New idea? Liquid focusing screen

Maybe try using a small amount of kaolin or white powdered pigment mixed with melted wax. Or sticking with the liquid approach, add something like gelatin to keep the particulates suspended (a preservative would probably be a good idea).
 
Bob Gruen said:
Silicone grease...

You can get a clear-ish silicone grease at any hobby shop. Ask for Associated diff lube. Then experiment with two pieces of glass with a paper matte spacer for the grease. Add sheets of paper until the grease is the right thickness for the opacity you want.

The beauty is it is not truly a liquid and will stay in place. The paper matte will allow for the required adjustment.

Bob
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Good idea. I'm not sure about using gel-materials though-- I experimented with pressing shampoo in between plastic plates, and every time, there would be little bubbles that I couldn't get rid of. The act of touching the plate to the gel seems to create air pockets, and then you have to clean it off and start over.

twocik23 said:
A few years ago I tried cloudy water, Ice, jello and wax. Each design had their own problems. The main problem with the water design is, when doing any really fast, jerky movements you'll see the shake/bubbles in the water.
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My idea was to just screw two filters together underwater, so there'd be no air or bubbles whatsoever. Of course, I'm not really sure how airtight you could get them, so bubbles might leak in (and the liquid might leak out.)

robmneilson said:
How about using some pomade?

(The pleasing odor is half the point)
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Fop or Dapper Dan?
 
I would vote for Dapper Dan. On the oher hand ...

about 20 years ago I made my own brand of pomade - it was called "Bel-Hair" and may be even better because it smelled like Bazooka Joe Chewing Gum (wintergreen) ;-)

....

Have a look at this Tutorial (click on DS-Wax-GG)
http://www.jetsetmodels.info/tutorials.htm


Frank
 
"My idea was to just screw two filters together underwater, so there'd be no air or bubbles whatsoever. Of course, I'm not really sure how airtight you could get them, so bubbles might leak in (and the liquid might leak out.)"


I used plumbers putty, but you could use pvc glue (or any glue really), rubber seal, etc..

Hell I've even tried stretching a condom to see if that might make a nice screen, yea that's right a condom. :O No go btw.

.
 
Okay so I'll be getting several UV filters in the mail in a couple days. I need some sort of suggestion though of what to use to test out the different substances on (glues and gels and what not) so I don't permanently mess up the UV filters.

(Sorry I don't have a random pane of glass laying around)
 
I was actually serious about the pomade. Try using a clearer brand of it like crew....it won't settle, seperate or dry out. And if you apply it correctly there will be no air bubbles.

Vaseline would work as well I think.
 
Alright, I'm guilty. So several days ago I got my small bundle of 52mm UV filters to use for this DIY experiment, and I chickened out. I realized that a couple of my lenses didn't have UV filters, but had 52mm threads, and I couldn't resist. Also looking at them (the filters) there won't be that small of a space between 2 of them when screwed together. It's fairly spacious in there. I still have a couple laying around, I might try the pomade idea, I'm not sure. I've kind of lost wind on this idea if you know what I mean. Eh, maybe inspiration will come.
 
I know some filters are pretty deep and they have a metal/plastic ring to hold the glass inside. what about taking the ring out and placing two of the uv glass inside with the gel between) then putting the ring back on?
 
How about trying some Translucent Vellum paper that you get from art supply stores? it's pretty thick and flexible.. I tried it briefly behind a lens mounted on some PVC and I did get what appeared to be a clear focused image on the paper. Didn't go as far as to video the image on the paper to see how sharp, etc. the image really was.
 
I'm working with a plastics specialist and he's telling me if I can get my hands on one of the translucent AOL boxes he can make it. He thinks he already know what type of plastic it is, but thought it be fun to experiment with.



As for your idea with the Translucent Vellum paper, sounds interesting. Try and upload a sample or two. I'd like to see if it needs to be moved or not.


I'm working a few new ones and will be sharing. :) I've also CNC'd screen holders and rod assemblies to check out.
 
I've looked there and have checked many other places. However I could have looked it over, what section ?

The ones I found had alot of grain, and couldn't be move enough. I'm probably going to take a trip tonight to old wally world, I'm going to see what I can find for testing. I'll post some results of what I find.


I'm going to make a materials check off list, that way people can reference it and save time & money on what to use. For those DIY'ers stay tuned.
 
I went to a local glass store and they cut me a circular piece of 1/4 inch double ground glass for $10 that I was able to drop into a PVC adapter (one end female threaded), and hold in place with a black plumbing gasket. I then bought an open ended plastic cap (female threaded as well) onto which I mounted an M42 mounting plate from an old mamiya 35mm SLR cam I had. Then I screwed one end of a 1 1/2" PVC threaded male nipple into the plastic cap holding the lens, and screwed the other end of the nipple into the PVC adapter that held the ground glass..

I was able to focus the image on the gg by rotating the the PVC adapter on the threaded nipple (as it moved backwards and forwards as it screwed in and out).

I placed the end of this assembly into the small end of a black rubber "Plumbquik" 3" to 2" pipe reducer. Finally, I cut a one inch section of 3" PVC and placed in into the 3" end of the reducer, narrowing the opening to just the right size to fit over a macro lens attached to my Canon XHA1 camcorder.

I was thus able to focus both the 35mm lens and the camcorder on the ground glass.

Next step is to check the quality of the image... not sure if the glass I bought is good enough and/or if I have to buy a small $4.95 vibrating button motor too..

total cost (not including the lens and metal mounting plate), about $25.

Results and pics to follow after testing.
 
Sek,
You don't want both sides of the GG to be frosted, only one. Most likely you're going to need to move that, I would try spinning first. Without a suspension system inside the unit you'll end up with a very hard piece to move. Take some pictures and a few screen grabs, this is the best way to figure this out.
 
oops, I mis-spoke, only one side of the glass is frosted, the other side smooth and clear.. If double ground glass means both sides frosted, then I really didn't get double ground... sorry about that
 
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