Graflex.org

Fishhead · Joined: 10 May 2001 Posts: 42 Location: Chicago

Any opionions on which one I should keep?

I have both of them..

Is the graphex the same as the kodak?
both optars 135mm/4.7

The Jena Zeiss is a 135mm/4.5

<font>[ This Message was edited by: klotz on 2001-05-10 16:27 ]</font>
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Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

I'm not sure exactly wha tyou have but I will assume you have an Optar in a Kodak Supermatic shutter, an Optar in a Graphex shutter and a Zeiss Jena in an unkown shutter. If this isn't true, then post again and we can figure this out.

If both are Optars then it will the the condition--coating scratches, etc that will determine which to keep. The Carl Zeiss Jena is probably uncoated and would be the lesser of the three lenses.

I seem to have better luck with Graphex shutters over Kodaks scattermatics, but I know others that are just adamant about Supermatic shutters.

If you have the capability I'd shoot a transparency with each lens at the most used apertures 8,11,16,22 and look at each under a loupe. The sharpest one wins. If you don't have access to transparency film, use black and White film, and look at the neg with a light box and loupe.

Fishhead · Joined: 10 May 2001 Posts: 42 Location: Chicago

If I were to buy some transparency film would I be able to develope it like my black and white film??

or do I need something special for this?
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klotz · Joined: 13 Mar 2001 Posts: 74 Location: Palo Alto, CA

See Film Forum to post on this topic.

Henry · Posted: Fri May 11, 2001 12:08 am Post subject:

To Fishhead
I agree with Les about the superiority of the Graphex over the Kodak Supermatic shutter, and my only comment would be to see whether the lens elements would interchange between the two shutters. If so, this would enable you to put the best elements on the Graphex. In case you haven't done this before, the elements unscrew ccw (a rubber-pad jar lid remover works well). Don't force anything!

Fishhead · Joined: 10 May 2001 Posts: 42 Location: Chicago

The zeiss lens is in an old compur shutter.

It is not a good shutter, old and worn out.

What are my chances of switching the lens elements on this one?

I don't think the Zeiss is coated... but then again I thought the graflex lenses had an L after the serial number if they are coated. Mine does not, but it looks coated.

Can I post a picture of the Graflex somewhere?
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Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

It's rare to find a Zeiss Jena that's coated. Most likely this lens is pre WWII. After the war it was difficult to get Jena lenses here. (They were miffed that we bombed the factory into oblivion) All of these lenses are Tessar formulas, so I say dump the Jena on ebay, test the other two and use the best. The coated lenses will have less flare and a more accurate exposure since more light gets onto the film. (Transparency film uses E-6 chemistry like Ektachrome slides, if you don't already have access to it, it's too expensive to start. Test with B&W film)

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Longbullet · Joined: 15 Oct 2001 Posts: 2 Location: Midwest

n3qmm · Joined: 10 Oct 2001 Posts: 1 Location: folsom pa

I have a speed graphic in great shape.
What lens would I need for landscape photo,s?
n3qmm.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey