Graflex.org

Shaocaholica · Joined: 01 Apr 2012 Posts: 10

I'm new to Graflexes and don't get have a camera yet but I wanted to clear some stuff up first before deciding on what model I want. I've been told that something like a Schneider Tele Xenar 240/5.5 will not clear the door on a speed graphic. Can anyone confirm? Will any lens in the 200-250 focal range clear the door on any model? If so, which model(s)?

Henry · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 1662

The Optar 203 in Graphex will easily clear the "front door" of a Century 2x3 (and I presume also a Crown 2x3).

Shaocaholica · Joined: 01 Apr 2012 Posts: 10

Sorry I meant to specify that I'm referring to 4x5 models.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2165

If a 2x3 will close on it, so will a 4x5.

Shaocaholica · Joined: 01 Apr 2012 Posts: 10

Dan Fromm wrote:

If a 2x3 will close on it, so will a 4x5.

Oh thats good to know, thanks.

What about the faster ~240/~5.6 lenses?

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

The physical characteristics of the lens determines what will fit.
I measured my Super Graphic which has the same or close to the same clearances as a Speed or Crown. Rail minimum distance 2 5/8 inch/ 65mm; bed when closed to front edge of lens board 1 3/8 inch/ 35mm; front edge of lens board to ground glass with bellows fully retracted 1 3/8 inch/35mm. Total lens/shutter length 2 3/4 inch/70mm. Measure to shutter curtain for a Speed.
Anything less will fit, close may not.
I have a 10 inch f4.5 Wollensak that covers 8x10 with movements that fits and the camera closes.

Shaocaholica · Joined: 01 Apr 2012 Posts: 10

45PSS wrote:

The physical characteristics of the lens determines what will fit.
I measured my Super Graphic which has the same or close to the same clearances as a Speed or Crown. Rail minimum distance 2 5/8 inch/ 65mm; bed when closed to front edge of lens board 1 3/8 inch/ 35mm; front edge of lens board to ground glass with bellows fully retracted 1 3/8 inch/35mm. Total lens/shutter length 2 3/4 inch/70mm. Measure to shutter curtain for a Speed.
Anything less will fit, close may not.
I have a 10 inch f4.5 Wollensak that covers 8x10 with movements that fits and the camera closes.

Thats great to know, thanks. I take it the 10" on the super has a mounted shutter? What speeds are you limited to with that configuration?

45PSS · Joined: 28 Sep 2001 Posts: 4081

http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/super-graphic.html
Its in a #4 Alphax with a top speed of 1/50 second.