Dan Fromm wrote:

Tony, I don't know whether the Graflar and Graftar are the same. I just checked my database, have had two Graftars, still have one. When I wrote about Graflar, I was mistaken, possibly confused. I just looked at the lens, it is a Graftar, so there's not a typo in the database entry for it. Sorry for the confusion.

Thanks Dan, no worries. It's off to the repair shop for a CLA. I'm looking forward to giving it a go!

I use a Graftar 103mm as my main lens and it is sharp.

One quick question... I got the 203mm lens and ordering a board for it. How does the lens attach to the board?

Look at the back side of A.) the lens barrel or B.) the back of the shutter.
See the threaded section protruding an inch or so from the rear? There should be a flange screwed onto either version or a retaining ring screwed onto the shutter.

You measure the outside diameter of the flange at the lens barrel ( threaded section or the outside diameter of the shutter threads. You order a lens board with a hole predrilled or have the board drilled to the size needed.

Some mount rings have a protrusion and a flat wide surface with 2 or 4 notches. The flat side goes against the lens board.

Some mount rings have a protrusion and a wider rounded edge with 2 or 4 notches. On this type the protrusion goes toward the shutter and depending on board thickness through the lens board.

Mount flanges attach to the front side of the lens board with screws through the front and a nuts from the rear.

Mount holes are usually stated in millimeters and there is no standard hole size for older shutters.

Just checked the rear element area of the lens and there is no lock ring of any kind that came with the lens.

That being said... How do I find the correct sized lock ring for this lens?

Joey Anchors wrote:

How do I find the correct sized lock ring for this lens?

www.skgrimes.com

Thanks Dan! This is why I love this board

I just saw this post ! Anyway I have seen a lens board
That was made for use with the Optar 203 lens on 23
Cameras it had an exstend out from the front of
Board maybe 2"

Dan Fromm wrote:
"Check with Calumet in Center City to see what they have, go in and try 'em."
I just learned Calumet has filed for bankruptcy and closed its US stores:
http://www.dpreview.com/news/2014/03/13/chicago-based-calumet-photographic-closes-u-s-stores
Sad news.

Speaking of Schneider's vintage lens data, does anyone know the URL to access the list of serial numbers and dates that Schneider used to have posted? The link on their website has been broken ever since Schneider Germany re-formatted their site.

I found the list:
http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/age_of_lenses/

Thanks!

Hi everyone. A lot has happened in the past year since I've posted here.

My wife finished school, got her Ph.D and we both moved from Philly to rural NM (Silver City to be exact).

I haven't been shooting much due to the moving and such, but I plan on doing much more this coming year.

I'm glad I found this thread again as I am about to send me Optar out for service and have a lock ring made (finally).

All I need now is a 65mm, and a bigger camera bag/case. Oh I also bought myself a Ries tripod/head before the move and extremely happy with it!