Novoflex follow-focus lenses, old style with one grip

[cmo]

My preferred super-telephoto lenses are my 5.6/400 T-Noflexar and a Leitz Telyt 6,8/560, both can be attached to a PIGRIFF-C, that is the basic module with two grips from the 1980s. I use it with an EOS 1v.

A few days ago I got an old-style Novoflex equipment at a bargain price. It comes with a 5.6/280 and a 5.6/400 head, a bellows labeled CONTA and a mount labeled KONIBA. All mounts are different from the modern Novoflex mounts I know, everything is a lot smaller and lighter.

Are there any experts for this system around that can tell me what I have here and how I can attach it to a modern camera system like Nikon or EOS?

 

[Venchka]

In 1969 I purchased the 400/5.6 used in Germany. What I remember, and it's been a very long time, was a tube that screwed into the rear of the lens module. A camera mount screwed onto the tube. When I bought the lens it came with a Pentax screw mount adapter. The shop I bought the lens from was able to order a mount for my Nikon F body.

I hope that helps.

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

I have what is usually considered the "classic" Novoflex one grip system, but neither the bellows nor the tube carry any designation.
The bellows does carry reproduction ratio markings for 280 & 400mm.

What does the rear of the bellows look like? Does it have the classic 3-pronged breechlock for the camera adapters? Or could the "KONIBA" already be the adapter for a Konica camera?

 

[cmo]

I think the KONIBA is a Konica adapter. I can attach either that one or the bellows which is probably for Contax SLRs. It seems there were two versions of the adapters on the lens side. My Novoflex TEX converters and the adapters for Nikon, EOS and Contax do not fit directly.

 

[Venchka]

Perhaps contacting Novoflex will make things clear.

 

[cmo]

Perhaps contacting Novoflex will make things clear.

Maybe, but we are talking about lenses from the 1960s or early 1970s.

Did any of you ever use a 5.6/280 Noflexar?

 

[telyt]

Did any of you ever use a 5.6/280 Noflexar?

Yes, I was not terribly impressed with its performance and I thought the focal length was too short to use the squeeze grip with any accuracy.

I think what you need to use the older lens on your camera is the BAL-U extension bellows. If I'm not mistaken the KONIBA is a tube with the Konica mount at one end. The BAL-U bellows and short camera adapter replace the adapter/tube unit. As far as I know the adapter you use on the PIGRIF-C will also fit the camera end of the BAL-U. Alternately, look for the NIKBA adapter/tube unit and get a Nikon-F to EOS adapter. However I think you'd be happier with the BAL-U because it allows a much closer minimum focus distance.