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Lense changeability on graflex cameras
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AuthorMessage
khicks
Joined: 25 Jun 2003
Posts: 4
PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2003 4:43 am

Hi all,
I have an old crown graphic with a 127mm ektar and supermatic (X) shutter.

Unfortunately I got side tracked to MF for the last 3 years.. But now I'm back. However my shutter is giving me pretty slow speeds and is due a CLA. However, I have a chance (for free) to get a older graphic view that has a Copal No 1 shutter and contains a zeiss tessar 135mm lens.

Is it possible to swap out Copal No. 1 on the graphic view with the supermatic on the crown graphic? I would guess that I can at least swap out the lenses between the two..

thanks for your time,
45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2003 7:26 am

Without removing either lens from its board, measure the diamater of the threaded portion on the back side next to the mount ring. Use a caliper if possible. If both are the same size just trade them out otherwise get another lens board with the correct size mount hole. Do Not just swap lens elements if by chance they are the same thread, the apeture scale will be incorrect, and element spacing between groups may be off, just to mention some of the common problems.
Charles
disemjg
Joined: 10 Jan 2002
Posts: 474
PostPosted: Thu Jun 26, 2003 6:58 pm

If your intent is to put the Xenar on the Crown, the rangefinder on the Crown will be off. If it a side mount (Kalart) it can be adjusted to use with the 135; if it is a top mount RF you will need a new cam to match the 135. The instructions for adjusting the side RF are on this website; the cams should be available from Fred Lustig. Also, take the mask out of the tube finder to use the 135.

Murphey having the influence he does, if you have a top RF, pull the cam and check the number against the cam table (also on this website). This will tell you what lens it matches. If the RF has been accurate before, it is doubtless the right cam for the 127. But if it has been less than accurate now is the time to check it; you might find that it is a 135 cam. Many of these cameras have had their lenses swapped out over the years, and your combination may not be original. Verify the cams accuracy against the GG image.
khicks
Joined: 25 Jun 2003
Posts: 4
PostPosted: Fri Jun 27, 2003 1:37 am

Thanks for the information guys. I do have the side rangefinder so I'll check the other info. on this site as well for calibration. It will also be interesting to see if the parts have been switched out over time.
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