New to Me 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52774990724_96a31dbe05_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2opxC6b)New to Me 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar (https://flic.kr/p/2opxC6b) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This lens has been on my Radar for decades. The Rodenstock 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar will be fitted to my 8x10 Sinar Norma for Telescopic large format photography. It will be an interesting project to get this into service. It will need to be supported at the front and the back of the lens. Two tripods will be required. I've owned the 760mm F14 for quite a while but this lens goes to the next level. 5x7/13x18 will increase the telephoto effect even more.

EDIT: If you look in the back of "CASTLES IN SPAIN" by Reinhart Wolf you will see this lens, without a doubt. I'm so glad I pounced on it

[Peter De Smidt]

Wow! It goes up to f/260!

[Oren Grad]

How much does it weigh?

[Daniel Unkefer]

I'll let you know when it gets here. I plan to support the camera with two FOBA C40 tripods, those were in the original Norma Catalogs. Will hold anything and portable

[domaz]

Wow! It goes up to f/260!

This blows the f/64 Group out of the water!

[Daniel Unkefer]

I think it might end up two Norma Standards supporting the lens equally, on the front and back of the lens. Too BEEG to go on a Sinar Norma Lensboard directly, will require a stepdown tophat to fit the Sinar standards. Also it needs to be forward mounted so that I can use my Norma Shutter. Back in the Day you could buy a 5x7 Norma Standard and put a bigger custom made board on that.

[Tin Can]

Congratulations!


I will settle with my Jena 900mm f9

I mount it on 2 cameras, one portable, the other a studio camera can use it at 11X14 Macro

No supports necessary

Have fun!


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52774990724_96a31dbe05_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2opxC6b)New to Me 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar (https://flic.kr/p/2opxC6b) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This lens has been on my Radar for decades. The Rodenstock 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar will be fitted to my 8x10 Sinar Norma for Telescopic large format photography. It will be an interesting project to get this into service. It will need to be supported at the front and the back of the lens. Two tripods will be required. I've owned the 790mm F11 for quite a while but this lens goes to the next level. 5x7/13x18 will increase the telephoto effect even more.

[John Layton]

Daniel that's so cool! Can't wait to see a pic of this on a camera...and especially some results - so do keep us posted!

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks! I will! I'll start in the studio, have plenty of strobe power now. Quite a bit incoming.

Maybe this lens was screwed into an electric shutter in a process camera. Something I worked alot with when I was a lot younger. But I'm good with 8x10 contact prints for now. Did Ya'll know that the 8x10 Norma is easily and precisely adjustable with regard to film plane? So you calibrate it to match your film holders. Process Holders are in a different focus plane, you can adjust easily for it

[Drew Wiley]

Looks about the diameter and weight of my 760/11 Apo Nikkor process lens. Tight squeeze on a Sinar board. But I've never taken it into the field. My 600 Fujinon C is as long as I go for that kind of usage with the 8X10. The biggest problem with a very long perspectives outdoors is intervening atmosphere itself, pollen dust, heat waves, etc. So generally, I'm just as well off with a 450C and 6X9 roll film back on the 4X5 Norma.

Have fun with that beast! I presume you're using a Sinar shutter behind the lens.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks Drew

Right I'm not shooting at infinity, I'm going for closer-in shooting. Should be great for 8x10 tabletop in the studio, actually. I'm guessing it. It's at least three times (at least!) heavier than my 760mm F14 Apo Ronar. It's bigger around than the Sinar Bellows Frames for sure. That's why you can make a 5x7 Norma Frame into a front standard. Have to have a mucho big custom plate cut out. Maybe something good can be made from Hardwoods.

[Tin Can]

I vastly prefer my very lightweight Nikon Apo-NIKKOR 610mm F9

Ken Lee convinced me long ago with his clock tower image

Ken Lee was/is a great resource

[John Layton]

hmmm...1000mm studio table-tops - sounds like you'll need about all of your available bellows extensions!

[Andrew O'Neill]

That would destroy the front of my Canham Light Weight!

[Daniel Unkefer]

hmmm...1000mm studio table-tops - sounds like you'll need about all of your available bellows extensions!

Nope I've got plenty of bellows. +1 for Sinar being infinitely extendable. This is going to be FUN.

[Tin Can]

I wonder if you will get the same grief I got shooting 11X14 macro...

[Drew Wiley]

Somewhere I've got an old Sinar promotional ad for a true Micro setup using about 16 ft of structural steel beam to support nearly equal that length of bellows and rail sections; maybe a dozen intermediate standards and rail clamps. Didn't say why, or what lens they were using. 8X10 film.

[Tin Can]

I have seen that dim tunnel ad


Somewhere I've got an old Sinar promotional ad for a true Micro setup using about 16 ft of structural steel beam to support nearly equal that length of bellows and rail sections; maybe a dozen intermediate standards and rail clamps. Didn't say why, or what lens they were using. 8X10 film.

[Daniel Unkefer]

If you look in the back of Reinhart Wolfe's coffee table book "CASTLES IN SPAIN" you will see this same 1000mm RONAR lens on his 8x10 Norma. It's kind of a famous photo and it sure looks to me like that's it... Without a doubt. And the rear mount of the lens does fit on a Norma Front Standard! His camera shows just a short top hat, so that the lens clears the Norma Shutter Blades. Another Norma Standard supports the front end of the lens.

Wolfe photographed architectural facias in the same way one would photograph a human face in beautiful light, a novel idea. In 1975 he exhibited these giant prints at PHOTOKINA in Germany so many tens of thousands saw them in person. I know photos were also exhibited in NYC I have heard about how impressive they were. Would have loved to see them. "VILLAS OF THE VENETO" and "NEW YORK" are also in my library

https://www.google.com/search?q=reinhart+wolfe&tbm=isch&source=univ&fir=eEAbkToYdKEsaM%252C95YmGoZ0iBLe6M%252C_%253BtpB4j30R3zVtOM%252CsDyFgDW0-TP4OM%252C_%253BPcfwIUTQZiXuEM%252CyhjwCeDM5Dg_5M%252C_%253BdFmYVW-KX7XdMM%252CaOhlzIrx4KtmfM%252C_%253B1_RC_jUEE6SyqM%252CAHQ0WzPmhT6D9M%252C_%253B4zQ9NFdIMBK4WM%252CjgxIAUIzz6VKmM%252C_%253BxGSaz0M7jS6RvM%252Ctr0t4EkP6004HM%252C_%253B52zcnr6qm94fhM%252C3RhtK66qsayuNM%252C_%253BVlO92qfpfZww_M%252CXV_iR4sT947ChM%252C_%253BRck44-FUvCYhWM%252CpmxrKZTmns_GbM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kQ8QO_PQ41Pvn5MjkAVVKrT_0-_JA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiC-K3zi_39AhUpmWoFHSJZCc0QjJkEegQIBRAC&biw=1145&bih=868&dpr=1#imgrc=5CDBKQPNHwQ4wM

I am a B&W Guy and I especially like his B&W rural Georgia Architecture photos made later in the same similar way. Perhaps I will try some of this I have everything I need.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48575543432_a0e3933570_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2h1smHw)8x10 Norma 480 Apo Ronar (https://flic.kr/p/2h1smHw) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This new lens is twice as long as this 480 Apo Ronar. My olde 8x10 portrait camera

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49913138718_dd48446dd5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2j3DTcd)Norma Rodenstock Apo-Ronar collection (https://flic.kr/p/2j3DTcd) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

As you can see I like Apo Ronars. Glenn Evans forward mounted the 600mm for me

[Mark Sampson]

I was going to say that the well-known photo of Mr. Wolf, on a NYC rooftop, with his telephoto setup should be your guide. I've used Sinars for many years but there are parts of that setup I don't even recognize. Bring an assistant, maybe two.

In the immortal words of Roy Scheider, "I think you're gonna need a bigger boat."

[Daniel Unkefer]

A Bigger Boat. LOL This goes on the front end of a 5x7 or 8x10 Norma

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777553399_92650b91db_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2opLKTe)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2opLKTe) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777295861_a6a70ce528_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2opKrjV)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2opKrjV) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52777778593_c6a474dddb_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2opMUPT)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2opMUPT) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

760mm F14 Rodenstock Apo Ronar Rock Solid Sinar Norma Mount, built from Norma Parts Box Stuff. This 760mm F14 is the Iddy Biddy Little Brother of the 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar that is on the way. Shown with Norma Shutter #6 ready to go. This is going to work perfectly. I'll also do this same thing with the bigger lens. Norma Copal Shutter freshly overhauled by MAC at Camtronics.

[Drew Wiley]

What a fun project! But I don't think it would fit in my backpack. I'd need a bigger elephant to tote it around.

[Daniel Unkefer]

What a fun project! But I don't think it would fit in my backpack. I'd need a bigger elephant to tote it around.

LOL I hope to re-recruit my olde assistant and maybe one other. It will prolly take that many.

[Sandokan]

Hi Daniel, loved your Flickr and the Sinar price lists and slightly jealous of your Ronars. Excuse my ignorance but what is the purpose of the cable between front and rear standards and what cable is it? Is it like the extra long Sinar shutter release cable?
ravi

[Daniel Unkefer]

Hi Daniel, loved your Flickr and the Sinar price lists and slightly jealous of your Ronars. Excuse my ignorance but what is the purpose of the cable between front and rear standards and what cable is it? Is it like the extra long Sinar shutter release cable?
ravi

Hi Ravi,

When you are finished viewing through the camera, inserting a film holder into the rear standard, causes the auto cable to close the front shutter, so just that fast, you are ready to fire. When adjusted properly it works great; in fleeting light it is a Godsend

[Duolab123]

Thanks! I will! I'll start in the studio, have plenty of strobe power now. Quite a bit incoming.

Maybe this lens was screwed into an electric shutter in a process camera. Something I worked alot with when I was a lot younger. But I'm good with 8x10 contact prints for now. Did Ya'll know that the 8x10 Norma is easily and precisely adjustable with regard to film plane? So you calibrate it to match your film holders. Process Holders are in a different focus plane, you can adjust easily for it

I had a 60 inch Rodenstock that I rescued off a gargantuan process camera, I swapped it to a guy for something usable. There was 3x4 foot litho film I brought to a friend. I know of one process camera in a friend's basement, a baby, 16x20 Robertson. Oh the good old days

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51661786413_f480ee6c8a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2mHbaep)Beauty Lighting 790mm F14 Apo Ronar 5x7 Norma (https://flic.kr/p/2mHbaep) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here I'm shooting with the 760mm F14 5x7 format in the studio. 1000mm is not such a big stretch from here. BTW 47 inches of bellows extension equals 1 1/2 stop bellows factor here.

[Peter De Smidt]

Impressive setup, Daniel!

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks Peter! Actually it's an old photo. I've since upgraded to bigger Broncolor lighting. Got tired of using multiple pops. And Kevin at KHB told me I should retire my olde blue monolights, the caps are getting past it, time for something more modern. Plus re-capping them would run about $600 per monolight. Doable but not my best option. Today I got my second C200 Broncolor Monolight and it's a 1500J Monster. And now I have two. Monolights are great in confined studios. Makes quite a loud POP too. Did you know there is only one company that makes the replacement caps for these units? For all units that is

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://www.getdpi.com/forum/index.php?threads/sinar-norma-1200mm.70282/

Here's an 8x10 Norma with a 1200mm Nikkor attached

This lens is telephoto design. Note the short bellows extension.

[Daniel Unkefer]

For me this was the other option. The 1070mm F14 is a compact size (due to the f/stop) as is my 760mm F14. This was a really possible option, except for the asking prices.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOMDuT_orfQ


The cat halfway through the Youtube is hilarious. In attack mode. Mustn't scratch those plastic gloves

[Marco Annaratone]

My CL version, that I use on my Lotus 14x17

[Daniel Unkefer]

Beautiful Marco


https://www.ebay.com/itm/145004205176?hash=item21c2ec9478:g:zVYAAOSwSDJkH2Eq&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4F5BceSySiXfWFY24k%2BSvToqbMEaiIKvllBeGnjvq89ndBj%2Fmc0rsfjUi9Uo%2FuylPmwS%2BUa9yGCC2jz2x9lfFfXR0wo7TQQAN0LWoYrLBzHe6TfraNcFuXsgAY%2Bin6501OrmVToWe2aTM7wBStYJuJ9zxjfgDKaiyI%2B4dSCmVbuTr49y%2BKmgX1rHkwGOmhTzM7iUCWWxd1P0sqaqffX8V9RX0cugtgFxPD414K0Tr4uk7Q1RUqXFNGzEmsBP4Zz%2FwLynDtheNFV7Fx5Y4pbJaYx7T%2BJmEuvY9R7l2RYkFjOR%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR47wjsbpYQ

Another 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar has popped up on Ebay. The second one of this version I have seen in thirty+ years. And this one has a mounting flange. But one is enough for me

[Peter De Smidt]

But you could make a twin lens camera with it! Which I seem to remember your having done before....;)

[Daniel Unkefer]

LOL Thanks Peter.

Well the lens is here. That was quick from the UK!

Oren,
It weighs 11 pounds according to my bathroom scale. I can support it with one hand. Could be used for working out.


My plan is to send it to S.K. Grimes, they have a great track record for me, making annodized CNC'ed lens flanges. The one in the rear measures an outer diameter of a bit over 118mm's. I'll need a ring for front, and a custom tophat ring for the back. There is plenty of room both to fit on Sinar Norma lensboards, I do have a few with giant already cut holes. Glass is beautiful to look through looks fine. So I'll inquire with Grimes. They have made a few really big ones for me. The rear flange will also need a tophat, so the rear cell is exactly forward enough to clear the shutter blades on the Norma Shutter.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52793139387_b756957d18_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2or9D4a)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2or9D4a) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52794942167_880118055c_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oriSXz)1000mm F16 Apo Ronar1 (https://flic.kr/p/2oriSXz) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52795900550_07bb104318_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oroMRq)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2oroMRq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52795898530_fb103a6e51_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oroMfA)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2oroMfA) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Turns out I have enough spare parts to build this prototype. It's held together by tight adjustment, and it's very solid. WOW it's heavy I mean a real brute. I used Gaffer Tape from B&H cut with razor blade to specific widths, and the lens is not going anywhere and it's solidly supported at this point. Light cracks and leaks around the lensboard holes are pretty much plugged up, so the lens appears to be light tight at this point. I prefer to protype with various types of tape, before making (or have something made) as far as rotating this into the equipment usuage. This was fun to build.

[Peter De Smidt]

I remember when I first built something similar. I had it on a big Gitzo....I was in for a surprise when I tried to raise the column :). I really hope you have a good counter-weighted camera stand. I'm sure you do.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50189329028_2b7a5ca083_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jt4qX7)8x10 to 5x7 Norma Special Bellows 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2jt4qX7) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr


Norma "Special Bellows" arrived from Keith at Custom Bellows, goes 8x10 to 5x7, then to regular 5x7 to 4x5. Very Very stable. This combo is in the original Norma catalog. Shown with my 360 Componon enlarging lens. Mounted to the Norma board with a Durst enlarger "mounting cup" on the back. Repair Guru Ken Ruth suggested to me that I get all the Componons, that was a great idea. They were cheap at the time and quite usuable. The tripod is a FOBA C40 which is also in the original Norma catalog for use with the 8x10 Norma. SK Grimes made the tophat section of the lensboard with their CNC, copying original specs and then annodized it. I'll need something similar on front and back of this new deal. I have three C40 FOBA tripods, one has a rising triple center post. I think I will try that on the front of the camera, the center post will help as far as hooking front and back sections together straight and parallel? We will see. Mr. Wolf set his camera up outside hundreds of times under windy conditions so I'm using the old photos as a guide. Also he used binoculars to establish camera positions.

Peter I also have an olde Plaubel Peco Profia stand will will support the front end of a car. :)

So basically this will be the -back end- of the camera. Front end is ^^^

[Marco Annaratone]

Congratulations!!

If I remember correctly, the minimum focusing distance with my CL 1000/16 on the 14x17 Lotus (about 1200mm bellows) is 8m / 24ft - give or take.

[Tracy Storer]

It's been a long time since I sold my 1000mm Apo-Ronar, so I don't remember the flange size needed. Most of these lenses used standardized flanges with threads of 90mm, 100mm, or 110mm that translate across Apo-Ronar and Apo-Nikkor offerings.

[Daniel Unkefer]

It's been a long time since I sold my 1000mm Apo-Ronar, so I don't remember the flange size needed. Most of these lenses used standardized flanges with threads of 90mm, 100mm, or 110mm that translate across Apo-Ronar and Apo-Nikkor offerings.

Thanks for that Tracey! That's helpful information.

[Len Middleton]

It's been a long time since I sold my 1000mm Apo-Ronar, so I don't remember the flange size needed. Most of these lenses used standardized flanges with threads of 90mm, 100mm, or 110mm that translate across Apo-Ronar and Apo-Nikkor offerings.

That was one of the attractions of purchasing a 760mm f1:11 Apo-Nikkor without a flange relatively cheap ("relatively" being a relative term...). It shares the flange and lensboard with my 600mm Apo-Ronar CL.

The literature on both gave the flange threads specs and they matched, so made the purchase.

[Daniel Unkefer]

I have a 760mm F14 Rodenstock Apo Ronar, it was offered to me for $200 from Jim Andraki at Midwest Photo, back when they were on High Street. Great lens! I had several boards with flanges (including one with top hat with proper spacing!) in my lens board box. The 760mm interchanges with my 600mm F9 Apo Ronar, I remember that, also Glenn forward mounted the 600mm for me. An aluminum machined "donut" was enough to get it properly forward of the shutter. The 1000mm measures 118mm outside diameter so it's a beeg flange. And the front ring will be totally custom to fit a Norma board. So the lens and two Norma boards with big holes will go to SK Grimes for assembly. When I can afford it :)

[Drew Wiley]

Well, my "relatively cheap" 760/11 Apo Nikkor couldn't have gotten any relatively cheaper. Got it free, along with a 240, 305, and 450, likewise free. In fact, the whole monster process camera was free. But I kept only the lenses and pin-registered 30X40 vacuum easel. With the exception of the 760, I use these in the lab for enlarging and duplication purposes, along with a 360/9, which I did purchase. And again, with the exception of the 760, I have Sinar lensboards for these, so could hypothetically shoot with them if I wanted to. They're optically incredible; but I have more portable already in-shutter equivalents.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52812566205_6dbd25acce_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2osScYi)1000mm F16 Apo Ronar4 (https://flic.kr/p/2osScYi) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

I do have several stock flanges that fit the 600mm Apo Ronar as well as the 760mm F14. But not big enough to fit the rear of the 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar. So I will go to SK Grimes for front and back flanges. Their price is very fair for what it is

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53074966301_97c5203690_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oS45nT)30 inch and 40 inch Rodenstock Apo Ronars (https://flic.kr/p/2oS45nT) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

On the right, my 30 inch 760mm F14 Rodenstock Apo Ronar which I have owned for decades, great for 8x10 product photography. I have a Norma forward mounted lensboard in my Norma Lensboard box which fits it precisely. My new addition left, is the 40 inch 1000mm F16 Rodenstock Apo Ronar, this is the exact lens type shown in Reinhart Wolfe's book "Castles in Spain" which I have owned for decades. Also his book "Villas of the Venito" and the famous book "New York" I have several copies. Mr. Wolfe exhibited in 1975 (I believe) at Photokina in Germany. So his gigantic mural sized color photos were seen by multitudes of Photokina visitors at the time. Rebuilding this very camera is a fun unique project. The new lens came from a dealer in the UK at a good price. I will be contacting SK Grimes to build front and rear lens flanges, which I will attach to original Norma boards precisely. I wish to use the lens for 8x10 B&W telescopic photography. Wolfe photographed local Architecture in the Deep South USA which I think are the most beautiful myself.

[Peter De Smidt]

Those are some big ones! The longest lens I have is a 600mm APO Nikkor. Even it's a bit of a pain to use.

[Tin Can]

You WIN

My 900mm Jena is frightened

I seldom shoot it as it needs a lot of bellowing

[Daniel Unkefer]

See Here:

http://www.reinhartwolf.de/photographer.htm

[Tin Can]

I know of him




See Here:

http://www.reinhartwolf.de/photographer.htm

[Daniel Unkefer]

Those are some big ones! The longest lens I have is a 600mm APO Nikkor. Even it's a bit of a pain to use.

Thanks Peter. :)

This project is going to be a hoot. I may have to send the lens to S.K. Grimes for a proper fit, it's a twelve pound + lens, so FEDEX I think. Will not be cheap to do, but will prolly be one of a kind. Sinar used to advertise that the Norma works with lenses from 47mm to 1000mm. So now I will be able to prove that assertion. But really Mr Wolf set this rig up hundreds of times so I know this will work. At the 1975 Photokina exhibit "Faces of Buildings" the photographs were mural sized.

Probably $250 a ring or more (quite fair for CNC made flanges IMO) and I'll include a design drawing to them, along with a couple of Norma Boards with beeg holes. They cut the holes and I'll mount the flanges. The rear flange will need to extended, to forward space the lens, so the rear cell doesn't strike the Norma shutter blades. I'll give them the exact dimension, Sinar always said the rear cell should be within 1mm of the shutter blades, which may or may not be possible

The other option would be to convert the Norma (front) standard on this pair into a cradle of sorts. I wish I could see more detail in the original photograph of Mr. Wolf working at a Spanish Castle. I have two Norma standards without focus capabilities, which makes no difference for this project. In fact I'm using up something I have been storing up to this point. I will dedicate these two broken standards to this lens strictly for this project. Always wondered what I would do with them.

Did you know there was a Guy in Spain who had a vacation package offered, you photograph Spanish Castles on your vacation, just like Mr. Wolf, using similar equipment. Don't think I'll be able to ever do that but I've got some appropriate local Architecture in mind as subject matter.

[Tin Can]

Interesting

Long and heavy!

I am going to weigh a few lenses

but you may have the heaviest!

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52795900550_07bb104318_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oroMRq)SONY DSC (https://flic.kr/p/2oroMRq) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is kind of my idea, so far....

[Mark Sampson]

Well now you have to find some castles- or at least some skyscrapers!
Remember that Mr. Wolf's most difficult issue was gaining access to the roofs of the NY buildings that he photographed from... long before sunrise to boot.
Getting that done took a great deal of skill and persistence, I can tell you.
As you can probably tell, I admire Reinhart Wolf's work, and am following your project with interest. Best of luck!

[Daniel Unkefer]

Thanks for your interest Mark, I'm moving forward slowly but surely with this. Life tends to step in. 5x7 and 13x18cm both are also an upcoming side project, which will enable even more telescopic effect (and I can enlarge 5x7 and 13x18cm). Mark, if you look at the giant photo of his rig in "New York", it looks like Arnie Croelle (sp) said was an earlier 1000mm Zeiss process lens, and that's definitely a 5x7 Norma rear he's using to great effect.

I think my fave view in "New York" is the World Trade Center, with a beautiful cloud drifting by, but it is only at the building 1/2 point! Really gives you a notion of how high up, to literally be "above the clouds". A close second fave is his taken of the Flatiron Building, which looks like maybe ground elevation? He has a wide angle view of it that is really Cool, too. I do like the way he viewed Architecture. "Villas of the Venito" was his third book and I've had his books for quite a while. They are all great IMO.

[hiend61]

Maybe you have realized that the size of the lens is much larger than the Sinar Copal hole. You'll have no problem to focus, but the f stop required to shot is f32 or smaller. f22 is larger than the Sinar Copal hole!.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Maybe you have realized that the size of the lens is much larger than the Sinar Copal hole. You'll have no problem to focus, but the f stop required to shot is f32 or smaller. f22 is larger than the Sinar Copal hole!.

Thank you for that! I will probably be shooting HP5+ at EI 200, so F32 or F45 should not be a problem. F32 is only two stops down from Max aperture! LOL

At some point with this brute of a lens it becomes essentially a pinhole.

[Mal Paso]

I got a heck of a deal on a 1200mm f18 Nikkor and built this. The rear rail has been changed to 26" for a 42" rail. Close focus is 25'. It is a true telephoto so infinity focus is 755mm. A fresnel ground glass helps bend the image to work with a reflex viewer. Recent additions besides the rail are stiffeners that clamp between the tripod legs and the monorail. I had no idea anyone else was into large format telephoto, very nice to see!

242543

[Daniel Unkefer]

How much does it weigh?

Hi Oren,

It weighs 12 pounds by my bathroom scale. Would be great for building body strength LOL I'm not kidding :)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53074966301_97c5203690_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2oS45nT)30 inch and 40 inch Rodenstock Apo Ronars (https://flic.kr/p/2oS45nT) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

I got a heck of a deal on a 1200mm f18 Nikkor and built this. The rear rail has been changed to 26" for a 42" rail. Close focus is 25'. It is a true telephoto so infinity focus is 755mm. A fresnel ground glass helps bend the image to work with a reflex viewer. Recent additions besides the rail are stiffeners that clamp between the tripod legs and the monorail. I had no idea anyone else was into large format telephoto, very nice to see!

242543

Thanks Mal Paso. Amazing what can pop up on the radar. What you have there is a bit more modern than mine :)

NICE.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://www.booklooker.de/B%C3%BCcher/Reinhart-Wolf+Gesichter-von-Geb%C3%A4uden-Mit-einem-Text-von-Manfred-Sack/id/A01PeeI801ZZ3

Just bought this. Another Reinhart Wolf book circa 1980. Was not aware of this one. At Photokina Exhibition 1975, same title: "Faces of Buildings". To be added to my collection.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51000252657_ee80bf885e_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2kGHChZ)8x10 Sinar Norma Long Apo Ronar 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2kGHChZ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is my 760mm F14 Rodenstock Apo Ronar, Glenn Evans forward mounted the lens for me. Here set up with the 5x7 Intermediate Standard, and the 8x10 to 5x7 Special Norma Bellows, custom made for me, by Keith at Custom Bellows. Camera set up for extreme close-up, covers about an 8x10" test target. See also the Norma 8x10 Sinarsix TTL Meter, and also the 8x10 Bag Bellows and Norma Monocular. So this is fully tricked out for my studio use. My new to me 1000mm F16 is not such a stretch, another 4x5 Norma Bellows will get me there. And then one more, for the Compendium Hood and Auxiliary Standard.

[Mark Sampson]

Daniel, your setup is right out of the Sinar catalogs of the time. Now, for proper effect when using the camera, you'll want to wear a white Hathaway dress shirt and a narrow black tie... and a dab of Brylcreem in your hair.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Or a white lab coat and pointy shoes. LOL

Actually my hair is now long and grey. :)

My shirts are black to avoid reflections.

https://live.staticflickr.com/7863/47136623231_b489b035fd_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ePivSx)FOBA 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2ePivSx) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53726029045_a1a1569e53_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pRzWDB)Front End Mounting Finished 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar (https://flic.kr/p/2pRzWDB) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Amazingly the Sinar Norma Gel Holder Mounting Ring fits the front of the 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar I picked up last year. So now, as an uber bonus, I can mount all my original Norma Solid Glass Filters (including Sinar Polarizer!), and Gel Filters also in the four inch size. I have a complete set of 4x4 Gels for B&W, as well as Original Norma Solid Glass Filters, all of which will go onto this Monster Lens. Score! Ding Ding!

I've also figured out now what I want to do mounting the back of the lens, it's a bit of work. Again Gaffer Tape allows me to make something now useable, using a Norma Projection Board (exactly the right size LOL). Love it when a plan comes together. Now I'm ready to reassemble the lens assembly, now fully functional with the Sinar Shutter. Forward mounting the rear of the heavy 12lb lens will require a CNC'ed mount to screw into the lens rear, it came with no flange. Gaffer tape to the rescue and it's now totally solid.

I'm keeping with all original Norma parts, to end with the final real deal. Adam at Grimes can make exactly what I want I'm sure. This board will strongly support the front of the lens.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53726404873_e0b29f66c1_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pRBSnp)1000mm Rodenstock Apo Ronar ready to go! 2 (https://flic.kr/p/2pRBSnp) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53726187756_d085426b89_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pRAKQ1)1000mm Rodenstock Apo Ronar ready to go! 1 (https://flic.kr/p/2pRAKQ1) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

Here it is ready to use. Back Mount fitted with Gaffer Tape very strong mount. To use I would add Compendium on the front, a Sinar Norma Shutter, and a lot of bellows. This will work for now.

[Mal Paso]

How much bellows draw? My 1200 is a telephoto and infinity focus is about 750mm. 42" draw focuses to about 20 feet.

[Daniel Unkefer]

Should be about 1000mm at infinity.

[Mal Paso]

I would start thinking about the size of the wheels and how much horsepower.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53731564372_eee978c718_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pS5j7h)8x10 Norma 2 Foba C40 Tripods 1000mm f16 Apo Ronar (https://flic.kr/p/2pS5j7h) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

After assembling a good prototype of the lens assembly, it takes two Norma 4x5 Standards, I have a couple with buggered focus (ruined) which are perfect for the lens support part. The back half is the 8x10 Norma Rear Standard, almost as heavy as the lens. So a FOBA C40 Tripod at the front, right in the center of the assembly. The rear C40 has a triple pole rising mechanism, similar setup to what Mr Wolfe was using, just different parts. He obviously had a Master Machinist helping him build stuff, I am using Gaffer Tape. LOL. I had Keith at Custom Bellows make a 5x7 Extra Long Norma Bellows (not in the original catalog). In the back end that's an UBER RARE Norma Special Bellows, which goes from 5x7 to 8x10. I sent Keith pictures of the original unit (he made them for Sinar I believe) and this I have never seen in all my years of Norma collecting. So I sent Keith Norma 8x10 and 5x7 Bellows Frame, and he built one for me as new. I will add a standard 4x5 Norma Compendium on the front, and of course the Norma Shutter (which takes Norma Glass Discs and 4 inch gelatins). So the plan is coming together!

[Daniel Unkefer]

[QUOTE=Mal Paso;1713451]How much bellows draw?]


Malpaso,

Measured bellows draw is Fifty-three Inches, so calculated Bellows draw factor is TWO STOPS for this close-up.


https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53741867524_1c589ddaea_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pSZ7SQ)1000mm F16 Apo Ronar Wolfe Configuration Close Up Looks Good (https://flic.kr/p/2pSZ7SQ) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

This is very close to what Mr. Wolfe was using out in the field. A standard sized 8x10 Norma Bellows, three Norma Auxiliary Standards (I have another one coming). Three Norma 4x5 standard Bellows. The Compendium Hood is a Norma Tapered 4x5 Bellows. Viewing through the lens image looks really good and sharp. The two C40's provide ROCK SOLID support even in strong wind. Tripods may be weighted down in the field.

When I'm ready I will expose some test film. Sure does look great on the ground glass. Typical Apo Ronar optical performance. BTW my working aperture full open is F32. I'm be exposing with multiple Broncolor pops which works OK for B&W. I think I'll use 8x10 HP5+ for maximum speed. Then contact print.

[Daniel Unkefer]

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53749332612_ebfa324ae4_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2pTDnZf)View through 8x10 Tele Sinar Norma 1000mm F16 Apo Ronar (https://flic.kr/p/2pTDnZf) by Nokton48 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/18134483@N04/), on Flickr

View through the 8x10 Tele Norma 1000mm F16 Rodenstock Apo Ronar. I have a fresnel screen on the camera, the hotspot moves around, to view the glass in "quadrants". Quite sharp as I would expect from all my Apo Ronar, from the 150mm tiny gem, to this MONSTER. I'll leave this up til I'm satisfied, need to load 8x10 and 18x24cm holders next. This is great fun! :)

Figuring how to break this down, into my Sinar Norma Cases, will take some thinking. Three or four cases would hold it all. I have a Mint 8x10 Norma Case (bought from a very Nice Gentlemen in Italy), for the rear standard and a lot of stuff. The two FOBA tripods continue at my CLA Spa, one is fully done, cleaning it with Electronic Contact Cleaner, as I would do with Normas, makes a big operational difference in how the big rig handles. Easy to make changes once the rig is up and running!

[Mal Paso]

If you mounted it on the roof of a Smart Car you could drive it to location and have storage for holders. The camera would hang over the bumpers enough to view the image or set the shutter. Fiberglass shell for travel.

[Daniel Unkefer]

There you go, thinking outside the box again LOL

Actually it's staying put, leaving it set up. It's great and VERY adjustable, in a surprising handling sort of way. I like using it and looking through it. I worked in a Graphic Arts Color Separation House when I was young. Now I have my own portable completely adjustable process camera LOL.

The 8x10 Norma Rear Standard (focal plane is adjustable for different thicknesses of holders), can be used to make B&W Separations, they made something called a "Mullion" film holder for making halftones and separations. Never seen any offered. Pin registered in the camera.