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SimonW · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

Gents.

Does anyone know where I can find/buy a Series VI slip on adaptor that allows you to use threaded filters?

While I'm waiting for replies, I just had an idea. I decided to measure the thread size of the standard Series VI slip on adaptors retaining ring and it measures to 42mm. Now call me crazy but wouldn't it be possible to just get a 42mm - whatever step up ring and just screw into where the usual retainer ring would go? Conversely, if I wanted to use Cokin or other P style filters, would it not be equally possible to just use a 42mm adaptor for those also?

[ This Message was edited by: SimonW on 2005-05-19 01:32 ]

[ This Message was edited by: SimonW on 2005-05-19 01:33 ]

[ This Message was edited by: SimonW on 2005-05-19 01:35 ]

Henry · Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 1:38 pm Post subject:

Series VI thread is 44mm---trust me, it works. IF you can find 44-49, 44-52, 44-55, etc. step rings, you can use "standard" screw-in filters. That's a big "IF"---back when camera shows were thriving (not so long ago, it seems, before uBuy conquered the world) I found step rings in all three of those sizes. I don't find much use for them, though, because there were lots of series VI filters in the "bargain" bins at those shows, and over time I managed to assemble a fairly complete set. Good luck in your quest.

P.S. If you have any old-line camera stores in your area, ask if you can paw through their old stock, trade-ins, etc. Sometimes stuff turns up.

[ This Message was edited by: Henry on 2005-05-19 06:40 ]

SimonW · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

Hey Henry.

44mm thread eh? Ok then ... I'll have to try it out. I'd love to score some Series VI filters locally but believe me, in my part of the world they are as rare as hens teeth especially from the old used camera stores and I check my local Photographic trader regularly and ring around. It's obvious that they would be allot thicker on the ground in the US though, I'm in Australia though.

I don't use allot of screw in filters but I have a filled out P system that I want to use with my LF lenses that don't have front threads. So if I can get a 44mm screw in adaptor then I can just hang my P system on that and away we go.

Henry · Posted: Thu May 19, 2005 7:47 pm Post subject:

Hello, Simon:

The step rings I have are marked "Made in India," which is a lot closer to Oz than the US, so maybe there is hope? Maybe you could try some Indian-owned camera stores?!

If Series VI filters are rare (not long ago they were common as dirt, but tempus fugit), what about series VI slip rings? You'll need one for each size of lens (i.e., front element diameter). Some common mm sizes for the Optar lenses are 31.5, 38, 39.5. Then you could use your P-system with the 44mm adaptor (I have no idea where you could find one of these!).

[ This Message was edited by: Henry on 2005-05-19 12:57 ]

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

After searching for two years, I have yet to find a 44mm to ??? step up ring.

The easiest thing I found is to find the right slip ring and then get a step up ring that is a snug fit OVER the step up ring. A little filing, a little epoxy and Ta Da! a Series VI to Cokin P adapter!

Henry · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 12:37 am Post subject:

Well, Les, it's no wonder you couldn't find 44mm step rings. Now my little secret can be revealed: I bought the last ones in existence on this Earth in Trevose, PA, three years ago! I thought it was a bit odd that the salesman had three eyes and flew off in a big round aircraft, but I was so happy to get the step rings that I forgot all about it until this very moment! Now I jealously guard my treasured rings at the bottom of the Lehigh---uh, Rhine---River, awaiting the savior of the Graflex nation, who will rule over the planet for all time!

glennfromwy · Joined: 29 Nov 2001 Posts: 903 Location: S.W. Wyoming

There is a seller or two on eBay that regularly offers all kinds of odd size step rings. Also, though it's been a while, Keh.com had some series VI to 49mm step rings in the used department. They may or may not still have any. I agree with Les. Epoxy and a little imagination can cure all kinds of ills.

_________________
Glenn

"Wyoming - Where everybody is somebody else's weirdo"

SimonW · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

Hello Gents!

Thankyou all for the contributions. I have checked all the usual suspects for stock of rings of that specificity but no cigar ... including Fleabay ... but, I have found a supplier of NEW filters et al who has this exact step up ( 44-52 )for a price.

Scroll down and all will be revealed.

http://www.2filter.com/prices/products/adapterrings.html

RichS · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 4:03 am Post subject:

I could be 100% wrong here cause I haven't paid much attention to series filters in 30+ years...

But there used to be a very common series VI to series VII adapter. As I remember, series VII was a standard 52mm thread...

Or am I totally wrong? As I'm pretty sure the series VIII was a standard 67mm?

I keep wanting to do something about my memory, but then I forget all about it...

SimonW · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

That would be great if the Series VII was indeed 52mm thread. I'll have to look into this now and see whats what. Just to be sure ... we are saying that the front of the Series VII will accept threaded filters right?

[ This Message was edited by: SimonW on 2005-05-19 22:08 ]

RichS · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 5:41 am Post subject:

SimonW · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

All grist for the mill my friend!

I will most likely grab the Heliopan step up from 44-52mm and be done with it. The price is about $24 but for me it's worth it to just be done with all the ringing around and eye fatigue hunting in the trade magazines.

The good thing is that hopefully this kind of thread might serve it's purpose for those who come long after as I could find nothing about all this when searching.

Henry · Posted: Fri May 20, 2005 4:33 pm Post subject:

Darn, that little three-eyed guy lied to me! I'm so gullible.... But thanks for that filter link, Simon. Very useful information there.

One other thing to consider: I find the 44-49 combination best from the standpoint of finger clearance when setting shutter speeds and f/stops. I know that, in my case with the 44-55 combo, it's very awkward to reach in for the settings because the 55+ diameter of the ring obstructs the finger. 44-52 sounds workable, especially if you already have the 52 filters.

I take it that you already have the proper diameter series VI slip rings to fit over the front element of your lenses?

SimonW · Joined: 16 May 2005 Posts: 27

Hey Henry.

Yes mate, I am all set with the adaptors and rings ... slip rings I have from 52, 62 and 77 that cover my 35mm, 120 and will cover my 4x5 needs since the 52 will take the filter holder and all my P filters. It will be nice to use filters with B&W.

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

Sorry to jump in late here...
I can verify what henry is saying in that a 44mm will thread right onto a Series VI slip on ring. The VI will also slip inside of a few different Scneider lenses like the 90 angulon, 105, 135, Xenar and Symmars etc...

B&H carries an inexpensive metal 44 to 55mm step up ring that I have received recently (about 9 bucks if I am correct). They were backoredered the second time, but these are nice and wrk excellent as I can then adapt all my filters to many lenses and made up a nice set including Cokin A system adapters for thier graduated filters for landscape. Very light, and work well, and most importantly, look cool on the camera).
A 55mm will just grab a VII well enough for good work without falling off accidently with a little bit of creative tapered filing and still fit matched 55mm rings etc...
Stephen

PS, Hanry may have a point about the ring size, but i have not expereinced any inconvenience other than actually having to bend around alot to see the setting depending on which lens is on the camera. Maybe Henry has big fingers?

[ This Message was edited by: troublemaker on 2005-05-20 12:51 ]

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