Fitting Graphic-Kowa 210mm F9 in Copal 1

[Sam L]

I'm in the market for a wide-angle 8x10 for field use.

If I buy a Graphic Kowa 210mm f/9 in barrel, can I fit it in the Copal 1 shutter with f/9 scales that I already have without much fuss? From this thread. It sounds like the you can screw the elements all the way in and it will work. Or, maybe you need a small spacer for perfection:

https://www.largeformatphotography.i...ing-in-Shutter

Will the existing f/9 scales on the shutter work correctly for any f/9 lens elements?

[Dan Fromm]

Will the existing f/9 scales on the shutter work correctly for any f/9 lens elements?

Any? Not guaranteed.

[Tin Can]

my strobes adjust in exact 1 stop at a time, I have checked with a good DSLR lens

Find f9 then check for yourself

some apertures start and end a bit off

[Steve Goldstein]

Not all 210mm f/9 Graphic Kowa cells will fit a Copal 1. I have a recollection that some versions don't allow removal of one of the cells (rear, I think, but I'm not sure). And I could be wrong. Best to verify that both cells can be unscrewed from the barrel before you purchase, or get right of return.

[Sam L]

Thanks, Steve. I'll make sure to ask any potential seller to unscrew both front and rear to check.

With respect to the f/stop scale, I didn't mean to ask about perfect calibration. Rather, are scales that start from a specific f/stop supposed to work with lens elements that match that aperture? I've never moved lens elements between shutters before.

[Dan Fromm]

Rather, are scales that start from a specific f/stop supposed to work with lens elements that match that aperture?

Still not guaranteed.

[Kevin Crisp]

It depends completely the the focal length of the lens. F:9 on 150mm g claron will not match f:9 on a 305....

If the donor is a 210, then it should be really close.

[Sam L]

Thanks, Kevin.

If they don't align correctly, would the problem typically be with where the scale starts (need to shift the scale over) or with the spacing between stops (need to make a new scale)?

[Corran]

Some Copal shutters have aperture scales that can be removed and replaced. Find one for a 210mm lens and you'll be "close enough" for most things. If you need extreme precision get one made or buy a lens already in the shutter that's been marked properly. All my Copal shutters have identical aperture scales but in slightly different places, so I think it's where the scale starts that's important, but I've never tested that. Older shutters have scales where the numbers gradually get closer and closer. I think it depends how the aperture mechanism works, logarithmic or linearly.

[Sam L]

Corran, exactly what I wanted to know.

Thanks!