Trouble mounting Nikon SW 150mm f8 on a Sinar Copal 1 board

HELP!

Those of you who have this lens have probably already worked out the answer to this problem. If so please send your advice. I won a used Nikon SW 150mm f8 from Adorama in New York on eBay. No instructions came with the lens. The lens has a 100 day warrantee so if you can’t help me I have recourse through Adorama.

In trying to mount the lens on a Copal 1 Sinar board I discovered a tiny raised head machine screw under the retaining ring. The screw head is probably 1mm high and 2mm across the top. The retaining ring has a section designed into it to clear the screw when no board is in place. The screw was machined with a head larger than its screw hole so it must not be meant to screw all the way into the plate.

When the back glass and the retaining ring are removed, I try to put the Sinar Copal 1 board in place. The board rests on the raised screw head, wobbles and will not seat flat.
Before I cut a recessing hole in the lens board I thought I would ask if I have missed something and there is a better way?

Thanks for your help.
John Powers

This is most likely an indexing screw. I mount all my lenses without it. If you want to use the indexing screw, you need a hole or notch at the edge of the lensboard cutout to accept it.

The purpose of this is to prevent the lens from rotating "freely" when mounted. I find my lenses do not rotate when mounted and I simply remove the screw, If you find you need it at a later time, then drill or cut the appropriate notch on the lens board.

The indexing screw is also mentioned in this thread (second post):

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=003k3c

I'm just mounted my first lens and had to remove the indexing screw also.

Karen

Wibur and Karen,

Thank you both. I guess we know who has been buying used lenses with the indexing screws thrown away. This is my eleventh large format lens and the first time I have seen an indexing screw. Thank you.

I thought I had a mechanical problem, but as usual it was a “whoops, haven’t learned that yet stop on the photography education trip.” It is not the destination but the pleasure of the ride. Glad you both were there and thank you for the answer. You both have picked up the spirit of this site in a very short time. I hope I can return the kindness.

John Powers

This is an absolute powerhouse lens. Have a great time with it.

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df cardwell said:

This is an absolute powerhouse lens. Have a great time with it..

Click to expand...

Thank you. I am building-developing (either is a pun on APUG) an interest in architectural photography. My widest 8x10 lens was a 210mm Schneider Super-Symmar HM f5.6. I am hoping the Nikon SW will make a good next increment. I plan to try the Nikon this afternoon on the very modern addition to the rather stayed old Akron (Ohio) Museum of Art.

Thanks,

John Powers

Let us know how it goes and maybe post some pics.