Graflex.org

Offset · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Los Angeles

I got my 4x5 without a lens or lensboard, so I made a lensboard out of 1/8" thick particle board - cut to 3 15/16 sq. In order to install the board. I had to sand it down about .005" thinner - so now it fits great, but when I lock it in place, there is a tiny amount of play between the lock and the lensboard, so it is not really tight. Doesn't sound right to me. There are several 'fixes' to take up the play - but how is the standard lensboard different? Thanks!
offset

RichS · Posted: Thu Feb 06, 2003 4:16 am Post subject:

Well, the standard lensboard isn't made of particle board

It's hard to say what the difference is without a side-by-side comparison. The standard is 1/8 thick with a 1/16 bevel on the bottom inside edge to help it mount easier. It also has a rib that runs all the way around the inside of the board roughly 3/16 from the edge (almost 1/4 from the bottom) and 1/8 in height. This rib does nothing to hold or steady the board. More of a light trap. By the way, my standard boards measure a full 4 inches, not 3 15/16...
About the only thing that would keep it tighter when locked in is to make it a little bit thicker...
Now maybe to make you feel just a little bit better. I just finished making two board out of 1/2 inch plywood. Works great if you have the tools to rabbit the sides and cut & inset the holes... Anyway, after careful measurments and fine sanding, both boards are just a little bit loose when locked in also... To be honest, I haven't actually tried them on a View yet as I made them for my own 6x6-4x4 conversion board. And you'd think that since I made both, they'd fit better....

Rich...

[ This Message was edited by: RichS on 2003-02-05 20:17 ]

Offset · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Los Angeles

Hi Rich...
Thanks for the detailed info, I really appreciate it! I wonder why the upper sliding clamp doesn't have a simple clamping action? Oh well! Incidentally, in looking at my Graflok back, The upper and lower sliding clamps don't seem to clamp or lock on to anything on the film holders. They must be for locking on to another accessory. The operating manuals don't mention them. The service manual identifies them, but their function is not mentioned. Do you happen to know what they are for? Thanks again!
offset

RichS · Posted: Fri Feb 07, 2003 5:14 am Post subject:

Now that you mention it, why wasn't it angled in a bit so that it tightened against the board as it moved down? I may have to make another 6 to 4 adaptor board now that I've thought of that!

Well I know some uses for the clamps anyway.
They will clamp to the Graflarger cold light box. And they're the only way to hold on the Graphic roll film holders since the entire GG section has to be removed to fit them. They do lock into some film holders as far as I know. There were also unique options like the sliding back. It locked on with the sliding clamps and allowed two shots on one sheet of film. And that's about all that comes to mind at the moment...

Offset · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Los Angeles

Thanks again, Rich! Interesting and useful info, as usual!
offset

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Actually the bevel on the bottom of the lensboard is to allow it to tip in and out of the rabbet (rebate for those across the pond) If the board is left square it can bind onthe back of the standard.

The Graflok sliders allow you to remove the ground glass and lock into place

It won't hold film holders in place. The Graflex back had a similar system but they used slightly wider film holders with grooves. In this system, the ground glass was also locked in and had to be removed to load a holder.

Offset · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Posts: 19 Location: Los Angeles

Thanks Les...
You sound like someone who has been around graphics for a while! Very helpful info! Thanks!
offset