Kodak Ektar 127mm 4.7 lens /Rapax Synchromatic Shutter

[markus_muller]

<p>Hello,<br>

I`ve got a Kodak Kodak Ektar 127mm 4.7 lens in a Rapax Synchromatic Shutter. I`m just wondering for what the M, F, X & OFF buttons are? Does anybody know?</p>

[BrianS1664879711]

<p>Those are various flash syncronization settings</p>

[joe_s6]

<p>Yes, it's from the days of bare-bulb flash, when electronic flash was the new thing. It allows for<br>

the various synchronization requirements of the various flash types used.<br>

Nothing to worry about these days. I have that same lens, it gives good results.</p>

[BrianS1664879711]

<p>Well, Joe... except for "X". It is still usefull. And "M" for those of us still using bulbs! ;)</p>

[markus_muller]

<p>thanks, @ joe: does it allow any movements? It look tiny.<br>

Whatever, I think the slow speeds doesnt`t work properly on mine, 1sek seems very fast and at B and T it opens and closes when i push and hold the release.</p>

[vick_vickery]

<p>That was a popular press camera lens when the guys were mostly using Graphics, Busch's, MMP's, etc.; the 127 ektar just barely covers 4x5 when stopped down a few stops, being originally designed for use on the 3 1/4 x 4 1/4 format. They are typically fairly sharp with reasonable contrast and are slightly wide for 4x5. Many of these are still in use today.</p>

[ragc]

<p>If you can ascertain your shutter does NOT have celluloid blades you can squirt naphta (Ronsonol or other lighter fluid) onto the shutter and excersice it while the naphta is still liquid. Wipe any deposits away and repeat until the shutter improves. This removes all lubrication, which is not important if he shutter does not get heavy use.<br>

The 127mm is a fine lens, but with very little coverage in 4x5, as said by others previously.</p>

[razondetre]

<p>It is supposed to open and close when you push B or T. </p>

[vick_vickery]

<p>A quick CLA by a good lens mechanic will usually take care of erratic behavior in the Rapax shutters; I use Carol at <a href="http://www.Flutotscamerarepair.com">www.Flutotscamerarepair.com</a> for such work and find her to be honest in her evaluation of shutters and very competitive in price.</p>

[profhlynnjones]

<p>This was one of the truly great press camera lenses, it is a variant of the tessar that covered about 60+ degrees, quite a bit more than the conventional tessar. I used love to use this lens with a 4x5 Crown Graphic photographing baseball and photojournalism.</p>

<p>Lynn</p>