Graflex XLSW question

pdccamerqs · Nov 20, 2024

HI all,

I have a nice Graflex XL super wide with a Schneider 47mm Super Angulon f/8 lens. I recently obtained an even nicer Schneider 47mm Super Angulon f/5.6 in a much newer shutter. I am considering swapping out the f/8 with the f/5.6. After accommodating for the larger shutter opening (#00 vs. #0) and different infinity flange focus distance (47mm f/5.6 = 51.6mm, 47mm f/8 = 50.9mm), I am wondering if I can assume the focus scale will be the same. Anyone know? Here's a pic of the current focus scale.

Thanks,

Paul

Besk · Nov 20, 2024

Yes, a 47mm is a 47mm lens. It should be close enough although neither is exactly 47mm.

OrientPoint · Nov 20, 2024

I've done exactly this, swapping in a f5.6 47mm SA in place of an f8 and it works fine. Focus is the same.

mshchem · Nov 20, 2024

pdccamerqs · Nov 21, 2024

OrientPoint said:
I've done exactly this, swapping in a f5.6 47mm SA in place of an f8 and it works fine. Focus is the same.

Thanks! Did you have to modify the chrome nose of the focus tube in order to mount the new lens?

pdccamerqs · Nov 21, 2024

mshchem said:
Why?

Always a good question!

I know that except for maximum aperture, the performance and image quality of both lenses is just about equal, the sizes/weights are also more or less even, and both lenses are in great condition, however, the f/5.6 lens is in a more modern shutter with better and more accessible controls. Nonetheless, I wanted to hold off on the change if it was going to involve any heavy modifications of the lens tube.

mshchem · Nov 21, 2024

pdccamerqs said:
Always a good question!

I know that except for maximum aperture, the performance and image quality of both lenses is just about equal, the sizes/weights are also more or less even, and both lenses are in great condition, however, the f/5.6 lens is in a more modern shutter with better and more accessible controls. Nonetheless, I wanted to hold off on the change if it was going to involve any heavy modifications of the lens tube.

It's kinda like why do people climb a mountain Because it's fun!!!

OrientPoint · Nov 21, 2024

pdccamerqs said:
Thanks! Did you have to modify the chrome nose of the focus tube in order to mount the new lens?

In my case it was a drop-in replacement.

Chuck1 · Nov 21, 2024

Anyone know how to free front plates from xl tubes?
The set screw just gets chewed up (is it reverse threaded?)
Do you use strap wrenches?
I'm assuming the op got the 47 in a copal 0

OrientPoint · Nov 21, 2024

pdccamerqs said:
Always a good question!

I know that except for maximum aperture, the performance and image quality of both lenses is just about equal, the sizes/weights are also more or less even, and both lenses are in great condition, however, the f/5.6 lens is in a more modern shutter with better and more accessible controls. Nonetheless, I wanted to hold off on the change if it was going to involve any heavy modifications of the lens tube.

The extra stop is handy. My real motivation was that the f8 on my camera was sticky on slow speeds and the aperture tab was on the verge of breaking off. A f5.6 version in very nice shape and at a low price came up, and it just seemed a lot easier to simply swap out the lens.

In the end I did find the extra stop to be very helpful but you're correct that in general performance is similar across versions. I wouldn't say it's work spending $$$ on.

pdccamerqs · Nov 21, 2024

Chuck1 said:
Anyone know how to free front plates from xl tubes?
The set screw just gets chewed up (is it reverse threaded?)
Do you use strap wrenches?
I'm assuming the op got the 47 in a copal 0

Not sure about freeing the front plate - I assume you are referring to the plate with the shutter mounting hole and not the chrome nose . I noticed that there is a small set screw in the top surface of the aforementioned chrome nose, but I haven't tried to remove it.

Yes, the original 47mm f/8 which is currently mounted to the XLSW lens tube is in a Copal #00 and the "new" 47mm f/5.6 is in a Copal #0.

P.

pdccamerqs · Nov 21, 2024

OrientPoint said:
The extra stop is handy. My real motivation was that the f8 on my camera was sticky on slow speeds and the aperture tab was on the verge of breaking off. A f5.6 version in very nice shape and at a low price came up, and it just seemed a lot easier to simply swap out the lens.

In the end I did find the extra stop to be very helpful but you're correct that in general performance is similar across versions. I wouldn't say it's work spending $$$ on.

Thanks! It's encouraging that your mod was a simple drop in replacement. I will re-measure mine, it seemed to me the aperture and speed controls would hit the ID of the chrome part of the tube.

P.

pdccamerqs · Nov 21, 2024

mshchem said:
It's kinda like why do people climb a mountain Because it's fun!!!

Exactly!!!

reddesert · Nov 21, 2024

I don't have experience with the XLSW in particular. In general, the focus scale should be accurate enough for two lenses of the same nominal focal length - that is, two different 47mm lenses have the same extension past infinity. However, each example of a lens may have a slightly different focal length, so you should be prepared to test the infinity focus setting and shim the lens mount to set infinity focus at infinity on the scale, if necessary. That is, although the two lenses are spec'ed to have 0.7mm offset in flange to focal plane distance, you might find that offset to be slightly different in practice.

pdccamerqs · Nov 21, 2024

Sounds, good, Red - thank you. While the stated difference in flange focal distances for the two lenses is only .7mm, I assume a small shim will be necessary to lock in the infinity focus.

Graflex XLSW question

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency