What is the closest distance you can focus a Speed Graphic with a 127mm Ektar or a 135mm Optar?
I am not concerned with the limit of the Kalart rangefinder, just by screen focussing.

Quote:

On 2003-11-22 09:41, primus96 wrote: What is the closest distance you can focus a Speed Graphic with a 127mm Ektar or a 135mm Optar? I am not concerned with the limit of the Kalart rangefinder, just by screen focussing.

The cameras have "double extension", so will focus to 1:1 with the normal lens. The most extension you can get is a little over 300 mm.

The normal lens for 4x5 is 152 mm, and with it 1:1 means lens front node (approximate its position, great stress approximate, by the diaphragm) to subject distance is around 300 mm. With a 135 you can get a little closer, with a 127, closer still.

What are you trying to accomplish? None of these lenses is great close up. You'd be better off, based on my experience, with a good grade of 6 element enlarging lens.

Cheers,

Dan

I was wondering in case I wanted to do occaisional close-ups where something has a interesting shape or texture.
Barnacles on a rock or breakwater.
I was also going to propose photographing my mothers jewellry.
I don't see any point in buying a lens just for this.

Quote:

On 2003-11-23 04:03, primus96 wrote: I was wondering in case I wanted to do occaisional close-ups where something has a interesting shape or texture. Barnacles on a rock or breakwater. I was also going to propose photographing my mothers jewellry. I don't see any point in buying a lens just for this.

Primus96, in today's market poverty is no excuse. I recently got an 80/5.6 C.E. Rokkor-X enlarging lens on eBay for less than $US 20 delivered. You might be better off with a somewhat longer enlarging lens. Since you're in the UK, you might look for a good grade of UK-made enlarging lens, even if not 6 element. Postwar, coated, not a cheap Dallmeyer. Ental II, maybe, or a Supar. If you can afford to shoot 4x5, you can afford to buy one and put it on board.

Cheers,

Dan

I use Series 7 and 9 close up lenses.
Read the November/December 2003 article on page 42 of View Camera. Focal Length Variation for LF Cameras By Robert Havina.
Close up lenses are plentiful on eBay and cheap!
Harry