darkroommike wrote:
Bob has been in this business man and boy for a hell of a long time and
further works for a big importer of all things photographic including
some of the best large format lenses on the planet (which you would know
if you'd been on Usenet more than twenty minutes). He puts up with a
lot of crap from all of us (and we all know he has an axe to grind for
his paymasters (grin)) but is also one hell of a resource for all
questions photographic. He can be a bit short at times but you were
just plain rude.

I was justifiably annoyed at his curt response that did not even address
my question.

These old long roll cameras are practically useless in the field unless
you plan on packing a very long extension cord.
Who said I was going to use it in the field? I am interested in using
the camera as a testbed for experimenting in my lab.
Shutters are
electrically fired
I know the shutter is electrically fired. What I need to know is what
the various pins are on the standard db 9 connector used. (There are 4
pins used out of 9)
and many of the cameras also use electric motors to
advance the film. They can be a PITA to load and unload without a big
changing bag or a darkroom, they use long rolls of 35mm, 46mm, 70mm (or
wider) film. And they weigh a flippin' ton. Your choices of emulsions
today would probably begin and end with Kodak and Fuji color negative,
the film is in 100 foot rolls, you'll need some sort or long roll
processing rig to process and print the negatives. In all respects this
is the exact antithesis of a large format camera, which can be used to
expose film under almost any conditions in the field, individual sheets
of film can be processed and printed to exacting standards (Zone System,
etc.).

I have already torn off all of the antiquated electrical stuff. I am
using the base camera because it is solid and well machined. I need
something that is heavy and stable. I am using the parts I already have
because I am having fun doing it and I can feel good about not wasting
resources.

To be fair I should add that I have seen adapters that fit in place of
the long roll magazines for a graflok back or other contrivance that
permit ground glass viewing and use of regular roll film backs.

These
were employed for focus checking and test work (and the occasional job
that was too small to justify loading up 100 feet of film.) If your
outfit did not come with the back you could probably buy one (expensive
but try Photo Control) or make one. I don't know anything about your
skill level but you original question didn't inspired any confidence in
your DIY talents.

Camerez produced a lot of different models over the years with different
lenses, most of the lenses would not cover 4x5 but you can Google to
find the image circle of the lenses on your system. If they do cover
(possible) they are probably Tessar derivations with little or no excess
coverage or telephoto designs like my Wollensak 254mm Raptar telephoto
which will just barely cover (I've been told). Tele lenses rarely, if
ever, require big view camera type corrections. And portrait lenses
never do. The Raptar is going onto my Speed Graphic when I find the
time. Probably used with a 6x9 roll film back.

Why not start with something easier? This week I bought an Omega View D
for $68 and a Graphic View for $56.00. I need only add a lens and
tripod to either and I'm good to go.

"...but I am not stupid."
rude and stupid

"I asked for information on the lens."
stupid again, would have been useful to tell us which lens is currently
attached to this monster since lenses do interchange.
not true. this lens only fits this camera. The whole module is designed
to plug into the db9 connector on the camera to provide the control
signals for the shutter and iris. The lens elements can be changed but
the shutter and iris is an integral part of the design of the camera.
Being a SLR it is designed with some features that would not be possible
with a standard view camera . (Anyone who has taken one of these
"Monsters" apart would know what I am talking about)

"You do know what a lens is used for don't you?"
rude and stupid again, Bob sells lenses for a living

darkroommike

Like I said before, I am not stupid. Just because I am not a
professional does not mean that I have no intelligence. I asked a
specific question about the camera. I did not ask for opinions
concerning the use of the camera. None of you seem to get that. Who is
stupid ?

And who is rude ? All I wanted was help with a simple problem. Instead I
get jumped on by a bunch of arrogant know it alls that don't want to
admit that they don't know.