Filtersize Noflexar 5.6 400mm and 8.0 600mm?

[Frank53]

I got this set some time ago, just because it was cheap. I’m not really a telelens user, but since I have it, it would like to use it on my Olympus OM body’s.
All information I can find on the internet says filtersize is 77mm, but the filter I have is just a tiny bit too big.
Do I have to look for original Novoflex filters, or what?
Regards,
Frank

 

[jlbruyelle]

I'm afraid you have to, yes, and I confirm that 77 mm does not fit. The diameter is about 75 mm, which does not seem to have ever been available. The specific filters for these lenses appear on the bay from time to time, it is how I found mine.

 

[Frank53]

Ok, thank you.
Regards,
Frank

 

[AgX]

-) mine got 77mm
(perfect fit)

-) use the filter drawer
-) one can easily glue a 86mm empty filter-ring into the hood

 

[jlbruyelle]

-) mine got 77mm
(perfect fit)

That's strange. What type is your Novoflex? Mine is a type C and there is a full 2mm difference. A 77 mm filter just won't fit.

-) use the filter drawer

Unless your Pigriff is very different from mine, the filter drawer requires a specific, odd-shaped filter holder which is also necessary to fill the filter slot and make the lens lightproof. I don't think one can practically use this for DIY filters, except by sacrificing a filter holder and cutting a glass filter of the colour one wants. Moreover it is difficult to change the filter in this holder: either you have one holder for each filter you may need (the only viable option IMHO), or you decide each time in advance what filter colour you will need, and make the change with a screwdriver before you leave home to make the photos.

-) one can easily glue a 86mm empty filter-ring into the hood

This is probably a better option. I see Novoflex lens shades on ebay from time to time, if you don't want to sacrifice yours. OTOH the filter ring will yield a reduction in diameter, and this may cause vignetting.

 

[AgX]

I got model "C".

But as it is a modular system the optics barrel seemingly can be interchanged between models B,C and D. Barrel versions with differing filter thread thus may be found on the same system. Nevertheless an non-regular filter thread is uncommon at least in photography!
Also they easily could have given the hood a proper 86mm thread, as there already is a thread.(Yes, vignetting mgt be an issue.)

The filter drawer/holder only makes much sense if used in readymade samples.
For custom fitting it is of really shitty design and only be disassembled at the workshop! A sole filter pane from a 46mm standard filter will fit, best with an appropriate distance ring. Otherwise a cut to size foil filter will do.

 

[jlbruyelle]

I got model "C".

But as it is a modular system the optics barrel seemingly can be interchanged between models B,C and D. Barrel versions with differing filter thread thus may be found on the same system. Nevertheless an non-regular filter thread is uncommon at least in photography!

The B and C baionets are not interchangeable: male on B, female on C. No idea why they chose to change it. As regards the optics unit, I did not check the diameter of the rear thread (I guess that's what you mean, placing the filter in the interface between the optics and diaphragm units) because I noticed that the "T" 400 optics protrude farther back than the rear thread, so one can't put a filter there even if it the threads matched. It might possibly work with a non-T 400, I don't know.

The filter drawer/holder only makes much sense if used in readymade samples.
For custom fitting it is of really shitty design and only be disassembled at the workshop! A sole filter pane from a 46mm standard filter will fit, best with an appropriate distance ring. Otherwise a cut to size foil filter will do.

I don't understand why they did not make a filter holder for gelatin, like Nikon did for their long tele lenses - although with the cost and rarity of gelatin filters nowadays, it would probably not be such a good option. Beware if you choose to cut foil filters for this holder: not many are of sufficient quality for image forming beams - in particular, the foils intended for lighting are not - and long teles are very sensitive to this.

 

[sprywalrus]

Novoflex lenses are incestuously close to the Leica Telyt lens system of the period.
Certainly same design, possibly same factory.
The Eurofiltre was readily available in 75mm, the required size for the 400mm and upwards, systems A and B.

The Novoflex lens cork will not hold over this filtre.
It will however fit into the lens hood. How it comes, in the box.
My 400mm series 3 long has thinner metalwork. Suspect this may well take a 77mm filter.
Certainly, this long head was an optional extra on the B

Earlier system A and B 400mm heads still screw onto the series C iris.
Regrettably, the 280mm integrated head will not fit a series C PIGRIFF at all.

Still trying to get my hands on a good 64cm so I don't know for sure.
The 600mm, is a Leica Telyt in different metalwork. Probably, just a triplet. The Leica lens cap is 75mm.

Smaller lenses, 280mm I have, but am not sure of the thread size. Again, remiss of me.

Bayonets.
PIGRIFF C is a bigger beast right through. With different, medium format camera ends, fits to both 'Blad and SL66. Probably others.
Naturally, that end of the Iris module is bigger to suit. Screw thread to the lens itself is compatable.
Bayonet to the camera fitment and or TEX is unchanged.
No need for a BAL-U inverted bellows which I hate or a TUBA which seems impossible to find.
Integrated extension for closer focussing. Sweet, albeit heavy.

Earliest piece of kit to my knowlege to use drop in filters. Circa 1980.
Similarly, introduced the electric / cable button to include compatability with the electric release system on the Contax / FR.
Don't criticise pioneers.
With production and evolution maintained over 30 years, life will get confusing.
Try to keep track of Nikon's alphabet soup.

The piece of glass that can be extracted from a 46mm filter fits the drop in.
Limited use though with minimal availability of these carriers.
Probably going to have some 3D Printed.
Realistically, you need protection for the front element.
A polarising drop in and a clean up element for urban lighting.

Remember the professionals who they were designed for.
Sports,
Wildlife,
Press,
Surveillance,
Paparazzi.

Art filters don't pay the bills. Pin sharp surveillance does.

Final ironies.
Zeiss Pro lenses are manual.
Modern digitals have such staggeringly fast sensors that the need for super fast Flourite Canons with their 3 year life, has gone.
Careful where you poke it. Lucky people have been arrested. Others have been shot.

System D, I have no knowledge. Not sure there are very many out there.

For those using either A or C, the PISTAR tripod boss for the 400 / 640mm iris module is a godsend.
Out there if you look.

C has a boss between the handles. Plug in a Novoflex PL1 Arca Swiss plate.

C PISTOCK is brilliant. Useful on the C as well. Still made for general use.

Information for whom it might serve.

Rgds.

Malcolm Hayward.

 

[sprywalrus]

A follow up.
The Novoflexar 400mm categorically takes a 75mm filter. Very tricky to find.
The Novoflexar 400mm 3 long (introduced during the run of the B system and visibly longer) categorically takes a 77mm filter. Just expensive.
The baby Novoflexar 280 categorically takes a 58mm filter. Not a problem.
The PIGRIFF C filter carrier takes a bare 45mm disk. These can be obtained. A bit specialist.
If you have a UV protecter permanently on the business end, only a polariser is really needed.
Turn it by hand!!
Rgds.
Malcolm Hayward.

 

[europanorama]

Novoflex lenses are incestuously close to the Leica Telyt lens system of the period.
Certainly same design, possibly same factory.
The Eurofiltre was readily available in 75mm, the required size for the 400mm and upwards, systems A and B.

The Novoflex lens cork will not hold over this filtre.
It will however fit into the lens hood. How it comes, in the box.
My 400mm series 3 long has thinner metalwork. Suspect this may well take a 77mm filter.
Certainly, this long head was an optional extra on the B

Earlier system A and B 400mm heads still screw onto the series C iris.
Regrettably, the 280mm integrated head will not fit a series C PIGRIFF at all.

Still trying to get my hands on a good 64cm so I don't know for sure.
The 600mm, is a Leica Telyt in different metalwork. Probably, just a triplet. The Leica lens cap is 75mm.

Smaller lenses, 280mm I have, but am not sure of the thread size. Again, remiss of me.

Bayonets.
PIGRIFF C is a bigger beast right through. With different, medium format camera ends, fits to both 'Blad and SL66. Probably others.
Naturally, that end of the Iris module is bigger to suit. Screw thread to the lens itself is compatable.
Bayonet to the camera fitment and or TEX is unchanged.
No need for a BAL-U inverted bellows which I hate or a TUBA which seems impossible to find.
Integrated extension for closer focussing. Sweet, albeit heavy.

Earliest piece of kit to my knowlege to use drop in filters. Circa 1980.
Similarly, introduced the electric / cable button to include compatability with the electric release system on the Contax / FR.
Don't criticise pioneers.
With production and evolution maintained over 30 years, life will get confusing.
Try to keep track of Nikon's alphabet soup.

The piece of glass that can be extracted from a 46mm filter fits the drop in.
Limited use though with minimal availability of these carriers.
Probably going to have some 3D Printed.
Realistically, you need protection for the front element.
A polarising drop in and a clean up element for urban lighting.

Remember the professionals who they were designed for.
Sports,
Wildlife,
Press,
Surveillance,
Paparazzi.

Art filters don't pay the bills. Pin sharp surveillance does.

Final ironies.
Zeiss Pro lenses are manual.
Modern digitals have such staggeringly fast sensors that the need for super fast Flourite Canons with their 3 year life, has gone.
Careful where you poke it. Lucky people have been arrested. Others have been shot.

System D, I have no knowledge. Not sure there are very many out there.

For those using either A or C, the PISTAR tripod boss for the 400 / 640mm iris module is a godsend.
Out there if you look.

C has a boss between the handles. Plug in a Novoflex PL1 Arca Swiss plate.

C PISTOCK is brilliant. Useful on the C as well. Still made for general use.

Information for whom it might serve.

Rgds.

Malcolm Hayward.

400/3 newer: M77 x 0.75 older M75. M75-M77 -Adapter needed. hard to get maybe Heliopan has. see their pdf. they also have or had filters with holder.
Be aware: if Filter exceeds 80mm original sunshade cannot be used anymore. Pol, Sky and UV filter with drawer are called: FILPOL, FILSKY, FILUV, Heliopan has/had other filters with drawer. i think i have read they are 43mm. must open drawer. has screws.

 

[europanorama]

there was an old 400/3 with M75 x0.75 thread. SN: 40885 i have . using M75 - 77-adapter. front of sunshade SONFE has M86 x 1.0-mount. was very surprised i could use old polish PZO M86 x 1.0 filters. also the M86-M95 adapter plus a Zeiss Sonnar Sunshade for which these are made. that one has a 100mm cap too. its wider than SONFE and robust hardplastic. just had to add doubletape to both aperture and bellows-fastener rings since one couldnt rotate then anymore. worn out. will ask novoiflex if they still have. focus-unlocker-plate is nonworking. i have two versions of 600/8, they differ from paint. one is smooth black surface the other(most probably the old) hammered black. both are almost 2300g without PISTOCK-shoulder-pod but with adapter.

 

[ph]

interesting thread since there is very little ad these optics on the net.

my various pigriff lenses do not use filters, and would not benefit much by being limited to parts of the spectrum, since they do not have much colour aberrations at normal size enlargement (and with digiatal cameras colour mainipiulation for effects is easily done on the computer), They are however, single-coated and tend to get a bit of haze when used against strong light). The protective effect of extra glass if you handle equipment carefully might not be worth the cost.

The mechanics work well . Also Novoflex still makes the older "type A" rings and can accomodate modern mirrorless mounts.

One addition to the Telyt remark above; yes, Leitz made some of their long doublets to fit the Novoflex system, but the optics sold by Novoflex for the pigriff system and marked Noflexar were made by Staeble (also after that firm was bought by Agfa).

p.

 

[markaudacity]

the M86-M95 adapter plus a Zeiss Sonnar Sunshade for which these are made

Which Sonnar is that hood for? I'm having trouble Googling it.

 

[Chuck1]

I have a novoflex book and some lenses, the book just adds to the confusion,
Basically I realized I'm trying to put together one puzzle from many incomplete sets. The one that collapses into itself( is that the one that is 75mm), any recommendations on lubricating it? I"ll find the book and use the rights words