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rchouser · Joined: 13 Mar 2003 Posts: 16 Location: northern virginia

I was looking for parts for my GVII on EBAY and now I have a new (old) XL on the way. I want to use poloroids in addition to my standard films. I have a 545i for my GV back. Is this is compatable with the XL? What Back should I be looking for? Can "non-XL" lenses be used on an XL. I know that most people would not "Buy the Camera" then ask the questions. After 52 years, I still get this compusive "got to have it" thing that seems to show up every now and then. (at least its cameras)

Anyway, I would appreciate any ideas on the poloroid backs and "pointers" on the XL. thanks

jdman · Joined: 13 May 2001 Posts: 302 Location: Midwest

I cannot speak for the Polaroid back but XL's use dedicated lens mounts. I.E. 80mm, 100mm, etc
these mounts all have different depths, and also have a little cam that tells the camera what lens is installed. Several lens were available, as well as several brands. Planar's, Noritars etc. The camera has ground glass focusing, but I know of no way to set the back focus on this camera. It might be something you could try and see what develops. Russ

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

there was a Polaroid back made for the XL. Search ebay for 'polaroid xl" Last I looked they still went for $50-$80. It's a pack film body with a special XL adapter attached to it.

The 545 series is not compatible with the XL line.

re: lenses. If you limited yourself to ground glass only then I suppose you could buy a lens, then buy the focus tube for a similar lens and put them together. With a bit of shimming and a lot of time, you might get it rangefinder focus.

But why? The XL line of lenses was impressive. Most of the glass sold for the XL was top notch. I think you'll get more enjoyment out of buying a lens already mounted and go shoot, rather than tinker with fudgin somting together.