New LF user. 1963 Crown Graphic.

[subtlelikeatrex]

Hi folks. I've had a LF camera for about 4 days now and I am beyond psyched. I've already made 4 test shots and developed them with the Stearman Press 645 developing tank and they came out looking good as far as I can tell (I haven't tried to do contact prints of the negs yet).

I picked up a Graflex Crown Graphic 4x5 from a camera swap meet over the weekend. The lens mounted in the lens board is a Schneider Kreuznach 135mm f4.7 lens and, if I understand the whole lens vs shutter thing in these older lenses, the shutter is a Synchro-Compur-P.

From what I've read, the Crown Graphic is a good beginner camera for a first-time large format photographer (which is fine bc that's what I am) and one that I may outgrow. Similarly, the lens it came with seems to be a budget/beginner lens that performs well in general but doesn't allow for movement of the front standard. This is just what I’ve read from various forums.

Now my main concern is the lens elements. Without even removing the lens board from the camera I can see that there are a few large specs inside the lens. Once I removed the lens board to inspect the back side of the lens, I could see lots of small particles of dust inside the lens as well. Additionally there appears to be something that I fear is fungus inside, closer to the rear element. (I will attach photos if I can figure out how). On top of that, there appears to be lots of fine, (and hopefully light) circular scratches on the front element. It looks like someone used their shirt to try to wipe the lens.

I guess the main question is this: Is this lens worth sending out for a CLA? Basically, is the value of the lens not worth what it might cost to get it serviced, especially considering the potential fungus? Or should I just shop for a different lens from ebay or some reputable online source?

Secondly: I'm quite confused about the whole lens board compatibility matter. Do most LF lens boards have the same size hole that will accept any old LF lens? Can I remove this lens from the crown graphic’s lens board and add a different lens to it at all? If yes, how do I tell what lenses will fit?

Thanks!

 

[B.S.Kumar]

You said your negatives are looking good. That's what counts.

Scratches will lower contrast and induce flare, but these issues can be minimized by shading the lens, wither with your hand or a gobo. Unfortunately, these cameras do not accept compendium hoods.

If the fungus is on the surface of the cells, you can easily clean it off. Just unscrew the cells from the shutter. If you are reasonably careful and can handle small precision tools, you can try and open the cells to get to the elements themselves. It will be good training to keep your lenses clean. This is an already damaged, inexpensive lens. There's nothing to be lost if you mess up.

The lens has an image circle of 161mm at f/16, so there isn't much room for movements. If your camera has a Graflok style back, you might consider a roll film holder and use it learn movements. You will need to be more careful while focusing, composing and determining near and far focusing points, but that is a good thing anyway. Or, you can let some areas go black and learn to compose within the illuminated area.

Use the lens until you're sure your images are suffering because of lack of coverage, lack of contrast or anything else.

Kumar

 

[Paul Howell]

You might need to hunt around for lens hood and set of filters. I have 2 135 from my Crown, a Graphic and Ziess, the Ziess is older than the Graphic but I think a bit sharper, but has lower contrast due to have a early single coating. I use a UV filter on both lens take Kodak Series VI slip on lens hood and filters. If your rangefinder is accurate you can do things with your Crown that you cannot do with a view camera, like use a monopod while hiking. The downside is limited movements, and as noted by B.SKumar your Schneider has limited coverage.