Graflex.org

JayT · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 12 Location: Southeast US

I just received my first Graflex, a Speed Graphic. I am used to shooting with a Rollei TRL and can't wait to take this out into the field and give a test. My question is in regards to the lens. I have never heard of this lens and cannot find much of any information regarding the lens quality or anyone who has experience with it. I would appreciate if someone could tell me about this lens, it is a Steinheil Munchen Cassar f3.8 105mm, serial# 327464.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

I use the more common Triplets, Trioptar and Graftar quite often, they do a nice job on some things. It will be interesting to me to know how this one of yours performs. My Tripotar is very sharp and makes nice landscapes; my Graftar is not very good, but I use when I want the effect it renders and not a crispy sharp image, and only for B&W.
the domestic Triplets were produced as a more economical (cheap) lens for the Century cameras and some of the 35mm's. I wonder if yours was not of this same idea. I have show pieces I shot with my Trioptar that are currently out for gallery printing.
Wish I could help more.
regards,
Stephen
P.S. Did this lens come on a Speed 23 (6x9)?

[ This Message was edited by: troublemaker on 2004-12-10 19:51 ]

JayT · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 12 Location: Southeast US

Yes, it did come on my 2x3 Speed, but I don't think that it is the original lens. I find no source that states this lens came stock with this camera. I will post some shots and critique when I've finished cleaning out the dust and running a few sheets thru.

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

I am not sure too many of my lenses are the ones that came with any of my Graphics except for the Graftar and Trioptar. things get pretty mixed up over the years. Doesn't matter to me. What shutter is your lens in out of curiosity. I have heard some interesting lens adaptations on this site. Perhaps the least atractive is someone taking an old Rollie lens out of a TLR. They will cover a 6x6 Sqruare, and my old Xenars have a nice haze to them, but why not leave them in the easy to use TLR body?
Anyway, I am just interested in people's experience and how they can use the characterisctics of thier new acquisitions.
Take carre,
Stephen

JayT · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Posts: 12 Location: Southeast US

It's in a Compur shutter. I would like to also get a Ektar, but will test this lens first. I know better than discrediting a lens before its had its chance to prove itself.