Lens Board Compatibility

[DBP]

I'm considering getting a 4x5 monorail to allow more movements than my press cameras. All my lenses are currently mounted in wooden Graflex boards to fit my Anny Speed Graphic and B&J Press. What monorails take those boards, if any?

 

[Dave Parker]

The only ones that I know of would be the graphic View I and the graphic View II, and you might be able to use them on the Calumet CC series mono rails.

Dave

 

[David H. Bebbington]

You can leave all your lenses in 4" square boards, there are plenty of adapters - I myself have 4" square -> Sinar/Horseman, there are others.

Regards,

David

 

[galyons]

I'm considering getting a 4x5 monorail to allow more movements than my press cameras. All my lenses are currently mounted in wooden Graflex boards to fit my Anny Speed Graphic and B&J Press. What monorails take those boards, if any?

First, get a great deal on the monorail that matches your current, and to your best estimation future, needs and current budget. There are many great buys out there for top quality monorails. The system components that support these cameras are extensive. Most will have large boards.

IMO, it is simply foolish to suggest that you replicate current limitations to future equipment. Adapting one of the large boards to accept the smaller boards is fairly simple...buy one or make one. Either way do not limit your search to the confines of your current boards. Larger lensboards provide more real estate for larger lenses that you probably would not use on the field camera.

Cheers,
Geary
4x5,5x7 & 8x10 field cameras all adapted to take technika boards.

 

[raucousimages]

Adaptors are available to adapt most boards to Toyo rail cameras.

 

[bart Nadeau]

You haven't said yet how you plan to use the monorail and I wouldn't let lensboard compatability be a driving force, but I would look long and hard at a Graphic View II with a Graflock back. It is inexpensive, solid and has a 16 inch bellows. Unless you use extreme wideangles and need a bag bellows with tremendous movement, it is what I would go for and, in fact I have several.
bart

 

[DBP]

I'm planning on using it for some macro work, a couple of specific architecture shots, and occasional portraiture. I don't plan on using a lens shorter than the 90mm I have now.

 

[Jim Jones]

My 5x7 B&J Saturn monorail uses Anniversary boards. Simple home-made adaptors let me use the same boards on a 5x7 B&J flatbed and Kodak 8x10 2D. The Saturn is great for some macro work. A platform that clamps onto the monorail can hold some subjects. Different backs accomodate film from 5x7 to 35mm.