Hi - my first post here. Thanks to the folks who set up and run this site! I recently aquired a 2x3 Crown to replace a 2x3 Century that was stolen several years ago. After the burglary, I was so despondant that I decided to go digital after that. A few months ago, I got a scanner that can scan medium format negatives, and decided to try some of my old negs from the Century. I was blown away by the great quality, and decided to get back into film, and the 2x3 press format that I was so in love with before. That's my story.

On to the subject: I was looking for a focusing magnifier, and based on some old posts here, decided to try a linen tester. I found that Edmunds Scientific apparently doesn't carry them any more, so I wanted to pass on my source: [Graflex.org edit: fixed URL 2020-03-05] https://www.indigoinstruments.com/magnifiers/linen_testers/ They have linen testers as well as geology lenses that work well too.

I also had a question on focusing method. The foldup cover/screen over the ground glass on the 2x3 is pretty small, making it difficult to hold the lens and look. I was thinking I would remove the cover altogether for focusing, but that makes it easy to lose/drop. What do you all do? Thanks!

Is your camera equipped with a Graflok back with the removeable hood? If so, I would just take it off and leave it in the case/gadget bag while shooting. Spring backs are another story. I know what you mean, but I just put up with it. I have rubber fingers. Oh, and I usually have a little magnifier about the size of a nickel hanging on a string around my neck. I use it more than the linen tester.

Thanks, Glenn. I do have the Graflok back. I guess the easiest thing is do do as you say and just take the cover off when I take the camera out of the bag.

Since you already have a focusing gizmo that pleases you, my solution may not work for you. I plunked for the Toyo 3.8x loupe (from B&H Photo), which is longer than the hood, so you can hold it from outside. I previously used a cheapo 8x plastic loupe, which I had rigged up with a neck strap (the Toyo has one built-in), but it was short and stubby and presented the problem you describe. I managed with it, though, by holding it between index and middle fingers ("V" for "Victory"!).

A pox on whomever was so dastardly as to steal a man's Century!! Glad you found your way back to film and the Graphic.

I'm using a 105mm enlarging lens for a Century loupe...it's great, held back at about the distance of the hood...just the right magnification. Drawback is that its heavy and I've not yet figured out a way to put it on a lanyard.