Calumet 150mm... Can't focus anything further than 5ish ft?

[myrtlesnow]

Hello all,

I have recently come to own a Cambo SC II and am using a Calumet 150mm f/5.6 Caltar-S II lens. I just mounted the lens to the lens board and have started playing around.

When focusing, I can only get things within 5ish feet of the lens to come into focus. Nothing farther is in focus, even with the bellows as collapsed as possible.

I was anticipating many other issues when buying this camera, but not this problem. Any ideas on what the issue could be?

With thanks,
Jake

[Oslolens]

One or two of the standards may be turned the wrong way. Remove the bellows, turn either of them and see what happens. I had a 150 f9, but I don't think I used a recessed lens board.

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[Oslolens]

...on my Cambo SC

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[Oslolens]

Searched for pictures, and found on KEH where the tripod mount was behind the film standard. That is the solution. https://www.keh.com/shop/cambo-4x5-s...dy-679639.html

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[Vaughn]

From the photo linked above, it looks like if one wanted to keep the standards on opposite sides of the tripod mount for balance, one could unhook the bellows to the back standard (and remove back), rotate the back standard 180 degrees, and reconnect the bellows.

The Calumets I had for student use were similar, but I do not remember a problem...though we used 180mm lenses, now that I think of it.

[myrtlesnow]

Thank you so much, Oslolens! So just to confirm, you're suggesting to move the tripod mount behind the film standard? Rather than between the front and rear standards?

[Oslolens]

Yes, that is correct. I got a 210mm Apo-Symmar later, as suggested above, a longer lens will work without this position. You could also put the tripod mount in front, making more room for your head. Be careful so the tripod do not tip over

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[Leigh]

myrtlesnow,

The problem you have is that the lens cannot get close enough to the film.

When the camera is focused at infinity, the lensboard-to-film distance is at a minimum.
That distance is given on the lens datasheet as "flange focal distance".

As you focus on closer subjects, the lens moves away from the film.
Your existing configuration does not allow the lens to get close enough to the film.

- Leigh

[wooserco]

Not the same camera, but the same lens. On my calumet CC400, the tripod mount is between the front and back standards.

[Bob Salomon]

Are the controls for the front and rear on the same side of the camera or opposite sides? If opposite sides take off the front standard and reverse it so the controls are on the same side.
If they are on the same side then you need a recessed board or move the tripod moving block as suggested.