Graflex RB + 178mm Aero Ektar

[darinwc]

I finally won a 178mm Aero Ektar. Ive been curious about them for quite a while.
I was told that the Aero Ektar was too big for the front standard of the Graflex RB ( I have a Super D). However on first looks it appears that it should work fine without modifying the front standard of the camera. It will take some experementing but I think it will work out in the end.

Back focus may be a problem though as it looks like I will just barely miss infinity without obstructing the mirror.

 

[paul ewins]

I've got a 4x5 Auto Graflex and the back of the Aero-Ektar won't clear the mirror, but will just fit through the front standard. Compared to most LF lenses it is physically quite long, so the rear element is a lot farther back than on an ordinary lens of that FL. It should work with a 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 RB though.

 

[darinwc]

Thanks Paul, yes you are right it definately will not clear the mirror. I was able to cut off the ring that was impending the lens from sitting in the lens bay. It would take some serious modifacations to get it to work at infinity. The furthest distance it will focus to turns out to be pretty limiting as well..

I've heard of people using these on a graflex SLR before, but they must have modified them quite a bit.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

The folks I know of who use them on an RB Graflex are typically using them at portrait distances, so it's a non-issue for them. Shoot it wide open, or one stop down, at short range to get nice portraits with minimal depth of field. My friend who has one modified the front standard to take the lens in an interchangeable lensboard, so he can swap it out with the lens that came on the camera when he wants.