Need help with lens board.

Oz Etkin · Dec 2, 2023

I recently got a Graflex Graphic View camera which came with a lens board, but no lens. I'm trying to figure out what size lens/shutter to get, but the board doesn't match the dimensions of any Copal or Compur/Compound size.
The board is 4 inches / 101 mm square, with a 0.75 inch / 19 mm diameter unthreaded hole.
Does anyone know what size lens this fits?
Thanks in advance!

Sirius Glass · Dec 2, 2023

Instead, buy the lens you want and either have to hole redrilled/bored or buy the right size lens board for the lens you wish to use.

AnselMortensen · Dec 2, 2023

That is most likely a pilot hole.

Oz Etkin · Dec 2, 2023

AnselMortensen said:
That is most likely a pilot hole.

That makes sense, thanks!

Jim Jones · Dec 3, 2023

As serious Glass says, it is logical to find, adapt, or make a lens board to fit whatever lenses you may acquire than to find a lens that fits any lens board you may have. Excellent boards can be fabricated from 1/8 inch plywood or fiberboard with basic woodworking tools. The 3.5 inch square on the back of the board is just a light trap, so black foam core or felt suffices. Easier yet, four strips of 1/8 material should work fine.

AnselMortensen · Dec 3, 2023

Once you have decided on the lens you want to use on that camera, you can have the lensboard machined to fit the shutter mounting flange.
SK Grimes is considered the 'gold standard' for that type of work.
*HINT: Buy a lens/shutter that comes with a mounting flange or retaining ring.*
Otherwise, you'll need to buy one or have one custom made.
SK Grimes is considered the 'gold standard' for that type of work, too.
DIY lens boards work, too...it all depends on your DIY abilities, wallet or aesthetic.

Ian Grant · Dec 3, 2023

The Graflex 4" square boards were used first on the older 5x4 Speed Graphics (not Pacemaker. There is a US eBay seller who makes them at reasonable prices.

Ian

xkaes · Dec 3, 2023

Sell the board you have -- and with the cash, you can buy the lensboard you need with the correct size hole you need, and pocket the savings. Try EBAY (used), not GRIMES (new).

Chuck1 · Dec 3, 2023

There are adapters for that camera to use 4x5 speed/crown camera boards in case you already have any of those (the metal ones with rounded corners) be careful, look closely at the pics, enjoy your new camera

Need help with lens board.

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