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Gundlach 4 x 5 Lense


garbos

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Lenses aren't specific to any particular camera in the large format world. However, locating a lensboard might be an issue for an old camera like this. You might have to cut one yourself, or have one custom made.

 

As for lenses: Almost anything in the 135 to 210mm range will do as a 'standard' focal length. Unless you want a lens of similar vintage to the camera, then your field narrows considerably.

 

An original Dagor or Kodak anastigmat would fit the period. Or you could browse an old Gundlach lens catalogue.

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Hi Dave,

 

Lens boards for this camera are available on eBay. Or you can make your own out of wood. There is also a good large format site that you can find using google. Lots of experienced and helpful people there.

 

Joe gave good suggestions for lens focal lengths. Good luck and post your results!

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  • 2 weeks later...
Lenses aren't specific to any particular camera in the large format world. However, locating a lensboard might be an issue for an old camera like this. You might have to cut one yourself, or have one custom made.

 

As for lenses: Almost anything in the 135 to 210mm range will do as a 'standard' focal length. Unless you want a lens of similar vintage to the camera, then your field narrows considerably.

 

An original Dagor or Kodak anastigmat would fit the period. Or you could browse an old Gundlach lens catalogue.

 

Sorry for the extreme delay on replying...Just want to say Thanks!..for the info...have been on line & have seen a lot of lenses but not so many affordable ones...will keep on looking.

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t

Hi Dave,

 

Lens boards for this camera are available on eBay. Or you can make your own out of wood. There is also a good large format site that you can find using google. Lots of experienced and helpful people there.

 

Joe gave good suggestions for lens focal lengths. Good luck and post your results!

 

Thanks for replying...I usually go to ebay first and saw the seller cutting lense boards to size...would probably look there first. Thx for the reply!

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The lenses from 3A Folding Pocket Kodak cameras will cover 4x5. Any model with a decent shutter (say an Ilex Universal) with a bunch of shutter speeds will have a perfectly good lens. Kodak Anastigmats of various speeds, some even have Bausch and Lomb or Zeiss lenses. Just avoid the cheap lenses with shutters with just two speeds. Prices on eBay are all over the place on 3A's. But you don't care about the bellows or leather.

 

For instance, this one, $30. Or this one, $60.

 

Second one is definitely an f/6.3 Kodak Anastigmat, first one probably is as well. Nice four-element lenses, maybe Tessar formula.

 

Those Ilex Universal shutters are well-behaved, never had a lick of trouble with them.

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