I’m sure someone is going to chastise this response... but it won’t be me. When I got my first graphic the first Hong I did was replace the lens with a “newer and sharper “ lens. Then fussed and worried about rangefinder calibration etc etc. Very soon thereafter I put the Optar back on... and enjoyed the next few decades photographing.... and beng happy.There's no such list. Which begs the question what difference does it make? They generally came with a 135 optar which was ideally suited for the camera. The image circle it threw on the film was big enough for the camera's limited movements. It was slight wide angle lens when you needed one and a pretty strong telephoto lens when you needed that, via enlargement in the darkroom. The trick is to see to it that the rangefinder itself was properly calibrated. Since a great many rangefinders were Kalarts, I can personally attest that their accuracy could be set to mere inches (or less). So there is no reason not to be satisfied with the 135 Optar or Xenar, as the case may be. The main worry to think of is shutter accuracy. Just keep in mind that 1/200 is your top speed. Forget about 1/400, as 1/400 will never be better than 1/250 anyway. The Speeds and Crowns were designed to be walkaround cameras preset at shutter speed and f stop. You can't make a view camera out of them, unless it's scenics and such. Use the Optar and learn to be happy.
I’m sure someone is going to chastise this response... but it won’t be me. When I got my first graphic the first Hong I did was replace the lens with a “newer and sharper “ lens. Then fussed and worried about rangefinder calibration etc etc. Very soon thereafter I put the Optar back on... and enjoyed the next few decades photographing.... and beng happy.
and enjoyed the next few decades photographing.... and beng happy.
the 135/3.5 Xenotar will fold up inside, if that's useful to know. The 90/8 Nikkor SW will as well, I believe.
I would suspect any of the Rodenstock Geronar lenses would work. The 150 for sure and probably the 210.
There's no such list. Which begs the question what difference does it make? They generally came with a 135 optar which was ideally suited for the camera. The image circle it threw on the film was big enough for the camera's limited movements. It was slight wide angle lens when you needed one and a pretty strong telephoto lens when you needed that, via enlargement in the darkroom. The trick is to see to it that the rangefinder itself was properly calibrated. Since a great many rangefinders were Kalarts, I can personally attest that their accuracy could be set to mere inches (or less). So there is no reason not to be satisfied with the 135 Optar or Xenar, as the case may be. The main worry to think of is shutter accuracy. Just keep in mind that 1/200 is your top speed. Forget about 1/400, as 1/400 will never be better than 1/250 anyway. The Speeds and Crowns were designed to be walkaround cameras preset at shutter speed and f stop. You can't make a view camera out of them, unless it's scenics and such. Use the Optar and learn to be happy.
Wonderful suggestion... I never would have thought of that!If you’re going to use this at a press conference, get a 127mm or so lens. That way you can get closer than the 135mm guys and block their shots.
So owning a Crown/Speed Graphic with a 135mm is just like owning a Leica with only a 35mm or 50mm lens?
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