Busch Pressman Model C Lens Boards

[WookieMan]

Hello,
I'm new to the forum and have just acquired a near mint Model C, which I'm almost done modifying to use Graflex RH8 roll film backs along with the Grafmatic 23 Back (6 sheets film holder) without have top perform any surgery on the camera body and cost me about $10 for the muting hardware and about 2 hours of my time. It should work on any 2x3 Graphic/B&J with a Graphic/Graflex back. I have a 101mm Wollensak in a Rapax shutter but want to add something wider and longer. Anyone have luck finding lens boards. Mine has the one with the metal bar that has to go in at the top and two screws at the bottom. But it looks it will take a lens board with four screws in the space behind the metal board when its removed. Has anyone done this?

I'm finishing the mods for the back later today and if the rain stops I'll shoot some photos and post them with the different backs attached.

 

[Mackinaw]

Lens boards for any model Busch are hard to find. Try looking on eBay, you may find some there.

I have a Model D Busch, the 4X5 version. I made my own lens board out of a piece of clear acrylic I had laying around. It took me a few hours, but I cut it to size, drilled a hole to fit a #1 shutter, and now use it for my 210mm Schneider. To make it light tight, I taped it over with black tape. It attaches to the camera by screws that surround all four corners of the lens board. Not the most elegant solution, but it cost me nothing and it works.

 

[Old-N-Feeble]

That's an interesting project. Welcome to APUG. Those boards can be found occasionally on eBay.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Oh, dear. OP, if your goal is to shoot 2x3 with a variety of lenses you'd be better off selling y'r little Busch, lovely though it is, and buying two 2x3 Pacemaker Graphics. A long (Speed) for the focal plane shutter and for slightly longer lenses and a short (Crown/Century) for short lenses. If only one, a Crown/Century. The Graphics are much better supported.

My first 2x3 camera was a Busch. I gave up on it, went Pacemaker Graphic because boards for the Busch were so hard to find. Also, if I recall correctly, 2x3 Busches' lens throats are smaller than 2x3 Pacemaker Graphics' (48 mm square). This can be limiting.

I've had a Miniature Speed Graphic. Miniature Speed Graphic is the model's name, not all 2x3 Graphics are Minis. The Mini is essentially a 2x3 Anniversary Graphic. Annys work well but IMO Pacemakers are preferable.

 

[WookieMan]

Hello,
Had to take some time off for hip replacement #3, now I'm balanced again. The mods are finished on my BP Model C, chemicals are in and the film dryer is finished. I was able to score 2 more Model C's for parts and extra lens boards; some I'm good and was able to sell some parts to cover the cost of the cameras. I have a nice Raptar 101mm and looking to acquire a junck lens with a good shutter to build a pin hole for wide angle shooting. Will start shooting this week now that I can walk again.

Here's the camera with all the accessories I've gotten from eBay and Etsy. The Graphic RH-8 backs and ground glass are held on with Velcro, decided not shoot sheet film. Processing will be with Unicolor ll Film Drums, which I have 3 and 6-120 reels that are almost impossible to find. I'm on the look out for more reels and a Simma Sine Wave roller base, which I almost impossible to find. I missed one recently and have learned they were also sold under the Linhof name. As the tank rotates in one direction it rocks along its horizontal axis. I've had this one since 1997 after finding it in at San Francisco camera swap. Will post photos later, but here's the film dryer ready to go. Will be back after shoot my first rolls.

 

[elcabezagrande]

I use both a Graphic 23 and 22 roll film back on my Model C. With the proper back and the (hard to find) attachment clips, this is literally a 30 second conversion from the spring back.

 

[moto-uno]

^The lens boards aren't so hard to make . I've made a few from aluminum sheet .
Actually made a few for others over the last couple of years. I should state that they
were for the Pressman D (4x5). PM me should others be necessary . Regards,Peter

 

[Jrdntnnr]

View attachment 168272 I use both a Graphic 23 and 22 roll film back on my Model C. With the proper back and the (hard to find) attachment clips, this is literally a 30 second conversion from the spring back.

Registered just now on the off chance you're still around after 6yrs - what do you mean by attachment clips? I cannot find any reference to them online. Do you have any pictures? Thanks!

 

[M Carter]

If anyone's still looking lens boards, there's a 3D file online - should be quick to find via Google.

 

[Jrdntnnr]

If anyone's still looking lens boards, there's a 3D file online - should be quick to find via Google.

The only ones I've seen are for the Model D. I'll knock one up in Blender for the Model C and post the link here over the weekend.

 

[Jrdntnnr]

If anyone's still looking lens boards, there's a 3D file online - should be quick to find via Google.

Made this now in Blender: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5569759

My board looks like it was modified to fit a larger lens, so I set the flange diameter a bit smaller to 45mm.