Adjustable Iris Flange Question

[Peter Spangenberg]

Has anyone ever used one of those German made adjustable iris flanges for barrel lenses? If so, does the lens screw into the iris blades, or do you use a flange/mounting ring on the back side? I'm curious to hear whether or not they provide the stability needed. They look like a versatile piece of equipment, but I don't want to invest in one if it is flimsy or impractical.
Thanks

 

[wfwhitaker]

The lens does not screw into the blades. The blades of the iris fit usually into the relief which is cut between the threads and the barrel. Lacking that they can hold in the threads, although that may not be as secure. When security was in doubt I have on occasion used the lens' own flange as "insurance". That really shouldn't be necessary, though, and it suggests that the iris flange is being taxed beyond its design limits. The iris flange is strongest when the blades are extended the least. That's good because usually it's the heavy lenses which are largest and need support. Long lenses can be a problem if there's a lot of cantilevered weight. I've had several of these and haven't seen one yet which I thought was poorly made. They've become quite popular of late, as indicated by the market prices.

 

[Harrigan]

They are quite sturdy and can hold most lenses. The leafs are a sturdy metal and open and close like a regular iris using one knob that turns them in and out. Normally there is another knob that tightens the iris and locks it in place. You do not need an additional flange unless you want the additional security. These are a good investment imo if you use alot of barrel lenses, although prices seem to be quite high for them.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Has anyone ever used one of those German made adjustable iris flanges for barrel lenses? If so, does the lens screw into the iris blades, or do you use a flange/mounting ring on the back side? I'm curious to hear whether or not they provide the stability needed. They look like a versatile piece of equipment, but I don't want to invest in one if it is flimsy or impractical.
Thanks

Dear Peter,

I've never seen a German-made one, but I own a Gitzo (and have used a couple of friends' Gitzos) and can recommend them wholeheartedly. In fact you can use them for shuttered lenses as well as barrel, if the shutter ain't too big.

Cheers,

R.

 

[ineffablething]

I've got them for each and every one of my LF cameras. I've never had a lens be too heavy for one of them.Sometimes, if it's a heavy lens AND the threads are far enough back, the lens can tilt forward. Especially if there is no other metal part right in front of the threads to give "traction". If that's the case, I usually just wrap duct tape round and round in front of the threads and this closes the gap between the threads and the flange. I'm not explaining this very well. Hopefully you can picture what I am describing.

As for Ebay prices, they've gotten a bit crazy. There was a guy a while back offering a small one for a $300 buy it now. I wouldn't pay that. I would just haunt camera shows and junk shops. That's what I did.

W.

 

[Peter Spangenberg]

Thanks Roger-
Do you have a Gitzo model number? Any idea if they are still made or where I might be able to find one?
Thanks-Peter

 

[JBrunner]

The reason thay have gone up so much is that Ole has all of them in his fridge in Norway.

 

[Abbazz]

You can get decent size (58mm) iris lensholders for $125 from Glennview in Chicago (link), but they definitely don't look German to me

Cheers,

Sebastien

 

[Ole]

The reason thay have gone up so much is that Ole has all of them in his fridge in Norway.

None in the fridge, but one each on four cameras - and a spare one just in case.

I've noticed the price increase too, although it hasn't affected my buying... The first one did actually cost me about $300, but it came with a wonderful German 13x18cm plate camera.

I do have one lens that's too heavy for them and needs additional support: A 500mm f:5.5 Schneider Göttingen Aerotar which weighs in at almost 4 kg. But they easily hold just about anything else. I use them for shuttered lenses too (on the plate cameras), since it eliminates the need for lots of special lens boards for each camera.

 

[JosBurke]

I've sold several---most to fellow APES !! All of the ones I've had were made in Germany---of the highest quality and engineering as expected and as for "looking German"--no blonde hair and blue eyes"--I think I have at least one spare remaining !! $225 gets it
josburke at bellsouth dot net