I'm all set to build an ULF Camera, but where do I get the lens ?

bascom49

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I'm all set to build an ULF camera. I have the resources, the time, and the can do attitude.

I just need a lens to get started with in order to determine what size camera to build.

I have in mind 24" x 24" and up, film and or / wet plate.

Film options include x-ray film as well as the yearly custom order by Ilford.

What this guy does is doable:

http://www.picturecorrect.com/news/wet-plate-photography-studio-in-a-truck-touring-america/


Anyone have any suggestions as to where to find a lens ?

Could I make a lens similar to making a lens for a telescope ?

Thanks,
Charles
 

paul ewins

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EKDobbs

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Funny, I just recently had the same idea inspired by the same guy, only I'm taking the cheapskate route and making a pinhole camera. Essentially a rather boxy coffin with a tiny hole at one end, to be placed in the back of my truck.
 

johnielvis

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there was an 1800 apo ronar for about 15000 bucks on ebay a while back...it'll be back maybe....42" artar on there right now....
 

nexus757

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If looking for something economical you might be able to adapt one from an old graphic arts process camera. Check with local print shops or ebay. These are no longer widely used in the printing industry and are selling for very cheap--sometimes available for free.
 

Mustafa Umut Sarac

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You can buy a yellow big half an kilogram zirconium for 90 dollars and calculate your cylinderical lens and order a water jet cut. If you survive from venetian blind effect - less seen at colored zirconia - you have a excellent lens.
There is a company who gave zirconia its name and sell this stuff.
Other option is titania , synthetic rutile piece and order a cut for cylinderical lens.
If you want glass , there are many optical glass sellers at US , imported from China , Japan , Germany and BK7 is damn cheap.
 

Arthurwg

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Funny you should ask about lenses. I've just had two ULF lenses on Ebay, both rare and in near perfect condition-- and no bids. One was a Dallmeyer wide angle Rectilinear No. 4, which covers 20x24. The other was a Dallmeyer Long Focus Rapid Landscape Lens, also covering 20x24. I was asking $1200.00 for the wide angle and #1500.00 for the Landscape lens, which was offered with its original box, lens caps, flange, and original yellow filter. No bids on either lens, which I find surprising. Why??
 

platebreaker

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Arthur, I saw both of those beautiful lenses on the bay, and was very tempted for the WAR #4, thats a beauty!! just a little out of my price range, I am a grad student so I'm not living life like a rap video anymore, but drop me a pm if you have any other lenses of that pedigree for sale soon.
 

Reinhold

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TheToadMen

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