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Will Graflex XL Planar 80/2.8 cover 2x3?
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AuthorMessage
newbie
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
Posts: 17
PostPosted: Mon Sep 22, 2003 9:44 pm

I ordered Planar 80mm/2.8 lens (graflex XL). I'm going to use it with my century graphic 2x3. Will this lens cover 2x3 at f11-f22 at infinity? How about wide open? Or i should use this lens only with 6x7 backs?
Dan Fromm
Joined: 14 May 2001
Posts: 2165
PostPosted: Mon Sep 22, 2003 10:47 pm

Quote:

On 2003-09-22 14:44, newbie wrote:
I ordered Planar 80mm/2.8 lens (graflex XL). I'm going to use it with my century graphic 2x3. Will this lens cover 2x3 at f11-f22 at infinity? How about wide open? Or i should use this lens only with 6x7 backs?
Opinions about this and the equivalent Xenotar and Heligon differ, as do users' interpretations of "cover." Why don't you ask your lens how it will perform for you? Use film!

Cheers,

Dan
newbie
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
Posts: 17
PostPosted: Tue Sep 23, 2003 1:58 am

I recently got 2x3 century without any backs, so now i'm thinking wich rollfilm back to buy first - 6x9cm or 6x7.
Planar will arrive in 2 days, so i need to order 1 back sooner..
By the way, $100 for this lens in "like-new" condition - is it good price?
alecj
Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 853
PostPosted: Tue Sep 23, 2003 2:56 am

That is a good price. Unfortunately, my experience was that it would not cover 2x3 if your standards are high. Those corners just won't be sharp, and will be darker. Graflex itself said:

"xl lenses are designed for optimum coverage of the 2 1/4 x 2 3/4 (Ideal) format. ..."

For 6x7, it is a wonderful lens.

Don't be alarmed by the size of the rear element. You mount that lens on your Century by unscrewing it, mount the front part on the camera, push the standard back, and mount the rear element from the back through the camera [having removed the back of course]. And, yes, the camera WILL close with that lens mounted.

If you're lucky enough to find one, the primary focusing scale for that lens is #30882-35. In addition, scales ending with 36 to 39 were also used for 80mm lenses, which weren't exactly 80mm.

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: alecj on 2003-09-22 20:05 ]</font>
newbie
Joined: 17 Apr 2003
Posts: 17
PostPosted: Tue Sep 23, 2003 7:16 pm

Alecj, many thanks
Where can i get focusing scales? Should i look on Ebay or someone can give me link to online store?
alecj
Joined: 09 May 2001
Posts: 853
PostPosted: Wed Sep 24, 2003 3:12 am

Since you know the number of the scale you want, I'd try WRITING Fred Lustig [do a search - he is mentioned lots on this board - no email either]. DON'T call, since he has been ill. For a small item like that, he may just sell you one [he's got the part, but he normally likes to install them himself - that was, when he was in good health]. He's the best source. Another might be Stephen Shuart. Not likely to find it on eBay.
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