Changing the Ground Glass and Putting in a Cut Frame

Unless otherwise requested PANAFLEX cameras are normally supplied with an Academy or an Anamorphic ground glass depending upon the lens type ordered.

If it is an Academy frame it will show the reticle engraved to the ISO/ANSI CAMERA APERTURE dimensions. If it is known that the production is primarily intended for Theatrical release it will also be engraved with the 1.85:1 dimensions and if for Television with an inner rectangle showing the SAFE ACTION TELEVISION AREA. Ground glasses with many other markings, with combinations of markings, with and without center crosses and with special markings are available upon request.

The reticle markings of a PANAFLEX ground glass are mirrored to enable the PANAGLOW system to operate.

Removing and Replacing the Ground Glass

To remove the ground glass from a PANAFLEX camera GENTLY withdraw the ground glass straight out of the camera, using a cotton swab or a lens tissue to protect the glass surfaces. Do not use pliers or any other metal tool to hold the ground glass as this causes chipping.

When replacing the ground glass insert it with the ground glass (dull) side towards the mirror.

Putting a Cut Frame into the Viewfinder System

A frame cut from a previous take may be placed immediately in front of the ground glass for aligning SFX shots.

The selected frame must first be cut using a special frame cutter supplied by PANAVISION and then carefully inserted into a special ground glass holder, marked with an ‘M’, in front of the ground glass.

1. Removing a ground glass, 2. Various ground glass markings, 3. Cutting a frame with a cutter, 4. Putting a cut frame into a ground glass holder marked with an ‘M’.