I am tempted to acquire a near-mint condition Graflex series B, but it's lacking a lens. This would be my first 3x4 camera AND my first R.B. Graflex.

Could somebody suggest a low-cost lens? I'm leaning towards a Kodak Anastigmat, but I'm not sure what MM is best.

Thanks,
Richard

My guess is that the 3¼x4¼ "Series B" would have been supplied with a lens of about 6 ins. focal length. The 2¼x3¼ non-rotating back model came with a 127mm., and my old "RB" was supplied with a 135mm. "Kodak Anastigmat" lens. The "Super D" in 3¼x4¼ format came with a 152mm. "Ektar."

For general use, the trick would seem to be finding the shortest FL in a "Series B" screw mount that will allow you to focus at infinity, given the body depth. The RB models had deeper bodies.

#32 (6 3/8") is the lens that will fit the >fixed screw threads< on the "B" model RB
3 1/4 x 4 1/4,
working distance 24".......Bert

<font size=-1>[ This Message was edited by: bertsaunders on 2004-06-21 12:27 ]</font>

I'm thinking about buying a Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Tele-Xenar f:4/135mm. Would this work? If not, what are some other suggestions?

Quote:

On 2004-06-21 20:12, office888 wrote: I'm thinking about buying a Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Tele-Xenar f:4/135mm. Would this work? If not, what are some other suggestions?

Won't work, its too short. Won't clear the Graflex' mirror.

Take Bert's advice, get the right lens. If you're determined to get the wrong lens, get one whose focal length is at least 6 3/8" (162 mm) and that is NOT a telephoto lens. Then have an adapter made so that you can attach the lens to the camera AND it will focus to infinity.

I have a heap of adapters made by SKGrimes. Steve's dead, alas, but the firm is still in business and continues to do good work. I'm sure there are other photographer's machinists, just can't find 'em when I want one.

Cheers,

Dan

The "Retina Tele-Xenar" was designed for a 35mm. camera and would not cover 3¼x4¼, even if the back focus were not an issue -- which it certainly is. You need something that will produce an image circle about 5½ ins. in diameter.