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What to do with a fungally challenged Flexora TLR?

Discussion in 'Camera Building, Repairs & Modification' started by Terence, Oct 19, 2005.

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  1. Oct 19, 2005 #1
    Terence

    Terence Member

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    I have an old Flexora TLR that is in great shape, other than a fungally challenged taking lens. The film transport, focusing panel, etc all operate fine. I'm looking for suggestions from the Dr. Frankensteins out there who rip apart old beasts to make them into new beasts. I've converted old folders into pinhole cameras, etc, but the TLR with it's focusing panel seems to cry out for something different. The existing lens is a 75mm POS roughly 1" in diameter, with a functioning shutter. How easy would it be to remove the lens elements and maybe replace them with a pair of long lens epoxy-welded to the face-plate, and keep the shutter functioing. Sort of a poor man's tele-Rolleiflex. I'm assuming there's too many mechanical components behind the faceplate to widen the opening, but I could be wrong. Anyone have a suggestion for likely transplants? My LF lenses are probably too big, and I don't have any pairs. Maybe some of the Surplusshed.com offerings?
     
  2. Oct 19, 2005 #2
    Gerald Koch

    Gerald Koch Member

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    If the fungus has not yet attacked the glass you might disassemble in lens and clean the elements. Cemented elements can be separated by soaking in acetone. You can buy modern lens cement to put them back together.

    Be careful and take notes as you disassemble things and note which direction lens elements point.
     
  3. Oct 19, 2005 #3
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    Terence

    Terence Member

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    The glass looks pretty eaten up. I basically got the camera for free from a lot of several cameras, so I'm more interested in having a little fun with a conversion. I already have a Rolleicord for regular use.
     
  4. Oct 19, 2005 #4
    k_jupiter

    k_jupiter Member

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    Every once in awhile a brilliant thought comes out of know where and Zaps you in the head. Terence, you is a genius.

    I have had a pair of Mamiya 180 lens element sets sitting around for the last 6 months wondering what to do with them. They can't go on my 2x3 Speed Graphic cause there ain't no iris. but... I need to find a crapped out Yashica 635 body to turn into a hacked TLR portrait camera for 135 film. And yes, I already have a 180mm for my C220.


    Thanks,

    tim in san jose
     
  5. Oct 19, 2005 #5
    Andre R. de Avillez

    Andre R. de Avillez Member

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    Terence,

    at one point I had a Flexora TLR in the same state (but the film transport was iffy, the shutter died and came back, then died, etc...). I just used it as a portrait camera, and got good results from it. Just remember to shade the lens, and don't do any serious work until you are sure of what you will get from it.

    Or just hack the camera and have fun :smile:.

    BTW, here are some results that 75mm Ennagon with fungus gave me:

    http://home.comcast.net/~avillez/pictures/portrait/calado.jpg

    http://home.comcast.net/~avillez/pictures/self/auto_studio.jpg

    http://home.comcast.net/~avillez/pictures/landscape/bomba_6x6.jpg

    anyway, you get the idea...

    good luck,

    André