Show Your Kodak Aero Ektar 178mm/7" F2.8 Lens with Camera Setup

[diversey]

I like the shallow DOF photos taken by a Kodak Aero Ektar 178mm/7" F2.8 Lens. I have this lens and have never put it in use because I do not have a speed Graflex camera or an equivalent. Could you please show your camera setup with Kodak Aero Ektar 178mm/7" F2.8 Lens? Thank you!

[Drew Bedo]

Don't understand the problem.

Why not mount it on some camera you already have and see what it will do for you?

I have at times cut up cardboard and mounted a newly acquired lens to a camera with Gaffer's tape or even duct tape to see if it would cover—that does work.

[diversey]

I think my problem is that I do not have a good and fast shutter to use large/wide open aperture of this lens. Sorry for the confusion:).


Don't understand the problem.

Why not mount it on some camera you already have and see what it will do for you?

I have at times cut up cardboard and mounted a newly acquired lens to a camera with Gaffer's tape or even duct tape to see if it would cover—that does work.

[Dan Fromm]

There is no such thing as a Speed Graflex.

https://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/

All Speed Graphics look alike in the dark.

[EdSawyer]

I will post mine sometime soon. I mainly use it on a pacemaker speed graphic but I also made a board for it to mount on an arca reflex. However, maximum focus distance on that is only about 6-8', if that, it won't make infinity.

[Drew Bedo]

So one of the press ameras with a focal plane shutter (1/500 - 1/100th) is what you need for wide-open shooting?

Another thought: What about mounting a high speed leaf shutter to the front of the lens? The right shutter would have X-synch too.

[domaz]

So one of the press ameras with a focal plane shutter (1/500 - 1/100th) is what you need for wide-open shooting?

Another thought: What about mounting a high speed leaf shutter to the front of the lens? The right shutter would have X-synch too.

Large "high speed" leaf shutters is kind of a misnomer. I've found you can press fit a Sinar shutter onto an Ektar (may need to remove the front hood) and it fits snug enough. However, I did that so I could use lower shutter speeds than the Speed Graphic supports. Sinar shutters top out around 1/60. For high speeds you can't beat focal plane shutter.

[jp]

Don't understand the problem.

Why not mount it on some camera you already have and see what it will do for you?

I have at times cut up cardboard and mounted a newly acquired lens to a camera with Gaffer's tape or even duct tape to see if it would cover—that does work.

The AE is heavy enough you'd want thin plywood or metal for the lensboard. Still pretty easy to build for most cameras that use square/rectangular lensboards.

I use a preanniversary speed graphic, though an anniversary one works fine too. It has a bigger lensboard than the pacemaker, so you don't need anything custom to mount it.

https://c5.staticflickr.com/8/7440/13095725444_b8a33a45d2_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/kXe1VJ)IMG_20140311_194123 (https://flic.kr/p/kXe1VJ) by Jason Philbrook (https://www.flickr.com/photos/13759696@N02/), on Flickr

[Drew Bedo]

JP: You are right. My only point was; if this is an experiment to test the lens' suitability for a camera, a temporary rig can be effective even if it is crudely done. If it needs craft plywood well OK then.

So the practical and effective lower-end option is a press camera with a focal plane shutter. Am I right there?

If that is the case, maybe one of the Wollensak Oscillo-Paragon lenses would work (75mm and f/1.9). They won't cover 4x5 at infinity, but might cover when extended for a portrait . . . and the DOF will be thin as tracing paper.

[EdSawyer]

"So the practical and effective lower-end option is a press camera with a focal plane shutter. Am I right there? "

not the lower-end option, basically the only option, really. At least if you want to shoot it anywhere close to infinity. the SLRs will work (ARca, Graflex) but are limited in focal distance to maybe 5-10' unless major modifications are made to shorten the mirror. You could use it on a monorail or something like that with a hat shutter but good luck with that endeavor. That leaves speed graphics. They are the popular solution for a reason.

[tpatterson]

My Speed Graphic has become a favorite with the Aero. One pic without the lens hood and one with. I also added a Toyo rotating back and yes, you do get full coverage of the negative. I didn't think you would...but seems to be doing fine. 155542155543