Fastest Speed of all 4x5/9x12 Sinar Norma

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51006311276_d08801700d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kHfFiW)Norma Instant Operation (https://flic.kr/p/2kHfFiW) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I'm like a kid playing with my box of incredibly expensive tinker toys, building all kinds of interesting rigs. Why not? From "Sinar- the perfect tool for the professional photographer" Karl Heitz 1964. I have built the camera on the bottom left. They would configure the camera for you at the factory; Wonder how they embellished it?

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51003713253_db9e71bc6e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kH2n1r)Sinar Norma 4x5 TLR Matching 210 Xenar Barrel Lenses (https://flic.kr/p/2kH2n1r) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I decided to finish the 4x5 Sinar Norma TLR today. I found a couple of old boards with mickey mouse automation, I removed all of that. Then I cut large holes with my electric scroll saw, and finished with a good deal of hand filing. I just need to fill some holes with JB Weld. So now here two perfectly matching 240mm Schneider chrome Xenar f4.5 barrel lenses, should be great for portraiture. I exchanged the Black Binocular modern reflex magnifier on the back, with the original Norma Rubber Bellows, and the uber rare Norma Reflex Magnifier, which is quite small and I prefer it to modern Boxy Reflex Sinar.

So now I am ready to learn more about how this works. Testing looking through the camera went well, ready to go

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51006440431_8bee9b0068_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgkGK)Highest Speed 4x5 Norma 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kHgkGK) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here's the reverse view. I added a Norma Rubber Hood, Norma Long Bellows Rod, and Norma Filter Holder with 108mm yellow glass. So pretty much like it came right out of the Norma brochure. Was fun to put together. Some old things need fixing and I like working with my hands.

[Barrie B.]

Daniel , With this ' Set-up' surely you will have paralax error of the image !!
Regards , Barrie B.

[Kiwi7475]

A lf tlr!

[Daniel Unkefer]

Daniel , With this ' Set-up' surely you will have paralax error of the image !!
Regards , Barrie B.

Thanks I am concerned but there is a lot of adjustability in the system. Sinar Norma said this will work with ANY lens pair. And there unlimited choice of focal length, that sounds encouraging to me. Also viewing along the axis of exposure. And of course total control from 100% behind the camera only. No going back and forth all the time

Sounds like maybe something to get used to, but becomes second nature with practice (hopefully!) :)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51496752768_88eee4b644_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2msAjtJ)520mm 20 inch Apo Ronar Pair XTRA long 5x7 new bellows 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2msAjtJ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

As you can see the viewpoints are very similar (adjustments made for parallax).

[B.S.Kumar]

Wouldn't a Sinar Sliding back be faster, with no parallax issues?

Kumar

[Daniel Unkefer]

According to the above brochure from Sinar Norma, the double lens is the fastest operating of all. I have two Norma Sliding Roll Backs, so we will see. It's different in that it's 4x5 not medium format. Actually today I also configured the camera in the center picture, with 5x7 rear standard, 4x5 reducing back, then the Sinar Sliding Roll Back. Well I like that combination a lot, it is more solid in use than using the 4x5 rear standard. I'll give the double lens a good test soon.

BTW I enjoyed viewing your architectural and interior photos on your site. When I was younger I did quite a bit of this type of work myself.
And it was all 4x5 Norma

[B.S.Kumar]

According to the above brochure from Sinar Norma, the double lens is the fastest operating of all. I have two Norma Sliding Roll Backs, so we will see. It's different in that it's 4x5 not medium format. Actually today I also configured the camera in the center picture, with 5x7 rear standard, 4x5 reducing back, then the Sinar Sliding Roll Back. Well I like that combination a lot, it is more solid in use than using the 4x5 rear standard. I'll give the double lens a good test soon.

BTW I enjoyed viewing your architectural and interior photos on your site. When I was younger I did quite a bit of this type of work myself.
And it was all 4x5 Norma

Thank you for the kind words, Daniel. But all that is a long time ago...

I meant a proper 4x5 sliding back like this: https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?162468-FS-Sinar-4x5-Sliding-Back
not a Sliding Roll Back.

Kumar

[Daniel Unkefer]

Hmmm OK. I have one of those 4x5 sliding backs on my Plaubel Peco Profia.

[Tin Can]

Did Sinar offer a sliding film splitter?

Meaning it could expose 1/2 sheet or plate, then slide over for shot 2

Very handy and fast for portraits as shot 2 is usually a more relaxed pose

I have never seen any slider split landscapes, yet...

[Daniel Unkefer]

Did Sinar offer a sliding film splitter?
Meaning it could expose 1/2 sheet or plate, then slide over for shot 2
Very handy and fast for portraits as shot 2 is usually a more relaxed pose
I have never seen any slider split landscapes, yet...



Yes my 8x10 Sinar Norma has slots in the interior to hold thin metal black panels. These panels subdivide the 8x10 into halves, or quarters. Came in a plain manila envelope. I paid $30 for the set prolly unused at a used photo shop in the area.

[Tin Can]

Not what I mean, those dividers are common on Deardorff, for one

The Deardorff 8X10 Slider I have is for shooting 8X10 neg by sliding the 8X10 GG sideways and shooting first one 5X8 then quickly sliding to take another on the second half, all with 8X10 Dark Slide removed, so light tite.

Some also offered an insert that divided the light from back of lens to the divider, for better contrast.

Sliders don't need that.

Pictures are of 5X7 Slider

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51054949393_f1b62c6656_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kMxXJa)1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kMxXJa) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51054949328_3262b92290_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kMxXH3)2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kMxXH3) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51054949283_2ef3262fc5_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kMxXGg)3 (https://flic.kr/p/2kMxXGg) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr


I like the sliders as the second shot is very quick and takes the sitter in a more relaxed expresion.


Yes my 8x10 Norma has slots in the interior to hold thin metal black panels. These panels subdivide the 8x10 into halves, or quarters.
Came in a plain manila envelope. I paid $30 for the set prolly unused at a used photo shop in the area.

[Exploring Large Format]

Very helpful discussion.

Sent from my SM-G981V using Tapatalk

[ic-racer]

Daniel , With this ' Set-up' surely you will have paralax error of the image !!
Regards , Barrie B.

Probably one of the easiest cameras to adjust rear rise to compensate, seeing as you can even view both images at the same time.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Probably one of the easiest cameras to adjust rear rise to compensate, seeing as you can even view both images at the same time.

Thanks Guys for adding to this and anybody feel free to offer opinions :)

Gowlandflex Users Here: With portrait length 4x5/lens 150/210/240/300/360 How far are your Gowlandflex lenses apart from center to center? How exactly did Peter Gowland compensate for parallax when tight shooting? Did he mark the groundglass? I'd like to see pix :)

[Tin Can]

My 4X5 Gowlandflex has a straight cut, angle slope cam that moves viewing lens up and down in a channel

Mine is apart looking for a faster pair of 210 lenses

I installed 6.8 210's as listed in his catalog, but want matching 4.5




Thanks Guys for adding to this and anybody feel free to offer opinions :)

Gowlandflex Users Here: With portrait length 4x5/lens 150/210/240/300/360 How far are your Gowlandflex lenses apart from center to center? How exactly did Peter Gowland compensate for parallax when tight shooting? Did he mark the groundglass? I'd like to see pix :)

[Daniel Unkefer]

The chrome Componons are sharp 5.6 lenses similar to Symmar in many respects. They are plentiful in barrel as well as inexpensive and I may pick up more for matched pairs. Also chrome barrel Symmars, Xenars are f4.5 and great for portraiture. Finally I have Imagons in barrel and shutter will have to look around on those. Lots of great TLR portrait choices.

[Tin Can]

Gowlandflex Cam

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51055575788_aebc4a7283_w.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kMBaW5)1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kMBaW5) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056383677_39a08a33b1_w.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kMFj6c)2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kMFj6c) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thank you for that!

[LabRat]

Thanks Guys for adding to this and anybody feel free to offer opinions :)

Gowlandflex Users Here: With portrait length 4x5/lens 150/210/240/300/360 How far are your Gowlandflex lenses apart from center to center? How exactly did Peter Gowland compensate for parallax when tight shooting? Did he mark the groundglass? I'd like to see pix :)

You can also do the old TLR trick of measuring the distance between the centers of two lenses, and raising the center tripod column that distance before shot... Mark the column at those distances...

Steve K

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51058966601_567eaa8211_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kMUxUn)Fastest Speed of All Sinar Norma Three Good Pairs 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kMUxUn) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

After searching around and configuring what I can right now, I have come up with three perfect identical lens pairs for the Fastest Norma twin lens camera. On the left, are absolutely identical Schneider 150mm f5.6 chrome Componons. In the middle, two nearly identical (will do ok) 240mm f4.5 Schneider chrome Xenars. The viewing lens only works wide open, the iris is not working. But OK for viewing. I still have to plug the mickey mouse automation holes with aluminum filler. And on the far right, a perfectly matching pair of forward mounted Schneider 240mm f5.6 chrome Symmars. The taking lens is a Sinar Symmar, and have direct operating mickey mouse aperture mechanism (least amount of automation aperture board). It will take several hours of metal cutting to buzz down the flange diameter, and enlarge the hole size in the top hat. Then all will fit and I will have three nice workable pairs for this camera

[maltfalc]

You can also do the old TLR trick of measuring the distance between the centers of two lenses, and raising the center tripod column that distance before shot... Mark the column at those distances...

Steve K

that's what i was going to suggest, except you start with the camera raised to frame the shot and drop it before confirming focus and taking the shot.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Right, THANK YOU I wonder if anybody who used this in the 60s vintage studios back then is familiar how to operate with it. But thanks for all suggestions and interest :)

Richard Avedon used the automated Norma stuff for some of his commercial 8x10 work. Motion being captured in an extremely acute way, that appeals to me. Back then the advantages of automation were obvious and Avedon was easily talked into it I'll bet. I find it fun to get this stuff fully put together and fully operating as originally intended. That to me is a hoot for sure

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51001096964_48851c127d_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kGMXh1)Fastest Speed of All Sinar Norma Pair 240 Symmars 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kGMXh1) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Matching 240mm Sinar Symmars in matching forward mounted lensboards. Clamping mechanism above adds rigidity, could use some short rods, across the top metric stock from McMaster Carr will do the job. Twin Sinar Norma Bag Bellows on back with Sinar Norma Monocular Viewers works great. More matched pairs are coming in, 150 180 210 300 chrome Componons, 250mm H5.8 Rodenstock Imagon barrel pair, So I will be well prepared for high speed 4x5 portraiture and tabletop stuff. Two new Norma Tapered Bellows from Keith at Custom Bellows

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51091004783_954b20f6f5_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kQJKJP)Fully Functioning Fastest Sinar Norma 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kQJKJP) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Today a matching pair of these 300mm Componons came in, I mounted them quickly into identical boards. The view through the top lens is from a higher viewpoint, that is what I want. I can get matching views as close as possible, something I think I csn get used to with more practice. I like this camera, it's so different from anything I have used. 300mm is 2X on 4x5 and is about as long as you can go I have read regarding the Gowlandflex. Sinar says this camera will take any focal length.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51091022258_012d760280_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kQJQW7)Fully Functioning Fastest Sinar Norma 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kQJQW7) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here the fastest Norma is set up to provide identical views, with the identical 300mm Componons. Top and bottom views are similar, of course the top taking lens has a higher viewpoint, so I am shooting slightly slightly down versus the view lens. Desirable for high speed B&W portraiture

[Tin Can]

Perhaps parallax is corrected with longer lenses to reasonable distorsion

A Paramender was offered for MF TLR Mamiya

Story below with details and images

https://skrasnov.com/blog/mamiya-tlr-c33-with-105mm-f35/

[Daniel Unkefer]

Tin Can/All,

I've used TLR Mamiyas for weddings and portraits many years ago, I once had every model in the line at one time, and all the lenses and attachments. My fave was the venerable Mamiyaflex C2 but also loved the C33. It's taking some time to get my head around what Sinar was doing here, but after kicking the tires a bit I really do like this new rig a lot. It's different from the Gowland in that taking lens is on top, viewing on the bottom. Sure there has to be parallax, but the views can be made to be approximately similar by using the rise/fall moves on the Norma. Viewpoints without question have to be different through both lenses, but this is something I can get used to. I'm sure raising the top viewing lens on the Gowland up, to get approximate same framing, changes the viewpoint also between the two lenses, I'm sure through experience Gowland got this exactly where he wanted it. It is the same but different with Norma. The closer you move in, and the longer the lenses, the more space between them required for for approximate similar framing, although there is the viewpoint difference which increases as you move in. I could also reverse the lens sets, with the taking lens on the bottom (like the Gowland) but I think I prefer this configuration for my uses. I have another Norma Shutter coming from Germany, to dedicate to this camera, as well as three new Norma Rail Clamps, I'm going double clamp with this camera for brick house stability and easy balance with this new rig on my monster Plaubel Profia camera stand.

Glenn Evans in Chicago has configured a similar Sinar Norma TLR camera.
See here:
http://www.glennview.com/sinarTLR.htm

[Tin Can]

Daniel

I admire your tenacity and goal of perfection

I use C2 or C3 Mamiya and prefer them to newer

Your Norma TLR gives me DIY ideas

IF they occur, I will post elsewhere

I read all your posts

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks Tin Can. Here I am in my covid bubble, happily tinkering with my old technical cameras, trying to get them to operate as intended. And having a blast doing it! :)

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51101936468_a02572337c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kRGMm9)Fastest Speed Sinar Norma Pair 150mm Componons 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2kRGMm9) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here's the fastest speed Sinar Norma set up with twin 150mm f5.6 chrome Componons. Basically to use this camera, you adjust either front or back tilt, so that both screens are in sharp and in similar plane of focus. Rise and fall will produce nearly identical views during final framing and is quite accurate. Today I exposed four sheets of Fuji HRU XRay film, once with the top lens, and a second with the bottom 150mm lens pair. I then repeated the process with the 300mm f5.6 chrome Componon pair, again shooting with the top and bottom lenses to see the difference in prints. The negs look just great, and are drying right now. I will post B&W prints in the next few days. Entirely successful test as far as I can tell so far :)

It took four original Sinar Norma Bag Bellows to put this thing together. Notice also I have two Norma Base Rail Clamps attached now, for added stability.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Perhaps later today I will print the test photographs I made yesterday with the 150mm and 300mm lens pairs, the objective being to compare the slightly different viewpoints between the taking and viewing lenses. I'm starting to understand why Sinar designed this unique configuration, it's easy to use once you get the hang of it. I'm glad I have it around.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51104264930_49b8d25932_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kRUHw3)TLR Norma 150 Comp Bottom Lens 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kRUHw3) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is the view that you see through the camera with the BOTTOM LENS. One pop at F19.5 Arista #2 8x10 Multigrade developer, dust thanks to Omega glass 4x5 carrier!



https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51103173479_d8f1ed1f3d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kRP84V)TLR Norma 150 Comp Top Lens (https://flic.kr/p/2kRP84V) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is the view that you see through the camera with the TOP LENS. One pop at F19.5 Arista #2 8x10 Multigrade developer, dust thanks to Omega glass 4x5 carrier!


Test Shots #1 and #2 (nothing artistic!) my new Sinar Fastest Twin Lens camera, equipped with the chrome 150mm Schneider Componons. 9x12cm Fuji HRU XRAY film in original Sinar Norma Film Holders, tray processed 18 minutes in 62F straight replenished Legacy Mic-X film developer. Broncolor C171 375WS Monolight strobe with Pulsoflex Soft Box camera left. A silver fill panel just outside camera range on the right.

As you can see the views are quite similar, of course the top lens has a slightly higher viewpoint. Further fine tuning will be to use identical screen carriers, that will aid in nearly matching precision compositions.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51106792850_d186ef1e4d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kS8EYS)Twin Lens Norma 300mm Componon Bottom Lens (https://flic.kr/p/2kS8EYS) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Switching out to 300mm chrome Componon pair. Like it much! :) F16 1 pop HRU XRAY 9x12cm Sinar Norma Holder

[Tin Can]

It's getting bigger!

I am worried


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51106792850_8a41defe22_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kS8EYS)Twin Lens Norma 300mm Componon Bottom Lens (https://flic.kr/p/2kS8EYS) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Switching out to 300mm chrome Componon pair. Like it much! :) F16 1 pop HRU XRAY 9x12cm Sinar Norma Holder

[Daniel Unkefer]

LOL

BTW styling courtesy of Rubbermaid and IKEA :)

[Havoc]

Quite a difference in perspective with he 150mm.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Havoc,

That's a fair point. For me something I will get used to?

I want to run with this crazy idea because like the tripod mounted Gowlandflex, this offers through the lens viewing even DURING the exposure. For a second I can see with the big strobe pop I can see the burned image just for a microsecond. If photographing faces I can judge the expression if movement is involved.
Worst case is I break it apart and make dedicated wide angle and tele cameras out of the pieces. I want to leave this rig up for a good while to start and see what develops :) I did buy more Norma boards and extra rail clamps and clamping stuff, another Norma shutter to dedicate to this camera, and a Norma ground glass, so both top and bottom screens are identically marked.

Also this is FUN cause I've never used anything like this

[Havoc]

I mentioned it because I expected it to be less due to the possible movements of the camera being LF. With a TLR you expect it. And in a way if this were just 2 cameras then it would be there as well, even larger because of the physical distance. But somehow I expected that with all the movements offered of LF this could be reduced to a minimum.

[Tin Can]

You could also mount the boxes side by side to make 4X5 Stereo

Stereo is still a big club, here is away to align them

https://aaronolsen.github.io/tutorials/stereomorph/calibration_general.html

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51130433275_e0e6b4ea7e_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kUdQsp)Tuned Up Twin Lens Norma 180 Comps (https://flic.kr/p/2kUdQsp) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The rear standard on this Norma pair wobbled on the base rail. I loosed the allen screws and reset the friction on the metal plugs that tighten against the rail. Easy to do and now square and solid. Bought another original Norma screen and marked 6x9 and 9x12 frame marks on all my screens using chartpac tape. Then reinstalled the glass in all screen carriers, adding Norma fresnels. So now identical markings completely on top and bottom focus screens and bright and very even viewing using the two Norma Monoculars with Norma Bag Bellows. It's vital that the base tilt create identical focus planes through both cameras, it is quick and easy to do. I reset after I move anything on the camera. Everything looks sharp on the glass and I'm finishing some basic lens pairs. The Plaubel Peco Profia Camera Stand is the best way to get this beast into the proper position.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51129528463_18b36c0593_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kU9cuc)Lens Pairs for Twin Lens Norma so far (https://flic.kr/p/2kU9cuc) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Like a car in an auto body shop, Norma Lens Boards with dozens of holes in some of them, can be plugged with JBWELD and planed and cleaned, the back side dotted with flat black Krylon aerosol paint. The front of the board gets spotted with Benjamin Moore paint I had color matched with a Norma board in the store. Looks pretty good in my opinion. Schneider Norma Twin lens camera pairs shown here. From upper left: 150mm f5.6 Componons, 210mm f5.6 Componons, 240mm f5.6 Componons. From bottom left: 240mm f4.5 Xenars, 240mm f5.6 Sinar Symmars, 300mm f5.6 Componons.
This gives me a full range of lenses from 150mm to 300mm with the twin lens camera.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51180703828_c8c7ac9da6_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYEu95)Matched pair Sinar Norma Schneider 360mm f5.6 Symmars (https://flic.kr/p/2kYEu95) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

For my twin lens Norma camera. A matched pair of 360mm Sinar Norma barrel with auto aperture mechanism and rabbit ears, Schneider barrel mount Plasmat lens set.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51181099188_3fdb38f3f1_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYGvEC)360 Symmar Norma Auto Iris Pair (https://flic.kr/p/2kYGvEC) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here's the Sinar Norma 360mm f5.6 chrome barrel Auto Iris Symmar Plasmat Matched Pair. This is setup at portrait distance, notice how the lenses go further apart for similar views. Awesome on the ground glass, I'm going to enjoy using this one. I use a Norma Compendium Hood with four adjustable blinders to reduce internal flare, this lens covers a humungeous amount. What a view :)

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51194299158_1534b8a828_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kZSayj)Norma Twin Lens Pairs 300 Comm Ektar f6.3 210mm f6.8 Angulon (https://flic.kr/p/2kZSayj) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Just today picked up two new lenses for making matched pairs. Got them this morning, meeting the dealer at a local camera auction. My Thanks! to Igor Reznik.

On the left, the 12" 305mm f6.3 Kodak Commercial Ektar matched pair.
The upper left Ektar is the new one. Interesting how they stripped the paint off the retaining ring

On the right, a Norma pair of 210mm Schneider Angulons; The bottom Norma Angulon has a huge chip/crack in the front glass. But works -great- as a viewing lens, price only a hundred bucks. Optics maybe could be switched out?

Images checked on ground glass with my printer's loupe, and they are all keepers

[Greg]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51181099188_3fdb38f3f1_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kYGvEC)360 Symmar Norma Auto Iris Pair (https://flic.kr/p/2kYGvEC) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

notice how the lenses go further apart for similar views.

Am curious why the lenses go further apart? I would think that the top one should be as close to the axis of the bottom one. Possibly needed to be so in order to be able to load film holders vertically in the lower one?

[Daniel Unkefer]

Morning Chris
Yes you are absolutely correct, the viewing and taking lenses need to be as close together as possible. I have been taking the Normas apart and cleaning/adjusting them. Some of the parts were really heavily worn. Good as new now in that aspect

[Daniel Unkefer]

What makes it fast???

There are Norma lenses, that integrate with the Norma Automatic Shutter by means of coiled metal cables with quick disconnects. You preset the desired aperture, using the mickey mouse automatic iris Norma lensboard setup. So you're composing at viewing at full aperture with the taking f/stop dialed in. Ready to take the shot? Simply insert the film holder (up to 8x10), and the automated cables close the shutter, and the preselected aperture is set by the auto iris mechanism. Pull the dark slide and actuate the shutter using the metal coiled shutter release. Pretty quick compared to most view cameras. With the "Rapid Adapter" it's 6x6/6x9 roll film there is an automated "shutter" in the back, no darkslides needed

With the twin lens you can have the slide pulled in the holder and still view and review the image close to how it appears during the actual exposure

Richard Avedon used the 8x10 Norma in his studio for action commercial fashion large format. The advantages at the time must have been obvious

[abruzzi]

Actually, correct me if I’m wrong, but for this to work a twin lens camera, the lenses need to be positioned identically to their matched rear standard. Maybe the rear standards should ideal,y be as close as possible, but if the goal is to frame in the top and capture the image on the bottom, each lens needs to be identically situated with matching shift/rise/fall to the ground glass.

In the last photo above, the upper lens looks a little low (though that could be perspective messing with me.)

[Bob Salomon]

Not quite the “fastest” 45. Any LInhof that accepts the LInhof 45 Vacuum Roll back could shoot up to 60 45 shots a second apart at speeds to 1/500 at 1fps.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Actually, correct me if I’m wrong, but for this to work a twin lens camera, the lenses need to be positioned identically to their matched rear standard. Maybe the rear standards should ideal,y be as close as possible, but if the goal is to frame in the top and capture the image on the bottom, each lens needs to be identically situated with matching shift/rise/fall to the ground glass. In the last photo above, the upper lens looks a little low (though that could be perspective messing with me.)


Appreciate your comments :) The bottom lens is for viewing, the top exposes the film. I have found the best starting for front standard position, to be both lenses together as close as possible. Then adjust rise and fall, (in the rear standard) to get views which to me are nearly identical from a composition standpoint). See the above initial tests Certainly well enough to determine expression through the camera during the exposure, and strobe pop. I focus roughly through the bottom camera, Then move to top (exposing) lens and use rear tilt control to sharply align upper camera focus, and lock the tilt. Then both lenses are in the same focus plane. Then I use the fine focus, and my printer's loupe, checking both lenses back and forth, making minor adjustments, until I really like what I see.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Not quite the “fastest” 45. Any LInhof that accepts the LInhof 45 Vacuum Roll back could shoot up to 60 45 shots a second apart at speeds to 1/500 at 1fps.

Thanks for that. Nope, just the fastest Norma :) My friend is a Linhof collector, they made a lot of prototypes and one-offs. All cool stuff

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51204469626_632107156a_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m1LhTd)5x7 and 4x5 Sinar Norma TLR's (https://flic.kr/p/2m1LhTd) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

"Construction Unit Design" allows me to upsize the camera to 13x18/5x7. Nice to have the larger format, I am just getting going with 5x7. 240 Componons on the left, 250 Imagon pair on the right.

[Jason Greenberg Motamedi]

Daniel,

I am curious to what extent you have found variation in focal lengths in lenses of the same nominal length, make, and mount? Years ago I tried to do something similar to this using two 8" f2.9 Pentac lenses (same 1940s Air Ministry mount, but may have been made by different manufactures), and found that I needed to shim one of the lenses a few millimeters to achieve focus for both. Have you seen this?

[Daniel Unkefer]

Daniel,

I am curious to what extent you have found variation in focal lengths in lenses of the same nominal length, make, and mount? Years ago I tried to do something similar to this using two 8" f2.9 Pentac lenses (same 1940s Air Ministry mount, but may have been made by different manufactures), and found that I needed to shim one of the lenses a few millimeters to achieve focus for both. Have you seen this?

Hi Jason,

So far I have not had to shim any of my lens pairs. If I was mounting an f2.9 I might have to :) Anyway I align the focusing plane of the two lenses, using the rear base tilt, using a 10X printer's loupe, and so far I've not had any focus issues. I have about sixteen different pairs so far and they all seem to be perfectly usuable in this way. I do have a 200mm Imagon barrel and shutter combo coming up that might need a shim for the barrel one. For that setup I'm using a bubble level to get the front of the lens mount and the rear cell into agreement (as well as the board) for the two lenses. That may take some additional metalworking, I'll have to see how it goes. Maybe I'm just having really good luck :) My fastest lenses are the F4.5 Xenars and they are all fine.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Over the weekend I made 13x18cm test negatives on Fuji HRU XRAY, all of which I managed to scratch. The emulsion is so delicate, very frustrating. Perhaps Kodak 3 1/2 gallon deep tanks is the way to go with this stuff.

So I switched to 5x7 Ilford Ortho Commercial and finally got a nice clean negative. I cut this down from 8X10 sheets. Used twin 240mm Componons, shot wide open at F5.6 and exposure (250W halogen modeling light in Broncolor Pulso Softbox) was four seconds, timed with the Sinar Automatic Shutter. Processed in a tray under super deep red safelight with straight Microdol-X.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51220120501_d0cd961bbe_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m39vkT)5x7 Sinar Norma Twin Lens HRU Ortho+Mic-X (https://flic.kr/p/2m39vkT) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Left is Ilford Commercial Ortho+ 5x7 Schneider 240mm f5.6 chrome Componon Sinar Norma Shutter 4 seconds. Lighting was 45 left Broncolor Pulso Softbox in close. Ambient lighting 250W modeling lamp only no flash. Silver fill panel 45 left just off camera. Shooting wide open with 5x7 Sinar Norma early version film holders

Right is 5x7 Fuji HRU XRay film 1/2 second F5.6 Schneider 240mm f5.6 Componon wide open. Sinar Norma Automatic Shutter

Good to have a choice of negatives.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51231542568_185336708c_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m4a3J5)4x5 Twin Lens Sinar Norma Binocular Reflex Magnifier (https://flic.kr/p/2m4a3J5) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I repaired my Sinar Norma Binocular Magnifier, the interior front surface mirror shattered. I ordered an exact measured replacement on Ebay for $25, and installed it very carefully with JB Weld. Good as new now and it's preferred by me for the viewing (bottom) lens on the 4x5 Norma Twin Lens. A Norma 4x5 Bag Bellows and Norma Monocular go on the taking (top) lens. Easy to switch back and forth between top and bottom lens, and it's very comfortable as well as hands-free which is important. I added the elastic Sinar Band and it holds the Binocular Reflex Viewfinder tightly against the rear standard. I have some portrait sessions coming up and I think I will go with this setup for now. Here I am viewing my test stand-in test dummy using the 250mm Imagon pair with H5.8 disc petals closed. So a central stop minimizing the "Imagon Effect". It's a lovely lens I have not used enough in the past.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51240158688_c5aa2f7ac3_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m4VcZS)Balloon Head Impact 41 4x5 Norma TLR 250 Imagon (https://flic.kr/p/2m4VcZS) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I have switched out the Pulso Hazylight for the Broncolor Impact 41 with "Balloon Head". Totally -shadowless- utterly soft lighting. Notice the new Viewing System on the 4x5 TLR. Norma Monocular Bellows on top, Reflex Binocular Sinar on the bottom. This camera is now a true in every way TWIN LENS -REFLEX- 4x5. Viewing the image right side up through the bottom lens, and being able to move the mirror around to scrutinize every mm of the viewing screen, is a great luxury. This works GOOD very direct super user friendly studio portrait camera. I made two more exposures Impact 41 set at 1/4 power, f5.6 on FM2 incident flash meter. Yellow green filter added, so exposures on Fuji HR-U of, 2 pops, and bracketed also for four pops at H5.8 on the 250 Imagon taking lens. I know you are supposed to use sharp pincer-type lighting with Imagons, but I am breaking some rules here. Looks cool on the ground glass, can't wait to develop it hopefully later today.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51272013493_26bc1f9e61_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m7JtjD)Sinar 5x7 & 4x5 TLR 200mm Imagon Pair 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2m7JtjD) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here is another matched pair of lenses for the 5x7/4x5 TLR Sinar Norma. The bottom viewing lens is a barrel 200mm Imagon, the top taking lens is a 200mm Imagon forward mounted in Compound shutter. This covers 5x7 for this application and is a lovely addition to the lens bank.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51272864205_07c6fcf2a4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m7NQd6)Sinar 5x7 & 4x5 TLR 200mm Imagon Pair 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2m7NQd6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I have decided to leave one TLR Norma set up as a 5x7, then use 4x5 Norma Reducing Backs to shoot 4x5 and 9x12. Here the top camera is 5x7 and the bottom is 4x5. I am waiting for another 4x5 Reducing Back to arrive from overseas.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51272019973_8f8a3c0e54_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m7Jvfn)Studio Renovation Phase 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2m7Jvfn) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I've been working on fully equipping my studio. I have eight Norma cameras now! :)

[Rod Klukas]

How about the Gowlandflex 4x5 which in a more compact form does similar to your camera:
217258


4X5 GOWLANDFLEX GLAMOUR CAMERA
Gowland's most popular camera, the 4x5, 30th anniversary model in lighter weight, all metal, black anodized. It uses matched lenses in shutter from 180mm to 300mm. With the 180mm it focuses down to 18", 210mm 28", 240mm 39". Its back takes all film sizes up to 4x5.
This camera can be used horizontally or vertically. Viewing can be from the top with vertical hood or from the back or side with the reflex hood.

Lenses were matched so focus would match taking lens.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks Rod for your contribution. I have heard that Arca Swiss made a lot of Norma parts/components for Sinar
Very much the same in some ways to the Gowlandflex but also different in some ways in terms of form and function.
I think I would really enjoy having a Gowland but really I'm a die hard Norma Guy.
Do you consider the Gowland to be a one lens camera? Just asking since everything had to be set up just so.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51295300597_28df5df0d9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m9MPLr)120 Angulon Lens Pair TLR 5x7 Norma 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2m9MPLr) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Two more lenses that were both in the Sinar Norma catalog. A matched pair of Schneider 120mm f6.8 Angulons. Bottom viewing lens is in barrel, top taking lens is in compound shutter. This works great configured for 5x7 or shooting reduced down to 4x5. The 5x7 version works as well as the 4x5 version. It is quick and intuitive to use once you get used to how differently it operates.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51297053040_b4e1582ae9_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2m9WNGY)120 Angulon Lens Pair TLR 5x7 Norma 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2m9WNGY) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

The second 5x7/4x5 original Sinar Norma Reducing Back just arrived from Germany. I have another Norma era Reflex Viewfinder coming from the UK and will be here shortly. Glenn Evans had a nice Norma Monocular still with the original eyecup so that is all coming together nicely. I see this camera as a studio only portrait/speed camera. So now I understand why Sinar promoted it as such. Certainly it must have had merit back then and I am slowly rediscovering that this is true. This is fun :)

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51308968883_7ff7b77066_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2maZSSx)Terror and Holy Terror (https://flic.kr/p/2maZSSx) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr


I think it would be perfect for photographing animals. And squirmy kids :smile: When you only get one shot...............Terror and Holy Terror by Nokton48, on Flickr

"The Boys" visited my studio back then. I got this -one- shot. They behaved for one minute, and would do what I say. After the first "pop" they were all over the place, and then you have to chase them down. This is a 20x24 canvas print that has been hanging for nearly thirty years. Mamiya C33 105mm Sekor Chimera Softboxes Broncolor Impact strobes.

This is the type of photography that this camera was designed to do. Shot above could have just as well as been done in 5x7 versus 6x6. One shot!

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51350559106_ce2f18df70_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2meF3cm)More Norma TLR Matched Lens Pairs (https://flic.kr/p/2meF3cm) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I've been slowly working towards building up my lens bank of matched Norma TLR pairs. I have 4x5 and 5x7 TLR Norma cameras at this point.

Top Box From Top Left: Norma 150mm F9 Rodenstock Apo-Ronar Aperture Controlled pair, 240mm F9 Apo Ronar Aperture controlled pair, 300mm F9 Apo Ronar barrel pair, 360mm F9 Sinar Apo Ronar Aperture controlled pair.

Bottom Box from Top Left: 520mm F9 Rodenstock Apo Ronar barrel pair, 90mm F6.8 Angulon shutter and barrel pair, 120mm F6.8 Angulon Shutter and Barrel Pair, 200mm H5.8 Rodenstock Imagon barrel and shutter pair.

I am repurposing what I have and adding to it.. What you see here is about 90% ready to use.

Having a lot of fun with this TLR project.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51367396113_7f61a48d9e_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mgakfz)Sinar Norma 5x7 TLR 520mm Apo Ronar focused close up (https://flic.kr/p/2mgakfz) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

"Construction Unit Design" means that I an extend the camera using extra Norma parts. Here I have added a second Norma 4x5 Rear Standard and added a couple of the 4x5 Regular Bellows. Camera is solid and will be useful.

Here's I'm setting up my Sinar Norma 5x7 TLR with my longest lens so far; the Rodenstock Apo-Ronar 520mm F9 Norma matched pair. Focused on a very small area extreme close-up. Keith at Custom Bellows in the UK, is making a matched pair of original Sinar Norma 5x7 Extra Long Bellows (50% longer than standard 5x7 Bellows). At the same time, I asking for an extra long (50% longer again) 8x10 Sinar Norma Bellows. The bellows frames are going out the door today. Shouldn't be long shipping has been quick from the UK on some things. 4x5 Regular Bellows and 5x7 Norma Bellows fully extended in this digishot. XTRA long bellows will suit my upcoming uses very well.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Hooray for S.K. Grimes!

I am putting together a matched pair of 480mm F9 Rodenstock Apo-Ronars, and I needed a couple of 72mmx1 lens flanges. I called S.K. Grimes, and in five minutes Adam had my order, and three days later, I had exactly what I need in my hands. They do beautiful work!

I wasn't aware that they stock some flanges. Now I can finish up a few lenses that have lots of use left in them.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51488428782_c1c18faecd_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mrRE3J)520mm 20 inch Apo Ronar Pair XTRA long 5x7 new bellows 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2mrRE3J) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Keith at Custom Bellows UK just made this 5x7 Extra Long Norma original bellows pair. I told him I wanted the original Norma pattern but 50% longer than the regular Norma 4x5 bellows. The camera is focused on a target the size of a Norma lensboard. And of course the camera can be infinitely extended if need be. Apo-Ronars are brutally sharp that's why Sinar offered them in the Norma catalog

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51496752768_88eee4b644_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2msAjtJ)520mm 20 inch Apo Ronar Pair XTRA long 5x7 new bellows 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2msAjtJ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

My 5x7 Twin Lens Reflex Sinar Norma testing and comparing groundglass views. Yes there is a difference in viewpoint but that is minimal in my opinion. The bottom is the view lens and you can see the "flash pop" on the groundglass for a micro second in the taking lens, hence you can catch the exact peak moment. The option is viewing the image obliquely at an angle and it's just not the same. This is the 520mm 20" Rodenstock Apo-Ronar matching pairs, my longest pair (but not longest LF Apo-Ronar lens) that I own. To get nearly identical views, simply use the front and rear rise and fall to tweak both images exactly where you want them.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51511642644_921c5e5fa0_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mtUCHJ)Ring Around F16 to F45 HP5+ 4x5 Norma TLR 520mm Ronar pair (https://flic.kr/p/2mtUCHJ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Testing the 5x7 TLR Sinar Norma (reduced to 4x5) 520mm f9 Rodenstock Apo-Ronar matched pair, HP5+ EI 400 2/3 stop bellows extension, and 103mm Light Yellow Sinar Norma Filter. From top left: F16, F22, F32, and bottom right, F45. Developed in D:23 1:1 Unicolor 8x10 black Unidrum with Uniroller. Developed 12 minutes at 70F. Four perfect negatives. For silver printing I would pick F45 or F32. For Alt processing F22 or maybe even F16. Useful test. Soft lighting, soft development, and hard raw optical sharpness are the first goals

BTW I am viewing continuously the lower ground glass, so I can watch the expression and see the "flash" in the groundglass so I can see if I got "it" or not. Which is the whole point of this odd rig, this is unlike any photography I have done before. Good for anything involving "Action"

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51561591801_4ec17ee919_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2myjCS6)520mm 20 inch Apo Ronar Pair 4x5 HP5 D23 F32 one pop (https://flic.kr/p/2myjCS6) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Testing my new 5x7/4x5 Sinar Norma Twin Lens Reflex with my longest matching lens pair set/ 520mm 20" F9 Rodenstock Apo Ronars. These are 45 degree Dialyte process type lenses offered by Sinar Norma in the day. F32 HP5+ 4x5 one pop YG Sinar Norma 103mm glass yellow green filter D23 1:1 Unicolor Unidrum and Uniroller. 4X 8x10 Aristo #2 RC print developed in Multigrade dev. Omega DII with Omegalite diffusion head

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51488428782_c1c18faecd_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mrRE3J)520mm 20 inch Apo Ronar Pair XTRA long 5x7 new bellows 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2mrRE3J) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Old Bell Wire courtesy my Father in Law's stash

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51596416400_5adca4c0ab_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mBp81d)480mm Apo Ronar matched pair SK Grimes Flanges (https://flic.kr/p/2mBp81d) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I've owned the top 480mm Apo Ronar nearly forty years and it's an old friend. Just recently I bought a second one (took a while to buy one cheaply) but now I have a matched pair for my TLR 5x7 Norma Reflex camera. 5x7 is something new for me I am slowly investigating. S K Grimes made the matching pair of flanges

BTW I discovered that if you remove the threaded ring on the front of these Apo Ronars, they can be directly reverse mounted onto the flange! Something I just now realized, this info could be useful to some!

[Tin Can]

Good to know about Ronar reversal

Thank you

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks Randy!

I wonder why one would want to reverse mount an Apo Ronar? AFAIK Apo Ronars are identical 45 degree pairs. This new 480mm lens came to me (reverse mounted) on a heavy recessed process board.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51647500136_6d23bcd143_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mFUWqh)New Lens Pairs for Sinar Norma TLR (https://flic.kr/p/2mFUWqh) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Three New Sinar Norma Lens pairs for my Twin Lens Sinar Norma 5x7 and 4x5 cameras. From the left, Sinar norma Schneider Symmar 300mm Symmar matched pair, with Auto Aperture Controls on both. In the little plastic bag is a set of Sinar Norma parts to attach the barrel lens to the automated Sinar board. I will have to have some micro machine work done to accomplish this. In the center, the 300mm Schneider Xenar matched lens pair, I used Sinar Norma lens cones to configure these. Held together with brass hobby screws. On the right a matched pair of 165mm f6.8 Schneider Angulons. I had the shuttered lens for decades and it's an old fave. Produces a good looking negative for me always.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51856896844_7a6f748926_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n1q9Lm)Final Version 4x5 5x7 TLR Sinar Norma (https://flic.kr/p/2n1q9Lm) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is my final version of the 4x5/9x12 and also 5x7/13x18 Twin Lens Reflex Sinar Norma. Very new in the front is Riser Rods which I made from some excess Norma Riser Rods, I cut them down with my Lil' Machine Shop Band Saw, then flipped them over, and inserted a bolt (also cut with Band Saw). So now I have a custom made "Shorty Riser Rod Set" which is perfect for my uses. I went through my Normas and selected the best pieces, and put them together for a really tight working and smooth Norma which I will leave set up permanently in my studio.

The new lens matching pair I have been looking at on and off for six months. It's a matching set of 360mm Schneider Tele-Xenars same vintage. It took a while to find cheaply a second barrel lens, the flanges I got stock from SK Grimes. The Top Hats came from China (Wista clones) which I cut down with Electric Coping Saw and a LOT of hand filing. Then 32 holes drilled with drill press to hold the hobby modeling nuts and bolts, and steel metric machine bolts to secure the lenses. It took a while to cut and fit the TOP Hats to the flat Norma Boards, which needed some extra holes plugged firstly.

Now it just needs final finishing; shortening the hobby bolts, and touch up color front, and Flat Black Krylon Back. So this one took a good while but good to have it in the arsenal

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51858915557_be0531e61d_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2n1AuRK)300mm F4.5 Xenar matched pair TLR Norma (https://flic.kr/p/2n1AuRK) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here's another Norma TLR matched pair which has taken a lot of time to finish. 300mm F4.5 chrome Schneider Xenars, I had a couple of Norma 360mm Symmar Tophats which I neatly removed with electric coping saw, then attached to flat Norma boards with hobby brass modeling screws. Xenars are attached to the tophats for now, with Hollywood Gaffer Tape (LOL!) Eventually I may have SK Grimes machine custom Xenar Cones on their CNC machines. All this pair needs is final painting with flat black Krylon, on the exterior of the cones, as they have some marks to cover up, from when I drill pressed the cones. Good enough for now. This set is excellent for 5x7/13x18 and 8x10/18x24 head shots, a classic for this type of photo job

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51958616769_b0a33afdd4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2napuya)Painting Matched Norma Lens Pairs (https://flic.kr/p/2napuya) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

These are matched pairs of Sinar Norma lenses I have put together recently. The final steps are to paint the back of the shiny parts with Flat Black Krylon sprayed onto cardboard then brushed on with a fine brush. A couple of coats, let it dry in the sun, and it's all totally and finally ready to use. Lots of drill pressings as you can see. As well as scroll cutting, and a lot of hand filing. I enjoy doing this work. Many of these boards had multiple holes that required filling and touching up with Norma colored green paint

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51989186079_24b5172e60_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2nd7aKe)SK Grimes CNCed Rear Mount 360mm Barrel Componon (https://flic.kr/p/2nd7aKe) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Arrived today, shown lower right, SK Grimes CNC'ed this duplicate of my Rear Mount (Is it Schneider or Durst??). The original is lower left). It's been in the que for a few months but worth the wait and worth every Penny. These items will go on a couple of flat Norma boards, still have a few with big holes to use for these projects. Drill press some mounting holes and it is ready to use. I had an extra one of these lenses which had bad interior fog. I traded it out with Jason Lane, he has an optical polishing machine and can de-fog milky cells. So he will end up a killer lens, too. These two will go on my TLR 5x7/4x5 Reflex Sinar Normas.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51991369505_96a9c3b133_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ndimNv)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2ndimNv) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

After months of waiting finally finished! 360mm barrel Schneider Componon f5.6 matched pair. I also have a pair of Sinar 360mm Symmar lenses, you can not tell these two apart from a distance. Certainly does perform favorably against the Symmar, Schneider did recommend it for taking photography (not just enlarging 8x10 negatives). Lengendary Repair Guru Ken Ruth (he always had the inside back cover of Shutterbug for decades) suggested to me to get the entire set of Componons, YES they are great and cheap as dirt. I paid $150 for each of these which I think is quite good for what these are. Getting a matched pair of rear mounts was the difficulty. SK Grimes came through 100% even better than the original. For 8x10 Head Shots these lenses are about as good as you can get. A bonus is that they perform quite well wipe-open. Back in the 60's people were shooting 8x10 Handheld so wide-open is a help!

Canvas background by David Maheu "Tim Kelly Grey" like it

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53105229685_2336e43071_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oUJbCn)5x7 TLR Norma 360 Componon Peco Studio Stand (https://flic.kr/p/2oUJbCn) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is what I have decided to keep around for 5x7 and 13x18cm, and 4x5/9x12, TLR Sinar Norma. Shown with matched pair 360mm Schneider Componons. Sinar Norma Pan Tilt Head attached to Plaube Peco Studio Camera Stand. Lit by my Broncolor Octobox 150 with Supplemental Diffusion Front. Very soft light like a GIANT movable Window Lighting. 4x6 Foamcore Panel opposite side just off camera for passive fill. This camera I will be using for Fast Action LF Photogrpaphy and LF Portraiture. I have over 20 matched lens pairs to fit this camera, from 90mm to 520mm. With Norma you can put the lens pairs exactly where they need to be. Additionally the front and back standards need to be aligned, I have learned how to do this. Interestingly I have seen Ebay auctions from Hollywood California Glamour Photographers selling off this very camera (several times) so it must have been well used for action head shots many, many times I imagine. This will be fun to use for fashion photography, too.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Wouldn't a Sinar Sliding back be faster, with no parallax issues?

Kumar

I've decided to upsize the camera to 5x7/13x18cm, no sliding back available for that. But I can put a reducing back on top and bottom and shoot 4x5 too. Both are pretty speedy to shoot once everything is properly aligned. I've gotten used to doing that now. There are no parallax issues per se, the taking lens is higher up than the viewing lens, so the perspective is slightly different. Of course I can look through both cameras if I want to. The Norma adjustments allow exact precision viewing top and bottom no parallax. For portraiture I don't want to look up people's noses, so the taking viewpoint is slightly more from above. And unlike Technikaflex and Gowland, I can use many different lens pairs, which I own.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I mentioned it because I expected it to be less due to the possible movements of the camera being LF. With a TLR you expect it. And in a way if this were just 2 cameras then it would be there as well, even larger because of the physical distance. But somehow I expected that with all the movements offered of LF this could be reduced to a minimum.

It is reduced to a minimum! Gowland shows two slightly different views just like Norma, this has infinite adjustments. Just not getting what your point is??

[ic-racer]

Wouldn't it be a TLN or something like that. (Twin Lens Non-reflex).

It is amazing, the camera and whole thread.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Wouldn't it be a TLN or something like that. (Twin Lens Non-reflex).

It is amazing, the camera and whole thread.

With the 4x5 unit, the Sinar Reflex Magnifier (on the bottom viewing lens) makes it into a TWIN LENS REFLEX large format camera. But with the Norma Bag Bellows and Sinar Monocular Viewer (4x5 and 5x7), it is a TWIN LENS NON-REFLEX. But it works good too in practice.

So you are right! :)

[Greg]

Interesting thread to follow. In the 1970s, I once met two (a husband and wife team) portrait photographers in Springfield, Massachusetts who specialized in photographing children. He had fabricated a 4x5 camera that as best as I could remember was a sort of cross between a "twin lens" Sinar and a Gowlandflex. When photographing girls, he would load and unload the camera while she photographed. Vice versa when they photographed boys. A few years later I was visiting them and they had switched to using Tele-Rolleiflexs. I remember him telling me that the twin lens Rolleis were a huge improvement in their ease of use and they really didn't see any difference in the final prints. In fact they were able to capture a lot more "expressions'' (as I remember him saying) in their portrait sessions. Earlier this week I was out shooting with my whole plate. I could have easily been more productive shooting with my Pentax 67, but chose the whole plate because of the simple pleasure I get from shooting with LF and ULF. I am curious about your thoughts on this. Your "Terror and Holy Terror" image was shot with your Mamiya C33 and 105mm. Why would you choose to shoot an image like that with your "twin lens" Sinar when the C33 obviously worked so well for you?

FYI: On this end I have shot many photomacrographs and photomicrographs on my Nikon Multiphot with a seriously adapted 8x10 Norma back when I could have done it a whole lot easier with the Multiphot's 4x5 reflex equipment. To say nothing of even shooting way, way, way more easier with my FUJI GFX tethered to my iMac. We all have our reasons for taking the harder path... yours?

[Daniel Unkefer]

Hi Greg,

I don't think I could have made the photo of "Terror and Holy Terror" with anything but a quick operating 6x6 TLR. I can't imagine they could have tolerated me adjusting everything precisely on the TLR Sinar. In certain other scenarios speed is required, and I can imagine I will appreciate the fast operating speed of this rig, after it is properly adjusted. Basically the top and bottom images need to be adjusted so they are in the same image plane, I have learned how to do this. Unlike any type of camera that I have used before in all my years!

Another factor is that I enjoy struggling as long as it is productive. I have all the pieces and I want to successfully make it work, and I am confident I can do so. And as you say the simple pleasure of using the larger format equipment. Another good use is for still life photography (a new interest of mine) that involves motion and movement. Seeing the "pop" on the viewing screen is something that also find helpful. For an instant, I can see if I "got it or not". A sort of "chimping"

And it's fun to use. :)