Lenses for Graflex 2X3

Can Mamiya Universal lenses be adapted to a Century 23 Graflex lens board?

How good a machinist are you?

 

<p>

 

The lenses could be removed from the focusing helicoids and mounted

like any other lens-in-shutter, on a plain board with the right size hole. But you probably don't want to do that. You would also lose

the PC socket as it's attached to the helicoid.

 

<p>

 

You could make a flange which accepted the bayonet mount - this is where the machining comes in - or salvage the flange from a trashed

Mamiya body or an extension tube set, and mount that flange to a 23 Graphic lens board somehow (more machining). Two potential problems: 1) with the helicoids, most of the lenses are heavy (except the 65mm), and all that weight will be cantilevered out in front of the front standard, which might tilt. 2) The bayonet is about 3-3/8 inches across. I don't know if that will even fit on a 2x3 Graphic lens board; it would only just fit on the 4" square lens boards common on smaller 4x5 cameras.

My question was asked out of total ignorance of the Mamiya Universal system. I've corresponded with some MFD folks about the system but have yet to even see one in the flesh. I'm impressed with the quality of the lenses for the C220 and the M645J that I have and thought they were at least the correct focal length and coverage for what I want. It appears from Ben Weiner's response that it was a bad idea. The lens board definately is not big enough to handle the mount.

Actually, some of the Mamiya Press lenses can easily be adapted to a Century Graphic. I've done this with the 90, but from what I remember of the 65 and 50, they should work too.

 

<p>

 

You have to remove the lens from the focusing mount first, which involves just unscewing the retaining ring from behind, then disconnecting/breaking the flash lead. You're left with a small, light lens that can easily be mounted in a panel.

 

<p>

 

Unless you've already got the lenses, though, there's probably not much point. Press lenses are becoming collectible, and prices are going up. I've bought Schneider lenses here in the UK for much less than you can easily find Mamiya ones...