Graflex.org

DenisP · Joined: 14 Oct 2002 Posts: 43 Location: Croatia, Europe

I got hold of a junked Rolleiflex with (somewhat) usable Xenotar 2.8/80, with working Synchro-Compur shutter. I'm thinking about "extracting" this lens and trying to mount it on a makeshift lensboard for my Pacemaker Speed 2x3. Would it cover 6x9 format? Anyone has any experience with doing somethng like this?
Or am I being too optimistic?

BTW, I checked an old 80mm enlarger lense for this purpose, and - lo and behold - it *does* cover 6x9! So I guess this Xenotar might work!

I'm just trying to go slightly wider on a shoestring budget

))

Thanks,

Denis

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

clnfrd · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 1:51 pm Post subject:

Not that it's that big of a factor, but the image size of a 2-1/4X3-1/4 negative, when using cut film, is only 2X3. I discovered that when my 2X3 cut film negatives kept falling through the opening of my 2-1/4X3-1/4 glassless negative carrier of my enlarger. Roll film gives the full 2-1/4X3-1/4 image. Fred.

DenisP · Joined: 14 Oct 2002 Posts: 43 Location: Croatia, Europe

As for the size of negative, I use Graflex "23" roll back (knob wind), and my negatives are exactly 57 x 83 millimeters

So, it's actually closer to 6x8 than 6x9.

As for the Rollie Xenotar, I'll be taking it to a repair shop in a few days to have the lens & shutter assembly dissasembled - looks too complicated for a DIY job, and I don't want to ruin it in the process, particularly since the shutter speeds are pretty close to what they should be. I tested them with a DIY shutter tester (photo transistor, AA battery, etc.) - used a scheme found elsewhere on the Web. The thing's rather cool.

As for results, will let you know once I have the darn thing mounted on on my SG and after I take some photos.

Regards,

Denis

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

DenisP · Joined: 14 Oct 2002 Posts: 43 Location: Croatia, Europe

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

For 3 years I hung onto my Mac Classic toaster with a 9 inch screen. I threw it out last week.
Now this comes along!!!

clnfrd · Posted: Fri Feb 14, 2003 10:26 pm Post subject:

When I stated that image size with 2-1/4"X3-1/4" cut film is only 2"X3", I apparently mis-spoke. In measuring several holders I have, I found quite a variance. Some are 2-1/8"X3-1/8"...some are 2-3/16"X3"...etc. The cut film still falls through my glassless 2-1/4"X3-1/4" (57X82mm) negative carriers.

Fred

antjam65 · Joined: 27 Dec 2001 Posts: 42 Location: MA, USA

This is not really on topic, but in terms of the reference to the 80mm Xenotar being used on the Graflex XL as a normal lens for 6x6, all I can say is, if you have one I want to buy it from you - name your price! It must be exceedingly rare. I have never seen/heard or even had a flashback that mentioned this lens as ever being factory-mounted for the XL.

The very similar (5 element/3 group?) 80mm f2.8 Zeiss Planar is, of course, an often seen XL normal lens, for the 'standard' 6x7 XL format, and of course it's great for 6x6, as well. (and, in my opinion, good for 6x9, but I tend to be focused pretty close, seldom at 'infinity')

Sorry to be an anal freak about this, but the XL is so rarely mentioned in this forum, that I plan to jump on any reference to it and bore everyone to death!

DenisP · Joined: 14 Oct 2002 Posts: 43 Location: Croatia, Europe

alecj · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 853 Location: Alabama

I wouldn't count on more than 6x7 coverage. Certainly not 6x9. Sharply anyway.

Offset · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Los Angeles

Hi DenisP...
The negs from my Hasselblad actually measure 56mm x 56mm, so your Rolei 80mm lens will probably be virtually the same. Across corners, that calculates to 79.2mm. You mention that your Graflex 2x3 actually measures 57mm x 83mm. Across corners, that calculates to 100.7mm. Me thinks that your Rolei lens will be somewhat lacking in the corners!
offset

antjam65 · Joined: 27 Dec 2001 Posts: 42 Location: MA, USA

My reference to the Graflex XL was a response to another post in this thread stating that "the 80 Xenotar was used on the Graflex XL as a normal lens for 6x6". I do understand that your original question did not mention the XL.

_________________
Oh, no! I've become a camera geek!

DenisP · Joined: 14 Oct 2002 Posts: 43 Location: Croatia, Europe

ricksplace1 · Joined: 18 Sep 2001 Posts: 17 Location: Canada

Just read this thread.
I have a Xenotar 2.8/80mm on a century graphic. I use a 6x7 rollfilm back and it covers the 6x7 well. I also use 2x3 sheet film with this lens, and it covers OK. I usually shoot at f8-f16 for good depth of field in landscapes. I understand that the 2.8/80 xenotar won't let you use any lens movement to speak of without losing sharpness in the corners. My xenotar is the sharpest lens I use on the century graphic. Beats my ektar.