Using a variety of lenses on a 4x5 rangefinder/press camera

[Drew Bedo]

Corran: I don't think anyone has brought up the Polaroid conversions. Some folks really like them for hand-held 4x5.

Check out the Byron conversions at:
http://www.rangefolder.com/

there are others but this version is completly remanufactured and offers interchangable lenses.

cheers

[Corran]

Really neat...unfortunately I don't have the space, time, or know-how to go about a custom job like that. Is there anybody who specializes in conversions and sells them regularly?

[Drew Bedo]

Corran: The Byron is a camera that you buy from them. It may help them if you send in your own Polaroid and lens. Contact them and see what is possible.

[Corran]

Oh, I looked around for a price but I guess it's all custom work done for whatever he charges.

The 110b conversions look wonderful and compact.

[Chilidog]

With ISO 400 film you might be able to stop down even more and that would forgive a lot of errors.

Or you can use Fuji's "super speedy" ISO 3200 B&W instant film.

[Corran]

Got a Crown Graphic on the way

I shot a test sheet of Tri-X 320 pushed to 2500 and the scan showed the tiniest hint of grain at 100% magnification (4000DPI). I am ecstatic at the possibilities. I'm going to probably try another sheet at 5000. With an f/4.7 lens I think I can shoot in the places I've been to at about 1/100 wide-open pushed to 5000.

I think I'm going to look for a fast Nikkor 65 or 75mm lens, and keep the Schneider Xenar 360mm f/5.5 lens I was going to sell and see if I can find some cams or get them made for those lenses, either for the Crown or another one.

Thanks again for all the help. I think I'd love to play with one of those Polaroid conversions too...maybe I'll pick up some parts sometime and try to hack one together at my friends shop.

[Ivan J. Eberle]

If you were thinking of shooting it wide open, you might want to consider that the Nikon SW 65 f/4 only has a 110mm image circle at f/4... it achieves but 170mm at f/16.

[Corran]

Good point. I need to do more research on the image circles wide-open. Hopefully the 75mm will cover.

[Frank Petronio]

It will be expensive but a Rodenstock Grandagon-N 75/4.5 (or the Zeiss Biogon) will cover it wide open, or at least look good "almost" covering it.

Just because a lens won't cover 4x5 doesn't mean you can't use it, and given the nature of your work perhaps dramatic fall off and going to black could be successful? If so, pay attention to how certain lenses fall off as they vary the width of the "transition" based on optical and mechanical issues like the ass-end of the barrel holding the rear element.

You can't cam a 360mm normal lens and I don't think you can cam even the 360mm Tele-Xenar (that I think you're referring to) but I'm not sure. Perhaps an expert can confirm?

[Oren Grad]

You can't cam a 360mm normal lens and I don't think you can cam even the 360mm Tele-Xenar (that I think you're referring to) but I'm not sure. Perhaps an expert can confirm?

The 2008 brochure for the Master/3000 says you can rangefinder-couple the Master up to a 400mm tele.