Want to Buy WTB lens board, lens and shutter

[guitstik]

I just recently came into possession of a Calumet 4x5 camera but it is shy a few parts.

I am in need of a lens board and a lens that would be a good all around lens and a shutter.

If we could do some trading that would be better as it would keep my wife happy.

 

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[Rick A]

I've sent you a PM

 

[guitstik]

Rick, i got your PM and responded.

Joel

 

[Rick A]

I know, just giving you a free bump in case someone else would like to respond.

 

[guitstik]

I am ignorant as to how lens/shutter combos work with LF cameras, can that shutter be used with other lenses?

 

[Rick A]

Yes, provided the lens cells are the same size and thread pitch. You would then have to do a bit of math to figure the f/numbers.

 

[holmburgers]

I'd say that in general you're going to want a shutter that has been originally paired with a lens for what Rick says, having the f/numbers line up. Then again, you could save money by getting them separately, and figuring out the f/stops wouldnt be too hard. There are some tricks there.

As for the diameters, I'm not an expert but there are different designations like Copal-1, Copal-0. Though I'm not sure if those refer to the diameter of the threads in a shutter or the hole necessary in the lens board. Either way, there'd be a correlation there.

Good luck!

A good cheap lens would be a Raptar or a Ektar press lens. They're old and were used on press cameras, but they provide some movement latitude and are pretty cool lenses IMO. Strangely, my Wollensack Raptar in a Rapax shutter functions perfectly and has done so since I got it from a community-college darkroom box that had been completely neglected. Meanwhile, my Synchro-Compur that came from a professional photographer has been sent for CLA once and is in need for another now. Of course, that's just one man's experience.

 

[mgb74]

I am ignorant as to how lens/shutter combos work with LF cameras, can that shutter be used with other lenses?

In theory yes, but as a practical matter I don't think most people swap lens (cells) in a given shutter. There's both the shutter size issue and the f-stop issue (as noted).

My suggestion is to find a relatively inexpensive Ilex, Optar, Ektar or Xenar in shutter to start. Even the ubiquitous 127mm Ektar should be OK to start with if you don't plan on a lot of movements. Sironar-N and Symmar-s would be a step up.

If you're patient, you can find one on a Calumet board.

Always a few here and on Large Format Forum.

 

[guitstik]

My head is swirling due to all of the response I have gotten. I am still trying to figure out what the best all around lens is going to be and since I have no experience with LF it is a daunting task to sift through all of the info I have gotten. If you have sent me a PM and I haven't answered you yet don't think that I am ignoring you I am just weighing my options.

Joel