Symmar 1:5.6/ 150. and 1:12/ 265 convertable lens....how?

awty · Jan 21, 2017

Hi all
I have this lens on my Technika III, the 150mm is fine, but I cant work out how to focus with the 265.
I understand you unscrew the front element and leave the rear element with the firing/aperture mechanism, but I cant seem to get a focus on anything.......what am I doing wrong?
Someone help me.

Also those whos eyes dont work as well as they use to how do you get up close to the focus screen? With my bifocals I need to be a foot away.....is that normal.

Also also, is it ok to mark lines in the screen to help lining up buildings and such?

Thanks.

Ian Grant · Jan 21, 2017

You need to move the front standard to the end of the focus track. Your camera should have enough extension to focus the Symmar split as a 260mm.

You can remove the focus hood and use a loupe. Some screens have grids, you can mark the back with a chinagraph pencil if needed or buy a ruled focus screen.

Ian

awty · Jan 21, 2017

Ian Grant said:
You need to move the front standard to the end of the focus track. Your camera should have enough extension to focus the Symmar split as a 260mm.

You can remove the focus hood and use a loupe. Some screens have grids, you can mark the back with a chinagraph pencil if needed or buy a ruled focus screen.

Ian

Thank you very much Ian.
Have test the lens tomorrow (night here) to see if it will at least reach infinity, wont focus on anything within the house.
Ill look into a loupe, what magnification should I use? Most seem to be 8x.....and Ill get a grease pencil.

locutus · Jan 21, 2017

I use a 7x loupe for focusing on the GG, works for me.

And yes, Infinity will be at ~260mm of bellows extension, you might be running out of extension already when trying to close focus.

removed account4 · Jan 21, 2017

a 210/370 takes about 445mm to focus at infinity with the front cell off
your lens will require and extra few mm as well, maybe 325 or 330mm at infinity ...
and make sure you check & re-focus after you stop your lens down because of "focus shift" ..

Ian Grant · Jan 21, 2017

I don't use a loupe although I have 2 or 3 and keep one in my backpack. 8x seems about right..

Remember to use the back extension as well if needed I think you have somewhere around 450mm extension with your Linhof. that's what my MPP's have and they are based on the Technika II. I know it's just possible to use a 450mm lens at Infinity on a Technika.

Ian

awty · Jan 21, 2017

Thanks so much.
Will try it out today, the old bellows are creaking a bit at full extension. Will be useful to have a bit more focal length.
Have a developing tank coming next week so will be able to see what else Im doing wrong.....much to learn.
I took him out on a excursion to the city on Friday.

shutterfinger · Jan 21, 2017

While you have the bellows fully extended clean the exterior with Windex or 90% Isopropyl Alcohol on a towel. If they're leather then treat with 2 or 3 light coats of pure Neatsfoot Oil, not the blended stuff.
https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/tandy-pure-neatsfoot-oil
Use large cotton balls, moisten with the neatsfoot oil, spread evenly, let soak in/dry then reapply 12 to 24 hours later.
Always support the bellows from the inside when cleaning or applying oil.
On Naugahyde use a quality vinyl conditioner. I do not like/recommend Armorall.

awty · Jan 22, 2017

Yay! I can focus, once I extend every pretty much all the way out including the back.

shutterfinger said:
While you have the bellows fully extended clean the exterior with Windex or 90% Isopropyl Alcohol on a towel. If they're leather then treat with 2 or 3 light coats of pure Neatsfoot Oil, not the blended stuff.
https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/tandy-pure-neatsfoot-oil
Use large cotton balls, moisten with the neatsfoot oil, spread evenly, let soak in/dry then reapply 12 to 24 hours later.
Always support the bellows from the inside when cleaning or applying oil.
On Naugahyde use a quality vinyl conditioner. I do not like/recommend Armorall.

Thanks for the heads up.
Yes bellows are leather and still in great condition. Will track down some of the oil.

silveror0 · Jan 22, 2017

locutus said:
...you might be running out of extension already when trying to close focus.

If this happens, use of a shorter focal length lens will help, since it will require less bellows extension to achieve the same magnification. Re-installing the front lens element would also help.

John Koehrer · Jan 22, 2017

Try reading glasses they're inexpensive & in many cases work as well as a loupe without having
to have your eye at the GG.

awty · Jan 24, 2017

Thanks for all the tips.
Developed my first batch of 4 negatives.
One of the old film holders was leaky, so I converted into a template for the scanner, have to do 2x half scans and stitch them. Would rather spend money on developing equipment than a bigger scanner.

Pretty Lens.......I can only improve.

Symmar 1:5.6/ 150. and 1:12/ 265 convertable lens....how?

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