Graflex.org
Get help with your Graflex questions here

127mm Ektar in Supermatic
Graflex.org Forum Index -> Lenses Help
AuthorMessage
primus96
Joined: 13 Nov 2003
Posts: 225
PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 8:57 am   Post subject: 127mm Ektar in Supermatic

This was the OEM lens in my Crown Graphic and also co-incidentally in Weegee's camera.
Did Graflex publish depth of field tables for the lenses they offered as OEM options?
I am wanting to know about depth of field at a focus of 10 ft at apertures of f16 and f22.
It is one part of understanding Weegee's technique.
Dan Fromm
Joined: 14 May 2001
Posts: 2165
PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 12:45 pm

There are on-line depth of field calculators. Google will find many.
William Hallett
Joined: 07 Jan 2012
Posts: 103
PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 2:36 pm

Depth of field depends on lens focal length and f/ stop only. It is not a function of lens quality, construction or manufacturer.
45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
PostPosted: Fri Feb 01, 2019 10:57 pm

This Kodak Ektar Lens Catalog http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/kodak_4.html has that information.
primus96
Joined: 13 Nov 2003
Posts: 225
PostPosted: Sun Feb 03, 2019 2:25 pm   Post subject: Re: 127mm Ektar in Supermatic

The lens is dated 1949 (ET) in a Supermatic (X) shutter. It restricts one to using 1/25th with a bulb. I am amazed there was an electronic flashgun around (Stroboflash), but it uses batteries that are not made any more.
I have no large format shutter which has 'M' sync.
I have seen a 'Flash Supermatic', which apparently has an adjustable delay. It also houses a 203mm Ektar dated 1950.
primus96
Joined: 13 Nov 2003
Posts: 225
PostPosted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 8:34 pm   Post subject: Re: 127mm Ektar in Supermatic

The flash contacts of the Supermatic X shutter do not work.
I checked the cord, which was made in the last few years by Paramount. There is continuity on both conductors. Itis going to need the attention of SK Grimes.
That is unless anyone else here knows anybody in the UK who can do a CLA.
45PSS
Joined: 28 Sep 2001
Posts: 4081
PostPosted: Mon Feb 04, 2019 9:33 pm

Follow the request information at https://www.butkus.org/chinon/repair_manuals/kodak_repair_books.htm and request a copy of the Kodak Flash Supermatic Shutters repair manual.

The shutter is a 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 10 in difficulty. The Supermatic X is simpler than the Flash Supermatic. Copper strips are used for the contacts and oxidation is the most likely cause of the failure. Use metal polish to clean the Bi Post pins then open the shutter and clean the internal parts if that does fix it.
primus96
Joined: 13 Nov 2003
Posts: 225
PostPosted: Thu Feb 07, 2019 7:11 pm   Post subject: Re: 127mm Ektar in Supermatic

I feel somewhat reluctant to tamper with something that is still working, although it does need a CLA. With the rim being so thin it is a pig to turn between the slow and fast speed areas. That is why I know it needs some attention, as well as the 1 sec speed seems to be slower although it does not hang up.
It received attention from SK Grimes several years ago and needs it again. I do not know why the flash contact has failed. I never had cause to need flash after I first had the CLA done so I don't know if it was defective then.
William Hallett
Joined: 07 Jan 2012
Posts: 103
PostPosted: Mon Feb 11, 2019 5:58 pm

A common cause of the shutter setting ring being difficult to turn is dried-up old grease. You may be able to fix this by simply removing the cover plate, lifting the ring out, and cleaning it. You can do this without having to go into the mechanism of the shutter. Just be sure when you put the ring back that the pins and tabs that are moved by the ring are properly seated and free to move.
All times are GMT