Bellows for Wisner 4x5

[Doc W]

I have a Wisner 4x5 Techinical Field camera with both bellows: the standard bellows and the bag bellows. The standard bellows is just too long for a 90mm lens and it is a real pain to have to switch to the bag bellows, just to use the 90mm. My 4x5 lenses are 90mm, 150mm, 210mm (and I may be getting a 240mm). Did Wisner ever make an "in between" bellows which would accommodate this range? Is anyone out there making such a bellows which would fit my Wisner?

 

[Barrie B.]

I have a Wisner 4x5 Techinical Field camera with both bellows: the standard bellows and the bag bellows. The standard bellows is just too long for a 90mm lens and it is a real pain to have to switch to the bag bellows, just to use the 90mm. My 4x5 lenses are 90mm, 150mm, 210mm (and I may be getting a 240mm). Did Wisner ever make an "in between" bellows which would accommodate this range? Is anyone out there making such a bellows which would fit my Wisner?

.. Depending on the size of the rear element of your 90mm, it may be possible to make a 'recessed ' lens board, you would only need say 1/2" recess. Cheers Barrie B.

 

[Doc W]

Barrie, thanks. I have thought of that. My current 90mm is an old Super Angulon, and I am thinking of getting something newer, with a larger aperture for focusing. It seems the older I get, the less light there is in the world. It might be easier to get a recessed board made than try to find the right bellows. I will have to ponder this some.

 

[Doremus Scudder]

I'd try for a recessed lensboard solution first. I have a Zone VI Ritter camera, which is similar to the Wisner you have. I modified the front standard to allow the mounting of Technika recessed boards, which gives me acceptable movements for my 90mm f/8 SA.

Of course, the bag bellows would be the real solution for shots with a larger-IC lens on a flat board, but for field work and not having to fiddle with bellows changing, a recessed board and an f/8 lens may well be the best compromise.

Best,

Doremus