Graflex.org

[RichS]

I know similar info has been posted about this, but for various reasons, Im posting it again. Sorry if this upsets anyone

I am putting together another Super point & shoot system. This one happens to have the 'standard' Optar 135mm lens, and as we all know, it needs a 38mm push-on filter adapter...

Well, I've been looking for one for a couple of years now with no luck (I hate auctions!)

So, along comes tonight, when I lose out on an auction for an 8x10 FP shutter which I've also been looking for years now (did I mention I hate auctions!). Being totally depressed, I decided to do something productive to make me feel better...

I look through my box of goodies for some kind of filter adapter. Some too big, some too small... Can't do anything with the small ones, but how about the big ones?

I find a nice Series VI to Series VII adapter. It's only about 5 or 6 mm too large... Now, I have strips of mat board cut here to make lens caps. I take a strip of that and wind it inside the adapter on the rear where the threads are. Comes to about 39mm. Not bad! So I cut the strip length-wise so it's the same thickness as the ring of the adapter.

I could glue the thing together, but I need that 1mm... I also have black 'gaffers' tape here in 3/4 width. I decide to cut a length that just wraps around the outside of the rear threads on the adapter, wrapped as tight as I can get it so it digs into the threads. Then I fold over the entire length inside the adapter and press it all the way around. It completely covers the threads on the outside, the mat board strip on the inside and has about 5mm left over to catch the inside of the adapter ring holding it all together. measure it up, just a tad under 38mm and a perfect fit on the lens! And since I used tape, I can always take it apart later...

This same idea would work with any ordinary filter (UV or Daylight type would be good), but I didn't have one laying around...

Since the push-on adapters are getting hard to find, modifying other adapters or filters this way can be a cheap & easy way to get a filter, hood, or place to hang a Lee rubber band filter system on front of a lens...

Now if we just knew the internal sizes of standard filters, we could easily make these things without a junk box

Just thought I'd share, and get some aggravation (and depression) off my chest...

Off to bed...

[45PSS]

With reguard to that 8x10 FPS...TS



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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

[Henry]

Nice work, Rich! I once fashioned a 31.5mm slip-ring (fits lenses such as the 101 Optar, 103 Graftar, et al.) out of the core of a roll of Scotch tape---it was exactly the right size. Later I sort of began collecting the Kodak 31.5 rings until now I have about four of them. These and the other sizes I needed for my lenses I found at camera show swap and sale meets. I think I may have a spare 38mm ring around here somewhere; drop me a private message.

[hporter]

Too bad about the FP shutter. I noticed that you had bid on it. I wanted it as well, but it went for a much higher price than I was willing to go.

The seller had a 4x5 FP back for sell as well.......

[RichS]

Thanks Henry. I'll get in touch

And now I'll have to check rolls of Scotch tape! I think I need an adapter for a 90mm, which is also 31.5 isn't it? Way too much to do and far too little time...

hporter, you bid on that too? It's the 3rd or 4th I've missed. I had a feeling it would go higher, but there are just times when finances are limited, like right after buying a Super I'll get one someday. I'm just trying to put together a commplete 8x10 Century Universal with all the options Graflex offered. So far I've got the camera & tripod. I have my doubts I'll ever find the case. And I'll wiat patiently for that FP back... Good luck to you too!

[hporter]

Rich, I did not place a bid - though I kept a watch on it! There have been a couple of these on the auction site in the past few months but they always go for more than I am willing to pay. There are so many older large format lenses in barrel that I would love to play with and that FP back sure would be nice too. I really enjoy using the FP shutter on my various speed graphics. It is a kick just to do something differently. The dimensions of that particular back matched my Agfa 8x10 exactly.

I looked through my box of filter ring adapters and found a 38mm Series VI slip on adapter too. We have a really nice photo store here in Houston that has a big bin full of these things and the prices are extremely reasonable. I would be happy to find one for you the next time I go on a treasure hunt there...

[RichS]

hporter,

Thanks! Without a doubt, if you can find a spare 38mm and maybe a 31.5mm (for the 90) I would greatly appreciate it. I don't know of any places around here to do any searching. And it's rare I get to go anyplace to look. And when I do, it's with the wife...

[hporter]

Rich,

I go with mine too. But we have a good system worked out. I drop her off at the clothing re-sale store and I get to go and hang out at my camera store until she summons me on the cell phone!

I will take a look this weekend if I get to town.

Harold

[hporter]

Rich,

The usual goodies box was not to be found. Another camera store in town went under and they were installing their extra shelves in my store. I rummaged through the filter drawer and found a couple of things.
I picked up a 38mm series VI push on filter adapter, and a 31.5mm series V push on adapter. I don't know if you have a series V to VI adapter or any series V filters? But if you want to send me a mailing address I will stick them in the mail for you.

PS I also picked up a 42mm push on series VI adapter. I already had one - so if you need it I can throw it in too.

Regards,

Harold

[ This Message was edited by: hporter on 2005-10-28 13:49 ]

[RichS]

Thank you Harold. I've sent you a PM...


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"Ya just can't have too many GVIIs"
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