Graflex.org

[JBish130]

I have a Graphic View camera. From what I understand, the camera has min/max bellows extension of 3.5/12 inches. Am I correct in figuring that I can use lenses from 3.5 - 12" (or 90mm - 308mm)?

Is this correct or am I pushing the limits here? I wouldn't want to get a lens that I couldn't focus.

Finally, the last part of my question, would be what are others using/have been using, or suggest? I know that this would be mostly opinion and subjective, but it would still help.

Thanks in advance!

[RichS]

You are correct on both counts.

With a recessed lens board, you can easily use the 90mm. I have a 75mm mounted for my View II and it works just fine. A little tight for movements but good enough.

On the long side, you'd have trouble with a 12 inch lens. Idealy, you'd be able to focus at infinity and no close. Of course that depends on how it mounted and how much more you can squeeze out of the camera.

For a 12 inch bellows, a 10 inch lens would be the normal limit so you can focus down to 10 feet or so. You can use one of the Tele lenses made for the Graphics like the 240, 270 or 380 (15 inch). Mounting the 15 inch can be done and it's a nice lens if a little heavy.

As far as lenses used, you'll get as many different responses (if any) as people using the camera. I like the 'stock' Optar lenses and have a 135 and 152 (may be an Ektar?). Then the 90, a 75 SA, a 10 & 12 inch (may be an Ilex or Ektar?). Then I mounted many of my 8x10 lenses on 4 inch boards so I could use the on the GV also. Then I also have the adapter board that allows me to use all the Pacemaker lenses on the View...

If you're lens picky, get what you want & use them. If you like to play, just about anything will mount on the 4 inch board...


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"Ya just can't have too many GVIIs"
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[JBish130]

Thanks Rich.

I have an Ilex 163, a 127 Ektar, a 135 Skopar, and would like a 203 Ektar. Would the 203 be good for portraits, or do I need to go longer (head & shoulder shots)?

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Jeff Bishop

"It's light and nothing more."

[t.r.sanford]

The 203mm. "Ektar" is a dandy lens, and I think it works well for head-and-shoulders portraits. Much depends on what you want. The angle of coverage is (very) approximately the same as that of a 58mm. lens on 35mm. film -- an excellent choice for pictures of people taken from six or seven feet away.

[RichS]

An Ilex "163"? Maybe a 162 or one I don't know about. Either way, that should be a good lens.

The 127 was not made as a 4x5 lens, but since it just covered and was wide, it became a favorite of press photogs. It will work on the View but leave no room for movements.

I'm not familiar with the Skopar, but someone around here is, maybe dan?

The 203 is a favorite of many people. Supposed to be sharp wit a lot of coverage. I keep thinking of buying one just to see for myself.

For portrait work, there's a lot of dependencies. How much room you have, how close you like to be which affects the shape of the face. The length of the lens will also affect how much DOF you achieve.

Normally, I would consider a 203 a little short for 'normal' portrait work. But, I don't do portraits The 210 is supposed to be a favorite for that and there's little difference in length. If it were me, I would probably go with either a 210 or the 203. may depend on availablity and cost? I do own a 210 and that did depend on both...

Overall, from what I've heard, you can't go wrong with the 203.



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"Ya just can't have too many GVIIs"
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[Dan Fromm]

[JBish130]

I double checked and read the lens. It's an Ilex Paragon Anastigmat 163mm f/4.5. It's mounted in a #3 Acme Snycro Shutter, that is also branded as Ilex. The shutter has a black face, unlike all the others I've been seeing on oboy.

The Skopar is something I picked up, it's in a Compur dial set shutter. Only shoots at one speed (I haven't tested it, so I don't know what one speed it is). I'll figure it out, shoot a couple frames, and if it seems worthy, I'll send it off for a CLA.

Guess I'll be telling my wife I want a 203mm Ektar for Christmas....

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Jeff Bishop

"It's light and nothing more."

[hporter]

Jeff,

I think you will be quite happy with a 203 Kodak. I just wanted to pipe in that the uncoated version of the 203, normally called the 203 antistigmat, goes for next to nothing. I have one that I bought for very little money and I am quite happy with it. I put a series 6 slip on lens shade to help compensate for the lack of coating and it works just fine. A very cheap way to give it a try...

Regards,

Harold

[RichS]

[45PSS]

[ This Message was edited by: 45PSS on 2005-12-24 21:02 ]