Can I mount a large-format or medium-format lens on a Nikon PB-4 bellows and still focus to infinity?

Asked 8/17/2020

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I have a Nikon PB-4 bellows and would like to use it as a tilt/shift setup that can still focus to infinity. I was considering adapting a medium-format or large-format lens because of the longer flange distance and larger image circle. For example, I was thinking about Mamiya RZ67 lenses.

Is this practical on a PB-4, and are there better lens options for this kind of setup? Also, what is a good way to get or make the required mounts without adding unnecessary extension that would prevent infinity focus?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

5y ago

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The RZ Mamiyas are all part of that Medium format system. It sounds like you are re-inventing a bellows type (large format) camera. If you compare resolving power and other properties of LF to MF lenses, you might find it's economical to get an LF (bellows) camera and lens that will fill your needs. A Large Format camera will be larger than a PB-4, but will have all the movements, usually. There are some LF cameras in the crossover range, such as a 2x3". There many 'field-cameras' in these formats for sheets and often with roll-film backs (MF) such as Graflex and Linhof.

If you go to attach, say a digital or 35mm film camera to a LF camera, you can get an F-mount or appropriate Canon mount from an extension tube or a lens reversing mount.

Or sounds like you don't have the lens yet, you could get an LF lens and adapt a lensboard to fit the PB-4 - should be pretty easy, but you'd have to find one, like a 'press lens' that is small, so it will fit the front of that macro-bellows and allow for some movement.

To get the parts to adapt an RZ lens to the PB-4, probably best to adapt a lensmount from a broken camera. I'd check with camera repair and conversion (IR + UV) shops and check used departments at the biggies, like B+H, maybe Roberts, etc.

Originally by user41258. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user41258

5y ago

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Yes, in principle, but lens choice and mounting method matter a lot. A PB-4 is essentially being pressed into service as a mini view camera, so it may be simpler to use an actual large-format camera if you want full movements and easy infinity focus.

If you continue with the PB-4, lenses with a large image circle are the right idea. Large-format lenses are a natural fit for movements, and some enlarging lenses can work very well too. One community member reported excellent results with a 150mm Nikki enlarging lens, noting good coverage, sharpness, and useful tilt when rotating the bellows.

For mounting, a practical approach is to repurpose parts from extension tubes, body caps, or reversing rings to create the camera-side mount, rather than adding a long adapter tube. That helps minimize extra extension and preserves your chance of reaching infinity focus.

Before committing to an RZ67 lens, compare the total flange distance and required bellows extension carefully. Also consider whether a small field or 2x3 large-format camera might achieve your goal more easily.

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