Want to get a lens for my Bush Pressman D

Does anyone have any suggestions as to a descent lens for my Bush Pressman D? My shutter is not accurate so I am looking for something that has descent glass and a accurate shutter.

 

Thanks

Dave

There are lots of good used Schneider, Rodenstock and Nikkor large format lenses in Copal shutters available. I have 6 lenses in Copal shutters that are over 30 years old that still function perfectly. You will get some strong opinions about which brand is better, but all of them should make good images. RF coupling (if you need that) would complicate this, however.

Don't forget Fujinons.

 

Busch Pressman cameras usually have Kalart rangefinders. If yours does and you replace the lens, even with one engraved with the same focal length as your old lens, the RF will have to be recalibrated.

 

I don't agree with AJG about aged shutters. In my experience, used lenses are all in shutters that need to be overhauled. So if you replace your present lens -- if you want a different lens, by all means buy a different lens -- the replacement will be in a shutter that also needs a CLA. You might be better off financially simply having your present lens overhauled.

 

Another caution. Original issue lenses for the Pressmen are in shutters that don't match the Compur/Prontor/Copal standard. If you get a lens in a Copal you may (great stress MAY) have to get a new board for it or have the old lens rebored, if that's possible.

The Rodenstock 210mm Geronar is a very nice lens on a Pressman and won't break the bank.

On my first Pressman Model D, my "long" lens was an 8.5" Commercial Ektar. I also had a 90mm Ektar, and a 135mm f/4.5 Optar. I really regretted selling it.

 

Now, I've obtained the Sears Tower version, and it came with a Schneider 150/255 f/5.6:12 Symmar. Works great. There's a guy in Kansas who custom-makes lens boards for Busch cameras. You can get them undrilled, or drilled for several different Copal shutters; he's "gary9000" on eBay.

Forgot to add that the door will close on the Geronar. My other two lenses on the Pressman were a 90mm Angulon and a 150mm Symmar S. Made a good set.

I consider the Rodenstock Sironar N 135/5.6 to be the best replacement lens for the Pressman. It is modern, sharp and folds up in the camera.

Very few other lenses of that focal length will.