Often the failings in the old glass made for an esthetically pleasing
effect. Knowledgeable people take advantage of this in two ways: using
the old lenses where appropriate as they were designed, or adapting
them to modern cameras.

This is easy on cameras with a focussing front standard, such as a
view or press camera.

It's more difficult with cameras for lenses in focussing mounts. They
can be put on copy bellows or a Graflok holder with a camera mount can
be made.

Lippincott and Ed Romney are seful sources for information here.