Some more Crown Graphic questions

[BrianShaw]

In what book, amateurs guide to general camera use?
Anything other than precise center is movement.

Yes dear.

 

[Ian Grant]

Another basic question: Maybe I'll buy an additional lens board, but if I want to use the one I have, how do I take the Optar off from the lens board? It seems to be firmly attached to the board, and I don't want to use too much force here.

EDIT: and just wanted to check: a European lens, like a Schneider Kreuznach will fit on the original Crown Graphic lens board, right?

You do need to check the shutter size, for instance the US made 203mm f7.7 Ektar usually came in a Supermatic shutter, same size as the 135mm Raptars shutter, however late US versions came in a Graphic Compur #1 shutter. The Schneider 150mm f4.5 Tessar is also ina Compur #1.

... and just to further clarify... that mm difference doesn’t matter. A “0” shutter fits the hole just fine.

And vice versa, I've bought lenses/shutters from the US nd they fit the boards made for Copal/Compur #0 lenses, Graflex/Wista/Linhof.

Ian

 

[trondsi]

Someone is offering a Nikkor W 150mm 5.6 for $200. I think it is small enough to fold into the camera, but I will bring it in to see.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Someone is offering a Nikkor W 150mm 5.6 for $200. I think it is small enough to fold into the camera, but I will bring it in to see.

That lens' cataloged total length is 50 mm. Might work.

 

[trondsi]

I could go for an older and cheaper Schneider or similar on ebay, but I have a feeling that they will need adjustment and cleaning. The Nikkor looks very clean, the guy will check shutter speeds, and I think I can ask him to attach it to the lens board as well.

 

[trondsi]

That lens' cataloged total length is 50 mm. Might work.

It works! Will let you guys know how it goes.

 

[trondsi]

OK I did two test shots with the new Nikkor lens. It really looks like the new lens has considerably better coverage. The landscape photo is sharp from one side to the other, with no issues, and I never saw this with the old Optar. The exposure was too dark though, so it looks like I have to get used to the new lens having a faster shutter speed (both at low and high shutter speed).

I am guessing the old optar did great work for newspapers and such, but it is not so great if used as a view camera. You can get great shots if you keep the coverage in mind of course. However, I think I will be happier with the Nikkor 150mm.