Graflex.org

rakuhito · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 4 Location: tokyo

i'm new to large format photography - i've read all the faqs i could find around the internet, but just wanted to throw out this possibly probobly simple dumb question:

i'm currently looking around on e-bay for some used lenses to use on a crown graphic, for example:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=3838027685&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

am i correct that if, for example, if i buy this lens, then i must next also purchase/find a graflex lens board to fit it into. and then what? exactly?

thanks.

jsiladi · Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 34 Location: midwest

What you are looking at in that a-u-c-t-i-o-n is a Convertable lens.. The front element is removed to get the second focal length (370mm if I'm reading it right). If you have an anniversary model graflex (probably not), you can make a lens board of your own. Pacemaker type you may need to find a lens board (show up on the bay all the time). Someone here may have what you need too.. Other concerns will be if the shutter is working at all speeds, particularly the slow speeds (1 second, etc). Also, you'll want to make sure the lens comes with a retaining ring to hold it TO the lens board. They can be more of a pain to find than the lens boards.. If you need further help, feel free to ask..

Jeff.

[ This Message was edited by: jsiladi on 2004-09-05 05:37 ]

Rangemaster · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 1:14 pm Post subject:

I don't see any indication of this being a convertable, usually when it is a covertable, especially on a Schneider, there will be a duel focal length and f/stop listed on the front of the lens, this particular lens can produce good results and has been a standard for several years now, this one on this link looks like it has been well used, if the shutter has been serviced, I would suspect the black dots listed in the listing would not really affect optical performance, and if needed could be cleaned by the right person, I have had a 210 for a long time and never been unhappy with the results and for the price he has it starting at, it could be a real good bargin.

Dave

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Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
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Rangemaster · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 1:18 pm Post subject:

Forgot to add, yes it looks as if you would have to purchase a lens board for it, not a big deal, I have seen them on there for 10-20 in looking at the pictures the retaining ring does seem to be present, if you look at the picture of the rear element showing the black spots, you can see the ring with two holes in it, right in front of the rear element.

Dave

_________________
Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

The second focal length is in green.

Rangemaster · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 1:39 pm Post subject:

Okay, now I see it, I did not see it at first glance....sorry, early in the morning and have not had my coffee yet! besides dreading the long day of shooting a wedding....(c:>

Dave

_________________
Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass

rakuhito · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 4 Location: tokyo

wow. you guys are fast with the replies.

okay --- so if the lens has the retaining ring and i get a lensboard, all i have to do is stick the lens through the board and screw it into place with the retaining ring?

would the lens board need a particular size hole?

Rangemaster · Posted: Sun Sep 05, 2004 1:49 pm Post subject:

Yup, alls you would need is a board that is drilled for this size shutter, mount it securely and you would/should be ready to shoot...I am sure someone here knows the size, it escapes me at the moment, if you found a board with a smaller sized hole it could be enlarged to accomidate this shutter.

Dave

_________________
Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass

disemjg · Joined: 10 Jan 2002 Posts: 474 Location: Washington, DC

If the price is right, by all means buy it. Take note, however, of that battered rim on the rear cell. These old Symmars frequently need to be taken apart to clean out haze and other age related debris (such as the black spots, which may be paint flecks). It may not be possible to disassemble the rear cell with the rim that badly dented up.

Yes, the lensboard you obtain must have a properly sized hole to accept the lens. You can get Pacemaker lensboards, drilled to the correct size, from Midwest photo. They cost about $40.

45PSS · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 1:41 am Post subject:

Walk away from this one! The rear is bent just enough to cause focusing problems, one side sharp the other soft. Don't bid much if you want the front cell and/or shutter.

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While a picture may be worth a thousand words, a quality photograph is worth a million.

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2004-09-05 18:43 ]

jsiladi · Joined: 20 Aug 2004 Posts: 34 Location: midwest

I can see some seperation beginning on the rear element.. Looks like something screwy going on with the front one as well where there's a lot of paint missing (chipped?)..

On a general note, Why would a bent ring cause focus issues (other than the possibility of seperation)??

It's in pretty rough condition, granted, and I wouldn't pay more than about $40 for it.. Nice ones can be had in the $150 - $250 range.

The shutter is probably a #1 size..

By the way, I don't see a retaining ring on that particular lens.. I think what you are seeing is the aperature operation ring..

Jeff

[ This Message was edited by: jsiladi on 2004-09-05 21:53 ]

Rangemaster · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 5:16 am Post subject:

I would say that the area I have added to this picture looks a lot like lens retaining ring mount holes, at least it looks like the one that I have from the rear.

http://www.rockymtnfoto.com/lens.jpg

Dave

_________________
Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass

Rangemaster · Posted: Mon Sep 06, 2004 5:24 am Post subject:

After playing with the picture a bit in my enhancement program, I could be wrong, it looks as if there is a screw in the right hand hole on the back of the shutter, so perhaps, there is no ring, I would definately write the seller and ask, if there is not, then if could be a real pain to find one...

Dave

_________________
Focus on the Picture, Not on the Glass.
Satin Snow(TM) Ground Glass

rakuhito · Joined: 05 Sep 2004 Posts: 4 Location: tokyo

my interest is really in "bad" lenses -- though of course i need it to fit on the camera and work enough that i can get some pictures.

so when looking around on ebay, how does one tell if these lenses are usable? -- ask the seller if the retaining ring is included?

what else is important to ask?

Nick · Joined: 16 Oct 2002 Posts: 494

A retaining ring is nice but if the price was right and the lens interesting I'd spend the money on getting a ring from somebody else. You just need to take that extra $$$ into account.

What matters?

Is the shutter in good shape? If not how bad? Add the cost of at least a CLA if you're worried at all.

Are the lens elements in good shape? Fungus? Scratches? Both are bad. How bad depends on the price.

Then you've got the worries with non-camera sellers. I've seen lenses with only one element. Or other problems.

But everything depends on price. You can go to any of the good retailers and get a used lens for a certain amount. Any issues with a lens should lower the price you're willing to pay.