Lenses for 2x3 Crown Graphic

[skyrick]

I'm using a Pacemaker Crown Graphic 23 with the Kodak Ektar f:4.5 101mm with Kodak Flash Supermatic shutter. I've read in Morgan & Lester's "Graphic Graflex Photography" about wide angle Optar and Tele-Optar lenses, and am particularly interested in the 202mm and 250mm Teles. I've seen these come up for auction on the 'bay before, but they're always listed for 4x5 cameras. I'm supposing that the lensboard won't fit my 23. Could I mount them on a 23 lensboard or just hold out for the right package? Also, do these lenses come with shutters or are they for use only with focal plane shutters?
Also, the same questions apply to the wide angle Optars.

Thanks,
Rick

 

[Venchka]

You will need to do some measuring and homework, but the Kodak 203mm/7.7 lens is super sharp starting wide open and quite small. It often comes in the same shutter you already own. It should easily fit your lens board. Bellows extension for infinity and closer focusing may be a problem. I don't know your maximum bellows extension.

 

[Fotoguy20d]

I got a 2x3 Pacemaker Speed a while back with a 203 Anastigmat (same as Ektar f7.7). It came with a special board with an extension tube that added about 3" to bellows extension. Without it, focusing is a problem, and that's on a Speed. Mine came in a rim-set Compur.

 

[Venchka]

Extension tubes work very well. A true telephoto lens will probably work better. This could be a budget buster, but the the Linhof 2x3 Technika had a telephoto lens.

 

[Venchka]

From IGOR'S listings:

Linhof Press-70 Zeiss Sonnar 180/4.8, just CLA, Ex+ $595.

 

[darinwc]

I have never seen a 202mm tele optar for sale, but often the 250mm and 180mm tele optar/raptar are on ebay.
Both should work on the 2x3 crown/speed graphic. Most come with shutters, some do not. Check the descriptions.

 

[aoresteen]

Here's a list of the Optars lenses

http://www.oresteen.com/optar_lens.htm

And the Ektars:

http://www.oresteen.com/kodak_ektar.htm

 

[skyrick]

Thanks everyone for the info; especially Tony. The charts were very helpful.

Rick

 

[aoresteen]

I have the Tele Optar 8" (203mm) (Wollensak version labled Raptar). Right now it's at SK Grimes as the rear element is loose in it's holder.

When I get it back I'll shoot some film and let you know how it does. It does NOT cover 4x5; it's only for 6x9.