New idea? Liquid focusing screen

T

Trapezoid

New member
I've been toying around with making a 35mm adapter, and trying out various materials for the focus screen-- I'll probably end up buying an Ee-S or something, but I had an interesting idea that's worth looking into.

Basically, you take two UV filters submerge them in a semi-opaque liquid, screw them together, then take them out and clean off the outsides. Instant focus screen, hardly any visible grain, and with limitless room for experimentation. Maybe.

I don't have two UV filters, unfortunately, so I haven't been able to try it properly. I fooled around with two back-pieces of some jewel CD cases. I sealed together the bottom and side edges then funneled various ratios of water mixed with milk in between the plates.


This here is about one cup water, one tablespoon milk. Somewhat promising, but refilling the plates was a hassle so I only tried a few mixtures.

If anybody has some filters they don't mind dunking in various liquids, I'd appreciate if you could do and document some experiments with this method.
 
I tried that same thing using flour and water mixture. The key is the right liquid & getting the right glass.

Some future problems I can think of with this would be:

1.Cold + Hot temps. (freezing)

2.Settling of the liquid



What about trying elmers glue?
 
Mm interesting... You will have to make sure that whatever mixes you use are stable. Milk, having fat in it will eventually separate out and sit ontop of the water, so make sure your solution wont separate before you seal it all in.
 
True, my first attempt was with water and baking powder, which separated pretty quickly. I didn't leave the water/milk in long enough to see it separate, but I guess it would eventually. Maybe shaking the UVs would help, if that happened.
I also hadn't thought about the effects of temperature, but it's such a simple preparation that you could refill the filters on set.

If anyone can think of a cloudy liquid that wouldn't separate...
 
Now this is a really neat idea.

What about melting a lot of hot glue gun sticks and spreading a very thin layer out then cutting it to size?

You would have to avoid bubbles n'all.
 
Kholi said:
Now this is a really neat idea.

What about melting a lot of hot glue gun sticks and spreading a very thin layer out then cutting it to size?

You would have to avoid bubbles n'all.
Click to expand...

I actually tried squishing some hot glue between plastic plates... it dries much too clear.
 
maybe put some wax in there? I don't know if this would make using a wax gg easier as I'm not too sure how it works exactly so be easy on me for that idea haha
 
I got some great plastic from a plastic accordian file holder. Really thin milky plastic.
I't worked great till I got my LEX.
 
I totally want to try this now, this is very exciting and interesting to me. I'm thinking two UV filters with elmers giue might do the trick, if the layer of glue is thin enough then the white of the elmers may not be a problem. Agreeing with a previous statement, bubbles would be the big thing to look out for. Hmmmm...

I think just for the hell of it I might buy 2 cheap UV filters on ebay from Hong Kong and try this out. I'll keep people posted. Keep suggesting ideas of liquids to use though, I'll probably only get one shot at this (if some sort of glue is used).
 
for stability, alcohol could be added to avoid freezing - another thing to watch out for is expansion of the liquid - could crack those UV filters easy
 
I think a gel type substance would work better for this, such that as vaseline stated above.. you lose the possibility of springing a leak, expansion of liquids, and settlement of the solution inbetween the two filters.
 
you are going to have to make it VERY thin though, since the image needs a flat surface, not one with depth.

I'd imagine a sheet of tin foil thin. If you can get water in that. You'd be golden.

You should design a rubber bladder on of the the ends to handle expansion. Maybe if you ambitious make a system that slowly pumps the water to prevent crap from accumulating at the bottom.

If it works, head to the patent office ASAP.
 
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. I also had a little problem with the baby powder sticking to the UV filter. The jello, well just didn't work out. As for the wax, it's really hard to get it perfect.


I know I know where can we find the holly grail...... :violin:



Here's an idea that I haven't tried yet, if anyone would like to take the torch for while .... It's a little hard to find one (for a cheap test), but have always wanted to try a piece of a LCD projection TV screen. The newer samsung's looked like they might be worth it. I know kind of funny right, people at best buy looking to buy a new TV and you see me in the corner examining the TV's materials. :O




.
 
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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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