kram
Well-known
Not many posts on the Graflex XL here, so I thought I would put one on. Just purchased the above camera with the Carl Zeiss PLANAR 80MM f2.8 lens + RH-8 (wind on back). Lens had paint flakes in it and rangefinder was off. Cleaned up lens, synchronised rangefinder, and after finding out the 6x9 back only produces negs 78mm wide, put on a RB67 back instead. Shot the first roll on Portra 160 today mostly at f5.6 with a couple at f2.8 + f4. Lets see how it performs.
If the planar is really good, I have plans to transfer it to another camera (scale focus), but with a better 6x8/6x9 back.
If the planar is really good, I have plans to transfer it to another camera (scale focus), but with a better 6x8/6x9 back.
x-ray
Veteran
The 80 planar is a great lens as are the Graflex XL's. In the 70's the university of Tennessee's photo services used them. They took a lot of abuse and kept on working.
We owned two of the 100 f2.8 Planars on Linhof cameras and they were superb. The 80 should be equally as good. I'd be surprised if it covered 6x9. The 80 was designed for 6x6 and the 100 for 6x9. On my 6x9 Technika V the 100 would cover 6x9 roll film with about 5mm of rise. The 80 probably will just cover 6x7. The Planar doesn't increase in coverage much as it's stopped down, unlike the Gauss lenses like the Symmar-s, Nikkor W and Fujinon W.
I have a close relative of the XL. My Brooks Veriwide has a 47mm Super Angulon and takes all the 4 pin backs and accessories. It's a close cousin to the Graflex XL wide body which came with a 58mm Grandagon or 47mm Super Angulon.
We owned two of the 100 f2.8 Planars on Linhof cameras and they were superb. The 80 should be equally as good. I'd be surprised if it covered 6x9. The 80 was designed for 6x6 and the 100 for 6x9. On my 6x9 Technika V the 100 would cover 6x9 roll film with about 5mm of rise. The 80 probably will just cover 6x7. The Planar doesn't increase in coverage much as it's stopped down, unlike the Gauss lenses like the Symmar-s, Nikkor W and Fujinon W.
I have a close relative of the XL. My Brooks Veriwide has a 47mm Super Angulon and takes all the 4 pin backs and accessories. It's a close cousin to the Graflex XL wide body which came with a 58mm Grandagon or 47mm Super Angulon.
kram
Well-known
To see the actual coverage of my planar 80mm on a 4x5 Linhof Master Technical. Of course due to the size 1 shutter I can't mount it on a recessed board. On a flat board one can't use the camera to focus as the front standard at infinity is not on the focusing rails��. However positioning the front standard so the lens is focused on infinity, the following was found: Max image circle 106mm,however the outer 2mm is not great so usable image circle 102mm or less. Rear lens element recessed some way ~7mm, so image circle is restricted but the rear lens element being recessed more than I have encountered on my other lenses. Image circle stay the same from f2.8 - f22. As the lens was not fully centraled in the front standard ( looks OK but projected image circle shows it was not. A standard 6x9 image (56x84) could be achieved, only if the lens was centrally mounted over the negative gate. I still plan to go ahead with my 'full fat' 6x8 back (56 x 80mm). And. I might be able to use 2.5mm of rise if needed �� realistically, my 6x8 looks like it will make maximum use of the detailed projected image, as mentioned on other posts on the net, a full 6x9 is pushing the limits of the image circle.
kram
Well-known
I am happy to report that the planar I have is fine for a 56x80mm size negative, even at f2.8.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Nice! Mine has the 80/2.8 Rodenstock, which is also very good. Those Graflex backs are awful, though. I use Mamiya on mine too.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
kram
Well-known
My first Graflex xl had the Heligon lens with the 6x9 wind on knob back. I light proofed the back, but it was so awkward to wind on ( just like a Zenit E rewind knob) that even though I got large 56x88mm negs, I sold the camra but wihed I had kept the lens. Rather than see if the lens will cover 56x84mm, I will just start to use it an take photos.Cantrast with the planar improves from f2.8 to f4.
kram
Well-known
An ammendment to the above. Athough my adapted 6x8 back gives a 80mm wide neg with a Corfield WA, it's only 78mm with the Graflex. Note the Mamiya 67 wind on back gives a neg only 68mm wide? Mamiya back gives negs a tiny, tiny bit sharper than the rh8 back, but not such to be of any concern on say 8/10" wide prints.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
I suspect that a lot may depend on the age and condition of your RH8. I've only ever had a couple and was underwhelmed. But maybe I've just been unlucky.
Cheers,
R.
Volver
Established
i had graflex XL with Zeiss lenses (tessar 100mm, planar 80mm, sonnar 180mm) with 6x6, 6x7 and 6x9 backs.
All lenses were good, especially planar, but it was not convenient to use camera. Unfortunately i sold it, to fund Rolleiflex with planar and hasselblad with sonnar)))
from my first roll with Planar 80/2.8 wide open
All lenses were good, especially planar, but it was not convenient to use camera. Unfortunately i sold it, to fund Rolleiflex with planar and hasselblad with sonnar)))
from my first roll with Planar 80/2.8 wide open
sevo
Fokutorendaburando
The original Graflex roll film holders are shoddy - poorly made, leaking dust and light, and with some brittle plastics parts. But as they have a standardized attachment, there are alternatives. Unless you insist on 6x8 (where only Mamiya made a expensive, motor driven one that is hard to find) you can replace them with the easily obtainable and much better RB67 (6x7) and Horseman (6x9) backs.
kram
Well-known
Moto-Uno
Moto-Uno
^ From the picture , that looks to be any extremely awkward camera to hold . Peter
Steve M.
Veteran
Moto-Uno, they make a very nice wood and metal handle that make holding them a much more natural affair. No matter what you do, they're an awkward looking camera, much like the Mamiya Universal cameras, and as mentioned, all of the lenses are superb. The viewfinders are pretty amazing.
kram
Well-known
It's not a great hamdling camera, but once you get the knack it's OK. My first Graflex had a really stiff focus action. Even with a focus lever. Major pain. This one is smoother focusing, not as stiff. 1st off focus with right hand then grip Film back with both tumbs and rigjt hand now gripping front of camera, frame and trigger release with left forefinger.