8x10 TLR

[pitotshock]

So I found these pair of Fuji lenses from the reproduction camera days (I suspect). At 350mm f5.6 they would be great for up to 8x10 or so, they do have an aperture but obviously no shutter, and they are ginormous at about 4" diameter and close to 7.5lbs each.



My first thought was to use them as an enlarger lens, but they are so unwieldly even on my DeVere they'd be too much. Both have a few spots of fungus, which looks like they should be able to be cleaned, but I can't budge the rings, even with my lens tool. thread locker maybe?? or just been on there so long they are jammed on tight.

BUT looking at both of them side by side, it's tempting to build a TLR 8x10 box camera fixed at the hyperfocal distance, you know because that would be a practical thing everyone needs... A stupendously huge TLR

[Dugan]

Great idea!
Or go another step further...
Set focus for portrait distance and do wet-plate 'head & shoulders' portraits....

[ethics_gradient]

I think Peter Gowland made a few 8x10 TLRs.

I often have good luck putting something stuck in the freezer (or on a windowsill on a hot day) - the heating/cooling will cause the metal to expand/contract and will often give you that little bit of tolerance you need to free it.

[Oren Grad]

I think Peter Gowland made a few 8x10 TLRs.

Seven, to be precise. Scroll down a bit on this page and look to the right:

https://www.petergowland.com/gowlandflex-cameras

[Gord Robinson]

Thanks Oren. An interesting read. It brings back a lot of memories of his efforts.

[jnantz]

Mr and Mrs Gowland were such nice people, a treat to chat with.

[Havoc]

Seven, to be precise. Scroll down a bit on this page and look to the right:

https://www.petergowland.com/gowlandflex-cameras

Loved the link. And certainly this:

Because Peter kept everything in his life as simple as possible, he made all of his cameras with simplicity in mind. No gadgets to break, no frills to fumble with, and no reading required to use them.

A bit more camera designers should heed this motto.

[pigpen]

Interesting. I purchased 2 very similar lenses for a DIY 8x10 sliding camera. They are Fujinon from a Xerox copy machine. They look similar to yours, a little shorter and a little wider. No moving parts.

[Peter De Smidt]

I talked to Peter Gowland on the phone once. He was friendly and very chatty!

[maltfalc]

make a stereo camera.