Reflex large format cameras....this weeks obsession!!

[Lightbender]

A couple of notes about the RB.. First, the 178mm f2.5 Aero Ektar will NOT fit the 4x5. The rear of the lens intrudes and hits the mirror.
I bought a Super D planning to use an Aero Ektar (back when you could get one for $50). However, it will fit on a 3x4 RB. I dont know what other mods are required.

2nd, there is an issue of longer lenses, where the mirror bumper on the bottom of the box will cause a vingiette ( on the top of the image). This is more pronounced in portrait format.

3rd, the Super D actually has fairly small lens boards. A large lens like the Aero Ektar may not fit at all without a modification. The older RB i think takes more standard 4x4 lensboards, but you should ask before buying.

All that said, the RB in any form is a lot of fun. It is bulky, but not really heavy. I had a heavy duty monopod (center column from a Tiltall) that really made it nice to use.

There are some roll backs made for the graflex cameras in their various sizes. Many fast lenses will fit as well, and petzval style fast glass makes a good home.

The slotted holders are expensive since people know they are hard to find.

[blueribbontea]

I got mine a year or so ago. I enjoy shooting with it. Did some modifications - take a look - http://www.pbase.com/rsweatt/rb_mods

I especially love that eyepiece. I've been thinking how to make something like that but I was thinking binocs. That's the most frustrating part of using my RB model D, focusing with my glasses. Thanks for the great idea and the pics.

[Sevo]

How is parallax correction done?

With careful preset aiming of both lenses on a certain point?

IIRC a sliding mask coupled to the focus rack, so that is restricted to the standard focal length. The Cambo was marketed as a mug shot camera (used ones generally are from Dutch, German or French police surplus auctions).

[DrTang]

How is parallax correction done?

With careful preset aiming of both lenses on a certain point?

there is a cam that moves both lensboards closer or farther apart... I have the 150's on mine..but they also made cams/lens sets in 240 and 270

I replaced the 150 xenar it came with ..with a 150 heliar I had.. I need to test it out to make sure the focus still good

I am scouring the globe looking for a set of 240mm lenses with cam right now

I did find my camera in Denmark, btw


also..one can mount the unit on it's side for verticals - it's a bit awkward..but it'll work

only downside is that my polaroid/fuji 405 pack film holder will not work with it.. I could use the polaroid 545 holder..were I to have any film though

[Randy]

How did you put the dowels into/onto the camera sides to hold the guitar strap?

They are strap lugs that I got at the music store, designed for the guitar strap - I drilled through the body and bolted them on.

[alan-salsman]

I have 2 late model super d-s . One 3x4 and one 4x5 .They both have two prong flash sync off the shutter curtain. I do not know the speed of the sync as I have never used it, easy to find out on line. The 4x5 has nice large strap luges and a standard film back. I think the back was a option at the time. These cameras had a long production run the latest having the better options. Both cameras have the small lens boards that are interchangeable between the two but will not fit the pacemaker or the crown.

[Tin Can]

there is a cam that moves both lensboards closer or farther apart... I have the 150's on mine..but they also made cams/lens sets in 240 and 270

I replaced the 150 xenar it came with ..with a 150 heliar I had.. I need to test it out to make sure the focus still good

I am scouring the globe looking for a set of 240mm lenses with cam right now

I did find my camera in Denmark, btw


also..one can mount the unit on it's side for verticals - it's a bit awkward..but it'll work

only downside is that my polaroid/fuji 405 pack film holder will not work with it.. I could use the polaroid 545 holder..were I to have any film though

Thank you. I imagine a GowlandFlex is different?

[EdSawyer]

Gowland tlr also uses a cam for parallax.

DrTang, if you or anyone ever wants to sell a Cambo TWR, I would be interested!

[Oren Grad]

Gowland tlr also uses a cam for parallax.

Later ones only.

[Sevo]

Cambo TLRs occasionally show up on eBay Germany and other continental auction sites, often missing the lenses and very affordable. Finding a accurately matched lens pair may be difficult, though. I sold off mine after I discovered that there was around 3mm between the focal lengths of the two 150mm Symmars I had at hand, and a third one I bought because of that was off in yet another direction.