While you should probably pick up a more modern plastmat type lens (180-210mm)in a Copal 1 shutter the lens you have is a pretty terrific triple convertible called a Gundlach Rapid Rectigraphic (a Rapid Rectilinear type w/ the traditional 2 glued elements the Retigraphic has 3 glued elements per cell for better edge sharpness over IC read it here http://piercevaubel.com/cam/catalogs...dlachlp303.htm) #6 size which makes the combined focal length 16"f8 w/ convertible 25"/34" fl f16-18
The magic is in the long FL of 16" combined on a 5x7 will be great on portrait or general long lens use. If it was mine I would replace the shutter w/ a 'rim set' #3-4 Ilex Universal shutter as I believe there is a good chance the dial set Ilex Universal shutter has the same barrel thread size and you can also transfer the aperture scale plate and that makes for a a very good lens and fairly dependable shutter.
I like the RIM SET Ilex Universal shutters and HATE the DIAL SET Ilex Universal shutters. Totally different animals.
If the aperture works, you could shoot paper negatives easily without needing a shutter. You can make contact prints. Paper is cheap and easily available. 30 days later, if LF still holds your interest, you'll have access to the classifieds, and see what's available.
kumar
My favorite lens for 5x7 was a Kodak Ektar 203mm f/7.7. This design, sometimes under other names, has been around a long time, but still performs well if the slow aperture isn't too much of a handicap.
I've made 4x5 backs for 5x7 cameras by cutting a plywood sheet to fit the camera and mounting the back of a junk box 4x5 on it.
The Ektar 203mm f/7.7 doesn't allow much wiggle room for movements on 5x7, just sayin'
A 215mm Ilex should work well for you.
Check out the lens coverage tables linked on the LF Home Page on the blue banner ^^^up there^^^ for a list of the usual suspects.
"I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White
Lots of great information in here. Thanks everyone for helping out an LF noob!
Another vote for a Fujinon W 180/5.6 (with lettering on the inside of the front element) - it will have a modern shutter, multi-coating, fast aperture f5.6 and will be slightly wide/normal on a 5x7. Great choice and cheap on the auction site. The Japanese sellers haven't disappointed me yet. You could also go for the slower (f9) and lighter but greater coverage 180mm "A" version for a bit more money.
List of Fujinon lenses here: http://www.subclub.org/fujinon/byfl.htm
Bookmarks