Convertible Lens Question for Conley Model B 8x10

[klop]

I have just started into the world of 8x10 (Conley Model B).... I acquired an Ilex General shutter with the Convertable Gunlach-Manhattan Rapid Rectilinear f8 lens. Unfortunately the shutter is kaput... I found a Ilex Universal No.4 shutter that the lenses thread onto. The only thing I'm concerned about it that the space between the two lenses is greater with the Universal. With the General shutter they are .977 inches apart and with the Universal they are 1.059 inches apart. I haven't received a lens board yet to test this. Will the difference in distance make the lenses unusable as a combination?

 

[choiliefan]

My math isn't the greatest but is that a difference of .082?
I have a similar situation but the difference is .003 which has me concerned and wondering the same thing. Looking forward to some answers.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Lessee now. 8x10 camera. f/8 Gundlach RR convertible. 0.082" increase in spacing. Hmm. That's an 0.7% increase in spacing. Why don't you just waste a sheet or two of film to find out how well the combined cells work in a Ilex #4.

If you want to consider spending a bit, ask skgrimes.com whether they can machine shutter or cells to get exactly the same spacing as in the General shutter.

 

[jimgalli]

Doubt it will matter much. Convertible lenses are less persnickety than other types where spacing is precise. But some burnt film will tell. If the aperture is OK in the bad shutter, set up a shot in low light that you can control using the derby hat method and make identical images with the lens in both shutters and magnify on a light table for your answers. Set something up with strong contrasting lines.