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Lens board help

Posted: 20 May 2013, 16:36
by Waltzing Paul
Hi,
This is my first post and I'm new to 4x5 cameras.
I will be receiving a used Linhof Karden Color 4x5 camera shortly - bought off Ebay.
It's the one with a square monorail (not round).
I'm a bit confused as to which lens boards fit this camera.
163x163 size seems to be the size.
Will a Cambo Calumet board fit my camera?
They are the same size and seem quite easy to get - which is not the same for the Kardan.
I know I can get adaptors to downsize to the smaller Linhof boards if all else fails.
Any help would be welcome.

Many thanks, Paul.

Re: Lens board help

Posted: 20 May 2013, 18:41
by Walter Glover
The ONLY viable solution is to get the Kardan to Technika board adapter and mount all your lenses in the smaller panels. They take up far less room in a camera case and they are quite ubiquitous.

It is not just the dimensions of large boards for other makes that is an issue. You will find that most have a 'patent' light trap that will only fit one particular camera.

What did you pay for the Kardan Color?

Does it have standard and balloon bellows?

Re: Lens board help

Posted: 20 May 2013, 22:06
by Waltzing Paul
Hi Walter
I got it for $216 + postage of $60 which I think is not bad (I've been scanning Ebay for a few months and have a good idea of prices).
It's in good condition and has a normal bellows.
I already have 2 lenses, 210mm and 90mm.

I also picked up a Kodak Ektar 7.5 inch lens locally at an antique dealer here in Brisbane - also advertised on Ebay.
It looks really old but is fully working and the lens is reasonably clear.
Before I bought it I did a bit of research and it was made in 1948 so it's 2 years older than me!

I want to do some landscape work using 4x5.
I've been a photographer since I was 16years old - but only 35mm.

I really like the idea of getting back to basics (all mechanical) and learning how the old photographers worked thier magic.

Back to my question: I guess I'll have to go with the adaptor.
Regards, Paul.

Re: Lens board help

Posted: 20 May 2013, 22:25
by Walter Glover
Paul,

Sounds good. One of the finest lenses I have ever owned was a Kodak Commercial Portrait lens of 1947. Why I ever let it go flabbergasts me.

You're onto something quite worthwhile.