I'm almost finishing the preparations to enter the LF realm with a historic Ica Ideal 325 with a CZJ Tessar 1:4.5/16,5cm lens. I've tested the timings of the shutter, which is not accurate but can be used (for BW anyway). I've also created an adapter to fit a rollfilmholder for 6x9cm into the 10x15cm back opening. At the moment first roll of film is inside. I will also try to fit a planfilmholder as a second step.
But back to my question. Can I use (mount) a different lens on this type of camera? Or more precisely, which lenses can I use? The diameter of the round opening in the fixed "lensboard" is around 55.2mm (this "lensboard" can not be removed without seriously modifying the camera, which would mean also destroying the historical value). The maximum bellows extension is around 300mm (I plan to shoot mostly landscapes, I don't insist on 1:1 focussing ability). Also matematically and geometrically calculated, the minimum extension where the appropriate lens could be focused on infinity without the rail being in the frame is around 120mm (+-10mm).
What lens in what shutter would fit in the hole in the "lensboard"?
(for your information, I don't know anyone here shooting large format, don't know anyone owning a LF lens and in the used-equipment shop where I bought this camera, they don't have a single LF lens less then 70yo. I'm located in Brno, Czech Republic [hallo, is there anyone here?]. And having a 3month old baby and a mortgage that combined suck almost all the money away, I can not afford an easier way to forgo. But barring those difficulties, I'm keen on entering your league :-)
Thanks a lot in advance
Jiri
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