Reliable Options for Using 200300mm Barrel Lenses on Medium Format Focal Plane Shutter Cameras

Over the years I’ve collected a handful of barrel lenses (mostly by chance), and I enjoy experimenting with them. For now, I use them on my 4×5 monorails or my 4×5 and 2×3 Crown Graphics (with 6×7 rollfilm adaptors), sometimes with a front-mounted Packard shutter.

The problem is workflow and handling. The 4×5 rigs feel too unwieldy for casual use, and while the 2×3 Crown Graflex is more fun, I’m realistically capped at about a 6⅜″ lens because of the limited bellows draw. That makes it tough to explore the 200–300mm range I’d like for portraits.

For almost 20 years I’ve been tempted by the Rollei SL66 as a possible solution, but both times I got serious about buying one, the camera failed at the dealer before the sale went through. At this point I’m convinced the universe doesn’t want me to own one!

So I’m looking for reliable, straightforward, and usable medium format focal plane shutter cameras—6×6 or larger—that can handle barrel lenses in the 200–300mm range without too much workflow hassle. I do have access to a 3D printer to make adaptors. Portrait use is my main goal.

What are the realistic options besides the SL66?

Bellows focusing and focal plane shutter are pretty uncommon on the same device. If you go with the Mamiya RB67 or any other MF camera that doesn't have a FP shutter, you need to figure out a shutter like a Sinar shutter or a Packard shutter. Making focusing work on a camera with a FP shutter might be easier and cheaper than making making a shutter work with bellows focused camera, but if I were to go down that road I'd lean toward a Horseman VH-R.

On the focal plane side, Pentax 67 would be my first thought, but you'd need to jury rig up some kind of focusing helicoid. Pentax made one which is essentially a focusing extension tube. Combine that with some normal extension tube to space the lens far enough away from the film plane. Finally youd need a way to mount the barrel lens. Thats a bit trickier, but I remember seeing an adapter to mount Linhof lens boards on a P67, but I'm sure that is hard to find.

Look for a Bronica EC and its macro bellows. They made 2 bellows, one with shift and tilt and a compact one with out. Or just get the Nikkor 200mm lens.

Speed Graphic.

Graflex 3x4 SLR

If you just want a list of focal plane shutter SLR cameras in 6x6 or larger, that can be made. People will then have different opinions about which ones are reliable or straightforward or easy to adapt for barrel lenses. Then there's the problem that you felt limited by the 2x3 Crown Graphic's bellows draw. I think most medium format SLRs will have less focus travel than a Crown Graphic, unless they have a macro bellows accessory, which may be large and awkward. However, you might succeed with extension tubes, and perhaps adapting a focus helical (you can get these in a few screw mount sizes on ebay, but with limited options for focus travel).

Some FP shutter SLR cameras that you might consider:

- Bronica S2/EC - have their own focus helical, which is a plus; you'll also likely need extension tubes or the system for mounting long lenses, which I have never touched
- Pentacon 6 / Kiev 60 - not hard to find extension tubes
- Pentax 6x7 - lots of accessories
- Rollei SL66 you know about
- Speed Graphics

I suppose I might be able to rig up something that attaches the SLR's lens mount to a Graflok and then use the monorail or 4x5 crown graphic as a bellows?

Hamster said:

I suppose I might be able to rig up something that attaches the SLR's lens mount to a Graflok and then use the monorail or 4x5 crown graphic as a bellows?

Click to expand...

That seems baroque, or at best really awkward. I think if you want to use the view camera or Graphic, use a roll film holder that fits a Graflok back, if you can give up SLR viewing. Maybe I wasn't clear, you should generally be able to fit some kind of bellows or a focusing extension tube to a medium format SLR, it will be kind of large, although not as large as an entire 4x5 camera. Most of the SLR systems probably had a bellows for macro/copy work, they just aren't very common (nor are they now in very high demand).

What I might have failed to mentioned is ground glass focusing is getting very difficult for me due to failing eyes.

The baby Graphic 6X9 was only made in the Century version without the focal plane shutter. 2 versions of the speed were made in 31/4 X 4 1/4 and there was a version that took the 2 1/4 X 3 1/4 back. Sheet film in 3 1/4 by 4 1/4 is very limited and expensive

I like the Plaubel Makiflexes, I have an ongoing thread here. Lots of lenses focal plane 6x6 6x9 and 9x9cm. A Schneider Xenar or Componon are good choices. And Rodenstock Apo Ronar and Tele-Xenars..

Paul Howell said:

The baby Graphic 6X9 was only made in the Century version without the focal plane shutter. 2 versions of the speed were made in 31/4 X 4 1/4 and there was a version that took the 2 1/4 X 3 1/4 back. Sheet film in 3 1/4 by 4 1/4 is very limited and expensive

Click to expand...

Wrong & wrong.

2x3 Miniature Speed Graphic, 2x3 Pacemaker Speed Graphic: focal plane shutter

Century Graphic, 2x3 Pacemaker Crown Graphic: no focal plane shutter.

Roll holders that fit 3x4 Graphics? Insertion type: Adapt-A-Roll 620 to fit 3x4 backs are rare but exist. I had one years ago sold it. Clip on for Graflok backs: I'm not sure, believe that Graflex made one.

OP, there are original issue 200 - 250 mm tele lenses for 2x3 Graphics, The longest lens that fits comfortably on my 2x3 Pacemaker Speed is the 12"/4 TTH tele as was made to fit Vinten F,95 and Williamson (? I'm away from home, can't arsed to check) F,134 and F,139 cameras, I have one,, ex-F.139, Great lens,

There is also the Hassy 2000/200 series but I wouldn't buy one of those these days. Can't really be fixed from what I understand.

Bronica is your best bet. S2/EC/EC-TL,TL2. The TL's have an auto mode which might be beneficial for you. If you get a Bronica and want a bellows for it (which is a fantastic bellows by the way) you have to make sure you get the right one. There are two. One for the S2 and one for the EC's. If I were you though I'd probably try using extension tubes. The Bronicas have their own helical separate from the lens which is handy. I've used a couple large format lenses (like your barrel lenses) on my EC-TL. You can get adapters on ebay which makes it simple. I forget the thread size on the front of the bellows but I'm sure you could google it.

The front thread is 57mm X 1.0mm. RAF camera makes adapters for them. I have mounted the Fujinar 180mm, 210mm and 250mm tessar type lenses to mine.

The Bronica S/S2/EC has a flange-focus of ~100mm, and Bronica made some plain extension tubes (D and C) which could be stacked ad infinitum. The B and A have the Bronica flange mount. Then you'd need a 57x1mm adapter for your lenses. I've 3D-printed one for a lightweight shuttered lens; I don't think it would hold a big brass barrel lens. Keep in mind the focus throw is a bit short (~18mm) for long lenses.

Hi,

To add to the Bronica discussion, I own this Bronica S2a with a bellows extension, two extension tubes and a custom-made adapter to mount a Rodenstock Imagon. It's pretty usable and "cheap" as the adapter was easy to do (done by Optomeca).

I use my Hasselblad 2000FC/M with the Hasselblad bellows and a Leica 135mm f/4 Elmar lens head. SK Grines mounted it on a Hasselblad lens mount.

I also have a Penrax screw mount M42 to Hasselblad adapter and a 42mm to M39 39mm step-down ring. I can mount any screw mount lens or enlarging lens to the 2000FC/M camera. Most do not focus to infinity. Macro work mostly.

SK Grimes could make you an adapter. I'd have it made for the largest lens and then make step-down rings for your other lenses.

Good luck!

Thanks you for all the input. In the end I bought myself an Bronica S2a and tilt/shift bellows.