temporary improvement, until you get your new set, by simply washing them.

Washing the glass in soapy water made little difference. Looking at it again now in a better light, there's definitely a yellowish/brownie tinge to the viewing/rear face, (more prominent towards the outer edges/borders). I then tried dousing the screen with neat isopropanol, working it in with cotton buds, but again, with little or no effect. Anyway the upshot is, with this and the scratches, I've decided to write it off and invest in one of Ian's screens. The fresnel lens is okay for now.


To be honest, in an ideal world, I'd chuck the whole bloomin' thing and treat myself to a Chamonix...

 

[Nas]

To be honest, in an ideal world, I'd chuck the whole bloomin' thing and treat myself to a Chamonix...

You'll find Ian's screen a lot brighter than the original, at least that's been my experience. +1 for Chamonix. A real joy to use every time I take mine out. I ordered direct from the factory. Their main point of contact was great to deal with via email as I recall. There was a waiting list but it came around quickly. I chose Teak for the material and couldn't be happier.