Intrepid lens boards

[rickdesign]

I purchased some Intrepid lens boards when I purchased my camera. They have two features I'd like some discussion on. Firstly, the holes are centered in the board, not lowered like "most" other boards I've seen. I can't get an answer from the Mother Ship yet, do they recommend the centered hole for a reason? Secondly, they are missing the circular light trap on the back. Just flat. What's up with that?

[bashful]

I can't answer for the light traps, but my understanding is that centered holes are generally the default. Off-center holes are intended to work with certain compact folding cameras which have limited movements in one direction.

[Alan9940]

I've been shooting LF for over 40 years using several different cameras over the years with many lens boards along the way. Only one (a Wista board) had the lower hole; all others were/are centered. My mind is fuzzy on this, but I believe the lowered hole was specifically for wide angle lenses and something about the rsie/fall movement on the front standard. Don't quote me on that, though. Also, all my 4x5 Zone VI metal lens boards (that is, the Technika style boards) are flat on the back. Never had any issue with light leaks.

[paulbarden]

I purchased some Intrepid lens boards when I purchased my camera. They have two features I'd like some discussion on. Firstly, the holes are centered in the board, not lowered like "most" other boards I've seen. I can't get an answer from the Mother Ship yet, do they recommend the centered hole for a reason? Secondly, they are missing the circular light trap on the back. Just flat. What's up with that?

RE centered holes: there's no practical reason to offset the placement of the hole.
RE "light trap": it's not needed. The camera is light safe as it is. I have never experienced a light leak around the lens board with my 5x7 and 8x10 Intrepids.

[Doremus Scudder]

RE centered holes: there's no practical reason to offset the placement of the hole.
RE "light trap": it's not needed. The camera is light safe as it is. I have never experienced a light leak around the lens board with my 5x7 and 8x10 Intrepids.

Some cameras, e.g., Technika, Wista and a few others take Technika-type boards with an off-center hole, which then centers the lens in relation to the film. Other cameras are designed to take Technika sized boards, but with the hole centered to get the lens in the center of the film.

Other cameras have different size boards, most of which have centered holes because the cameras were designed to have the lens centered on the film that way.

It's easy to check: set up your camera with all the reference marks/detents in "zero" or default position and take a look to see if the lensboard you have centers the lens axis on the film. If the lens is too high, you've likely got a centered board and need one with an offset hole or vice versa.

Best,

Doremus

[paulbarden]

Some cameras, e.g., Technika, Wista and a few others take Technika-type boards with an off-center hole, which then centers the lens in relation to the film. Other cameras are designed to take Technika sized boards, but with the hole centered to get the lens in the center of the film.

Other cameras have different size boards, most of which have centered holes because the cameras were designed to have the lens centered on the film that way.

It's easy to check: set up your camera with all the reference marks/detents in "zero" or default position and take a look to see if the lensboard you have centers the lens axis on the film. If the lens is too high, you've likely got a centered board and need one with an offset hole or vice versa.

Best,

Doremus

That's all correct, but the OP bought the lens boards when he bought an Intrepid camera, so this isn't a question about other makes of camera and their designs. Correct me if I'm wrong, of course.

[Alan9940]

I have several 4x5 and 8x10 Intrepid lens boards and not a one has an off-centered hole. I just looked at their website and the only board they offer that looks like the hole might be slightly off center is a recessed board for wide angle lenses. Therefore, no idea where the OP even got these off center boards.

[Vaughan]

Genuine Linhof Technika IV flat boards for size 0 and 1 shutters have an "offset" hole which is 5mm below the geometric centre of the circle on the back. Recessed boards for size 0 shutters are also offset. Flat boards for size 3 shutters are centred. My understanding for the 5mm offset was an accommodation for recessed lens boards, so the lens can be mounted lower to allow access to the controls on the upper side of the shutter. This was a great improvement over the lens board arrangement for the Technika III and earlier.

When using a Linhof Technika IV and later 4x5 camera the zero position of the front standard is with 5mm rise. This allows 5mm fall.

[rickdesign]

Thanks for all the answers and info. I am now at peace with the centered hole, but I'm still a fussbudget about the light trap.

[paulbarden]

Thanks for all the answers and info. I am now at peace with the centered hole, but I'm still a fussbudget about the light trap.

You can always design one that fits your perceived needs and 3D print it. But I think you'll find it's simply not necessary. I print all my own lens boards for the Intrepid and I have never - not once - had a light leak around the lens board, and I just print simple flat surfaces, like what Intrepid makes themselves. Anything more is just overkill.