I need to get lensboard(s) for Busch Pressman "D" copal 0 and 1...?

Dear APUG, Photorio Members,

Just got a clean Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 camera and I need the following.

a) Lensboard for Copal 0
b) Lensboard for Copal 1

Now I read some cloak and dagger stuff about someone who makes them independently
and can only be found on Ebay on Tuesday and Tursday.......just a website address and or phone number
will do, I called Midwest Camera and the person who answered had no clue of what I was asking for...

Your help would be appreciated, or if I can fabricate one, what is the best material otherwise I will
end up with a paper mache lens mount....

Thanks!

Harlequin.

I suggest anyone with a Pressman look around for a makerspace or similar group in their area. Laser cut aluminum or plywood are my planned materials to try here in a few months when I get some free time to pop over to the shop.

For aluminum, I'm planning to do a two piece setup - An inner section with a tab that is bent over, and an outer face plate that the inner plate gets epoxied to. (Which as far as I can tell is basically how the original was made.)
For the plywood trial, I'm planning a 3 cut design, with a slot cut through the face plate and the top of the inner plate for the 'tab nub'.

I might include some alignment pin/rivet holes in either design.

In the meantime, I'm using a thin sheet of dense fibre board as a face plate, and then layers of printer paper and glue on the back to make up the inner plate and tab. - https://imgur.com/a/jWNnf8T Some photos of the ultra 'crude but it works' lens board I've been using so far.

Luckless said:

....excellent suggestions and ideas snipped....
In the meantime, I'm using a thin sheet of dense fibre board as a face plate, and then layers of printer paper and glue on the back to make up the inner plate and tab. - https://imgur.com/a/jWNnf8T Some photos of the ultra 'crude but it works' lens board I've been using so far.

Click to expand...

I've done a similar thing in the past when I just wanted to try a lens without a lot of fuss. I simply cut a makeshift "lens board" out of a piece of cardboard (like the side of a box) and used black electrical tape around the perimeter to make a flexible light tight seal. I actually ended up using this hack for almost a year...without any issues what-so-ever!

Just get some aluminium sheet and make your own, it's really easy. I make a lot of lens boards, I'd offer but my workshop's out of action for a couple of weeks, and I've a big backlog of work.

Ian

I've been trying to make my own for my pressman C and it has been frustrating. But, I just got a tool I think will help s I'm going to give it a go again after I am done with the MCAT on Saturday.

As for the guy who sells on ebay, he's a very nice guy. He doesn't make C boards but was very helpful with the information and tips about making them. I wouldn't hesitate buying from him.

I used a sheet of acrylic I bought at Lowe's. I cut it to size, drilled a hole for a #0 shutter, covered it with black tape so it's opaque, and put it on my Pressman D. Works fine.

Jim B.

The guy on eBay is gary9000.

M Carter,

THANK YOU, like pulling teeth to get that information....
Really appreciate it! I was almost going to get the scotch, some cardboard and an exacto knife.

For $23 problem solved.


Harlequin

harlequin said:

M Carter,

THANK YOU, like pulling teeth to get that information....
Really appreciate it! I was almost going to get the scotch, some cardboard and an exacto knife.

For $23 problem solved.

Click to expand...

No prob - anytime you're searching for something like that on eBay, you can always try the advanced search and choose "completed listings" - if someone doesn't have something immediately listed, often you'll find their earlier listings that way. Good way to get an idea for eBay pricing as well.

I recently got a Pressman D (and I'm impressed, it's a beauty, my wife had one of those "your husband's a photographer, can he use this?" events). I'll be needing boards for it soon myself, I found a 90mm Wollensak for it but at some point will try an SA I think. The 135 on it needs a shutter service, need to get it off for repair.