4x5 TLR

[PHAROLDO]

Hello everybody!

I really dream about a 4x5 TLR like Cambo TWR54, Gowlandflex....
I would love one that can use my planar 135mm f3.5 t*! Does somebody know wich 4x5 TLR can accept 135mm lenses and also what is the minimum focusing distance with these? Is 70cm realistic?

Is there somebody with knowledg about 4x5 TLR?

Otherwise i will have to go the Rangefinder Route like a 4x5 converted polaroid 110b

All the best!

 

[Corran]

A huge TLR is cumbersome, heavy, and rarely used for good reason.

Get a converted Polaroid. I have one with the 135mm f/3.5 Xenotar - it's great for what it does. Make sure to get the proper model with a combined viewfinder and rangefinder.

 

[PHAROLDO]

Sorry! Alot of questions...

Where did you get it converted? Or did you do it by your self? Wich model did you use? How acurate are the framelines? Whats the minimum focusing distance?

Againe, really sorry for all this questions but i am couriouse

(Also sorry for my english!)

 

[Corran]

https://alpenhause.com/

Don't know if he still does these.

I have a Polaroid 900, which has the combined VF/RF just like the 110B. Framelines are not terribly accurate but with some practice it's not bad. I don't know the min. focus but it's not terribly close. If you want to do macro use a smaller camera or one more capable...IMO.

 

[EdSawyer]

IMHO, a crown graphic is an even better choice for the 135mm. It will fold up inside, and has a potentially better RF. Plus you can mount any back to it, no issues with incomplete coverage of the film, cheaper, etc. I have a Crown Graphic with a 135/3.5 xenotar and it's a great combo - very light (for 4x5 handheld) and easy to focus with the RF.

 

[keytarjunkie]

The modern 135mm f/3.5 T* is a pretty large lens in a Copal/Compur #1 size shutter. I'm not sure it fits in any camera folded up, unless we are talking about the older Linhof-branded Zeiss 135mm f/3.5 on a recessed board. I think your best option for using either of these lenses handheld is a Linhof Master Technika with a viewfinder and cammed rangefinder (or a Crown Graphic would probably be fine).

I have built a 110B conversion before, I don't think it would be a pleasant experience with this lens. I don't remember the minimum focus distance, maybe around a meter? A rangefinder is useful for keeping the subject within the focus plane at short distances, but rangefinders and TLRs are poor for close focus shooting, even more so with larger formats than 135/120 because the viewing finder/lens is so far away from the optical path. And the 900B viewfinder is...poor. Combine this with the obscene price of 4x5 film, it's not really a practical format for quick shooting. I don't mean to discourage you, as you seem quite determined, just realistic.

Whether you choose a 110B or 250-style model for conversion (a la Chamonix Saber), I'm also not sure the 135mm T* would allow either camera to fully collapse, or even just be able to fit within the stock bellows. You might have to find a more creative solution building a new camera for this lens. The Large Format Photography Forum is a good place to find solutions to your problem, if you cannot find them here.