Graflex.org

[SierraBay]

Hi! I just bought a Crown Graphic 4 x 5. It has a Kodak Ektar f4.7 127mm lens. I'm concerned because I see some spots on the mid & upper left of the lens that sort of look like rain spatters. They are most noticeable when I look at the lens from the side. When I wipe the lens the marks don't go away so they must either be on the inside of the lens or within it. I am told that some older lenses have marks like these but that that they won't affect my photos. There are no scratches. What do you think? I'd appreciate anyone's input! Thanks.

[1banjo]

hey SierraBay

unscrew the both lens elements & try cleaning the inside of the elements
and see if that gets rid of it .
1banjo

[SierraBay]

Hi! Thanks for the tip -- however, can you possibly tell me how to unscrew the lens? I am brand new to these cameras and not sure what to do. Do I unscrew the screws that are in each corner of the camera "face"?

[SierraBay]

Here is a photo of the marks. They sort of look like water spatters but may not be...

[45PSS]

At the top of the photo that you posted is a slide bar that says Crown Graphic on it. At the bottom of the lens board is a second one. Slide both sliders called lens board locks to their limit and lift the lens board out of the camera. The paddle on the left center may interfere with the lens board removal. Loosen the set screw in the paddle and swing it out of the way.

The lens board is the metal rectangular piece, the shutter is the large round part that says Supermatic X on it and the lens is the glass front and rear and is held by the smaller metal rings at the center of the shutter.
Hold the lens board/shutter firmly and turn the lens ring counter clockwise. It most likely will be tight/stuck and will take a lot of force to get it to turn. Do Not use pliers! Clean the inside of the element as you would the outside. Reinstall the front element, turn the lens board/shutter over and remove the rear element and clean both surfaces of that element and reinstall. You may need to invest in a microfiber lens cleaning cloth and or some lens cleaning fluid to get the age old stuff off the lens.

The serial number on your lens says it is a 1947 vintage.

This book http://cameraeccentric.com/html/info/graflex_4.html although for the newer version will be of much help with using your camera. The rangefinder is the only major difference.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[SierraBay]

Thanks a lot! I'll try that!