Are Busch Pressman Model D and Model C lensboards interchangeable?

ignatiu5 · Jul 9, 2015

I just bought a Busch Pressman Model D 4x5, and have a second lens on the way, but no lensboard for it. In searching online, there are many Model Cs available rather inexpensively, so I thought it the lensboard (not the 4-screw, the one with the vertical locking pin) for the smaller camera fit my Model D, I might go that route to cannibalize a Model C.

Any insights would be appreciated.

Hatchetman · Jul 9, 2015

No they are not. The model D ones are like hens teeth.

ignatiu5 · Jul 9, 2015

Hatchetman said:
No they are not. The model D ones are like hens teeth.

Thank you, that's very helpful. Looking at photos, I couldn't discern whether they where the same size or not.

shutterfinger · Jul 9, 2015

The Pressman Model D is 4x5 format, the Model C is 2x3 format.
Use your existing lens board as a template and make new boards from 1/4 inch thick Baltic Birch Plywood or Black Acrylic in 3/16 thickness. The Plywood is available at hobby stores such as Michaels and the Acrylic from plastic shops such as Tap Plastics. Paint or stain the plywood flat or satin black on the inside and any finish you like on the outside. Sand the Acrylic with fine sandpaper to dull the gloss surface on the inside.

Besk · Jul 10, 2015

Lensboards for the Bush Pressman are not simple flat boards! There is a piece at the top that is bent at 90 degrees and a screw from the top
of the front standard holds them in place.

I have made them in the past but it takes some effort.

My Pressman is my main 4X5 camera. Suggest you stay on the look out on E**B** to find extra lensboards. For seldom used lenses I attached a
52mm female threaded plate to one of my boards. (These plates can be made from the Lee filter adapters or step down rings.)
Then I mounted less frequently used lenses on 52mm screw-in metal lenscaps after drilling appropriately sized holes.

None of the above requires a lot of skill or special tools but a lot of patience.

Hatchetman · Jul 10, 2015

Yeah, I tried to make my own out of plywood but it was a failure. That 90 degree "tongue" is the problem.

outwest · Jul 10, 2015

Two pieces of hobby shop aluminum sheet, a jewelers saw, some epoxy, and a little time can make you an exact copy of an original. The 90 degree piece is just a bent tab from the inner piece.

Hatchetman · Jul 10, 2015

I tried epoxying a metal tab to the plywood, but it wouldn't hold -- not enough surface area. If one were to have some decent metal working tools, yes, you could do it.

Besk · Jul 10, 2015

outwest said:
Two pieces of hobby shop aluminum sheet, a jewelers saw, some epoxy, and a little time can make you an exact copy of an original. The 90 degree piece is just a bent tab from the inner piece.

That is a good descrition of what I did. You DO have to be careful to get the hole in the correct place to keep the lensboard against the standard.

Are Busch Pressman Model D and Model C lensboards interchangeable?

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