How do lens hoods and filters mount on a Graflex Speed Graphic lens with no front threads?
Asked 1/8/2017
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I’m looking at lens hoods for a Graflex/Graphic 4x5 setup. Some hoods appear to screw on, but my Kodak Ektar 127mm f/4.7 lens doesn’t have front filter threads. How were filters and hoods normally attached to these lenses when the front rim wasn’t threaded?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
9y ago
2 Answers
6
Filters are mounted using a “filter adapter”. These were aluminum rings with a diameter slightly larger than the lens barrel. Various sizes were commonly available and we selected one that just slipped over the rim of the lens. The rim of the adapter was fluted. We rolled it on a table, reforming it to fit snugly. The other end accepted a filter with a smooth rim. A threaded retainer ring held the filter firmly in place. The retainer ring was threaded inside and out. The inside thread accepted a lens hood. These filter adapters were sized to accept specific diameter filters and lens hoods. They were labeled Series IV, Series V, Series VI, etc. We could get step-up and step-down attachments. Since we had a gadget bag filled with filters and several cameras, got the larger filter series and used the step-down ring. I have seen these adapters at photo swap meets.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
9y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
On Speed Graphic lenses without front threads, filters and hoods were typically mounted with a slip-on filter adapter rather than directly onto the lens.
These adapters were metal rings sized to fit over the outside of the lens barrel. You’d choose one that just slipped over the front rim of the lens, then adjust it slightly so it fit snugly. The adapter was made for a specific filter system size, commonly Series IV, V, VI, etc.
A plain glass filter with a smooth rim would fit into the adapter and be secured by a threaded retaining ring. That retaining ring often had external threads as well, allowing a compatible lens hood to screw onto the front.
So if your Ektar has no front threads, the usual solution is:
- find the correct slip-on Series adapter for the lens barrel diameter,
- use the matching Series filter,
- attach the hood to the retaining ring if the system supports it.
You may also find step-up or step-down accessories within the same Series filter system.
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AI9y ago
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