Graphic focus question.

[Ole]

I shot at f/32 (as far down as the lens goes).
...
I would say the corners are not as sharp as I want them to be. ...

Try at f:16 or f:22 - at f:32 you're in "diffraction land".

The corners won't be as sharp as the center with a 135mm tessar-type lens, but at least you'll be able to see if the center is sharp!

[Les Newcomer]

If the ground glass frame was designed for a fresnel, then the ground glass alone would rattle horribly and you might find filler stuff (cardboard shims) either under the fingers at each side or between the glass and the frame.

conversely, if the frame was not designed for fresnel and it had one, those fingers would be bulging and straining.

[Dave Miller]

Since this camera/lens combination was designed to feed the newsprint trade are you perhaps expecting too much by way of definition?

[Ian Grant]

I use a Crown Graphic and 1937 135mm Tessar, with a plain screen and the images are as sharp as those from my Wista and modern Rodenstock Sironar N.

Ian

[ulysses19]

After reading through responses to my query I decided to take a closer look at the ground glass. Lo and behold, the GG was in backwards (rough side facing out, smooth facing the lens). Not sure if that would really affect focusing, but I will shoot some test shots with the GG as it should be and see what comes out. Thanks.