Graflex Crown Graphic Portrait Lens

Bovrilarg · Feb 23, 2017

I have seen some similar threads but I needed some more specific information so I created a new one. Please advise if I should change something. I own a Graflex Crown Graphic with the Ektar 127mm lens. It is in great shape and captures some splendid images. I would like to take the camera on a trip to the Argentine cattle lands for some portrait work. I usually just shoot MF and 135 so my knowledge on 4x5 is limited.

I have seen in a similar thread recommendations of a 210mm lens and I was looking at a Fuji 210mm f/5.6 or a Calumet 210 f/5.6. My concern is the bellows. From what I gather the camera must have enough bellows draw and I have no idea how to measure this. Would either of these lenses work on a Crown Graphic?

Any information would be appreciated.

Patrick

BrianShaw · Feb 23, 2017

I would seek out an Optar 203mm from that era, overhaul the shutter and calibrate the viewfinder to it. Or alternatively (which is what I do) use a roll film back and the appropriate viewfinder mask.

In terms of bellows draw, the distance between the lens board and film plane needs to be same as focal length for infinity focus. Closer focus requires more bellows draw. There are tables for that but I can't point you to one at the moment. Sorry. I'd like to be more helpful.

Personally speaking, i use Graphics for "environmental portraiture" but for anything closer prefer a regular view camera or Hasselblad.

Johnkpap · Feb 23, 2017

Hi Patrick
Both those lenses will work fine, The only thing yoy may need is a second set of Stop's for the cameras bead as the lens will be set at another spot.

Other lenses that are good options are Schneider Simmar 210mm and 180mm you can get these for next to nothing these days, If you want a longer lens you need to make sure it is a Telephoto lens these can be hard to find but they allow you focus with standard bellows.

Regards

Johnkpap

shutterfinger · Feb 23, 2017

The 4x5 Crown Graphic has 12 1/2 inches of bellows draw. http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/pacemaker-crown-graphic.html
1 inch=25.4 millimeters; 12.5*25.4=317.5mm. Plenty of length to get close with a 210.

Lachlan Young · Feb 23, 2017

I have a Speed Graphic with the same lens - it is very tight on the format if you want to use tilts & shifts. Otherwise it'll be fine - plenty of people will recommend that you bulk out your lens kit, but I'd argue that the 127 will be quite enough - some formal restrictions often lead to better image making. You should consider very carefully how much more weight (& bulk) you want to add to your kit with more lenses & concomitant lensboards etc. How much time do you want to spend playing about setting up the camera & how much time do you want to spend making images?

Bovrilarg · Feb 23, 2017

shutterfinger said:
The 4x5 Crown Graphic has 12 1/2 inches of bellows draw. http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/pacemaker-crown-graphic.html
1 inch=25.4 millimeters; 12.5*25.4=317.5mm. Plenty of length to get close with a 210.

That is perfect! This is what I needed to know. Thanks a million.

Bovrilarg · Feb 23, 2017

Lachlan, thanks for the advise. I just find the 127 a bit wide for portrait work. I am hoping that another lens would give me a better image. I take your point on how much prep time versus image taking. I will give it some thought.

Thanks!

removed account4 · Feb 23, 2017

get a 10" teleoptar
its perfect for what you want to use it for
sometimes they are found in shutters
good luck !

[ edited and added later ]

OP

any lens can be a portrait lens. typically one uses the "normal" lens for the next format as the portrait lens
for the smaller format ... and this is mainly handy if you are just doing head/shoulders portraits or big faces.( or you want a large distance between you and your subject )

the teleoptar i suggested is a telephoto lens so you won't have large bellows draw, usually 10" lenses really
rake out the bellows on a speed or crown graphic ...
what sort of portraits are you hoping to make ?

schneider symmars might be another choice
used as a 2 element lens you might find a 150, 180, or 210 that fits the bill
i have never had trouble with my 210, its heavy, but works like a charm,
and i don't think your camera will have trouble with any of them, unless you
attempt to convert it ( them ) they take a ton of bellows to use converted ...
they are easily found on ebay or used camera dealers ... and not as "rare" as a shutter mounted opera.

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/test/BigMash210.html
http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/schneider_7.html

Lachlan Young · Feb 23, 2017

Bovrilarg said:
Lachlan, thanks for the advise. I just find the 127 a bit wide for portrait work. I am hoping that another lens would give me a better image. I take your point on how much prep time versus image taking. I will give it some thought.

Thanks!

I'd suggest looking for a Rodenstock Geronar 210mm - it's a fair bit smaller & cheaper than one of the big 210's & more than good enough at sensible apertures. Just beware how much your depth of field will shrink by at 210mm & you should be fine

Alternatively, follow John's advice & try to track down a 10"/ 254mm Tele-optar in a shutter - unlike a Speed Graphic, the Crown does require lenses in shutters.

Sirius Glass · Feb 23, 2017

Also look at https://graflex.org/helpboard/ for more information.

Alan Gales · Feb 24, 2017

Lachlan Young said:
I'd suggest looking for a Rodenstock Geronar 210mm - it's a fair bit smaller & cheaper than one of the big 210's & more than good enough at sensible apertures. Just beware how much your depth of field will shrink by at 210mm & you should be fine

Alternatively, follow John's advice & try to track down a 10"/ 254mm Tele-optar in a shutter - unlike a Speed Graphic, the Crown does require lenses in shutters.

+1

I had the Caltar version of the Rodenstock Geronar 210mm lens. Being so small, I could fold it up inside my Crown Graphic.

Graflex Crown Graphic Portrait Lens

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