150mm (ish) Lens Recommendations? Graflex Super Graphic

[clineco]

So I'm in the market for a normal lens for my Super Graphic. I have the Optar 135mm but the shutter speeds are all about 3 stops too fast. So I'm thinking of just buying a more modern lens to replace it. I don't want an expensive apo lens, I'd like to spend between $200-300. I've seen the Nikkor 150 5.6 and the Fujinon 150 5.6 in this range, but I don't know anything about them.

Does anybody have any recommendations?

[IanG]

For that budget you can easily find a 150mm Symmar S or Sironar N or the Caltar re-badged equivalents bith superb lenses. When you've been a member here for a month which I assume will be soon you can place a WTB advert.

Ian

[DrTang]

my 150 is a heliar I stuck into a copal 1 from some polaroid lens deal

probably about 300 total - great lens, modernish shutter

[Corran]

I've seen APO Symmars sell in that range - I bought mine for $250 IIRC. But pretty much any newer lens from the Big 4 will be about the same. Or for a more classic look a 15cm Tessar will cost you about $100 or less.

[Bill_1856]

There's nothing wrong with the Optar 135mm -- it's an excellent 4 element Tessar type lens. I don't understand what you mean that the shutter speeds are too fast?

[clineco]

There's nothing wrong with the Optar 135mm -- it's an excellent 4 element Tessar type lens. I don't understand what you mean that the shutter speeds are too fast?

I would like to keep it and not buy a new lens. But when I shoot I need to open the lens up around three stops to get a proper exposure based off my meter readings. When it is set for one second and I fire the shutter you can tell it is fast, not to mention I found some spring rolling around in the housing.

[Bill_1856]

The last Super Graphics were made many years ago, so it's apparently time for a repair person to service and calibrate your shutter. Should cost $50-100. (I recommend Carol at Flutot's -- Google it).

[adelorenzo]

I'm a big fan of the 135mm length so I replaced the Optar on my Super Graphic, that was also having shutter issues, with a Nikkor-W 135mm. Great lens and it falls into your price range.

[Vaughn]

Caltar II-N 150/5.56 in a nice small Copal 0 shutter would fit the bill and pocketbook nicely.

[clineco]

The last Super Graphics were made many years ago, so it's apparently time for a repair person to service and calibrate your shutter. Should cost $50-100. (I recommend Carol at Flutot's -- Google it).

Thank you. I'll consider repairing it. Kinda at the cross roads of replace/repair...