Process camera lenses on DSLR?

gcrimmins · Joined: 31 Mar 2008 Posts: 146 Location: Moscow, Idaho, USA

I recently came across three lenses from a process camera. There are two Konica Hexanon GRII lenses, a 150mm f/9 and a 260mm f/9. The third is an APO Nikkor 420mm f/9. I'm trying to figure out if any of them would be sharp enough to use with a DSLR, and if there's any point in doing so. I'm thinking they might be mounted on bellows to provide the extension and focusing. Perhaps the lenses and DSLR could be mounted on an inexpensive (if there is such a thing) 4x5 view camera to act as tilt-shift lenses. Does anyone have any thoughts about these lenses? Thanks,

--Geoff

kds315* · Expire: 2021-03-09

Surely sharp enough but very clumsy to mount!

cooltouch · Joined: 15 Jan 2009 Posts: 9096 Location: Houston, Texas

If you have a window in your house that opens up to a distant scene -- or at least a scene with some distance to it -- You can get a general idea about the lenses' usefulness in terms of registration distance and image circles just by holding them up to an inner wall -- or white piece of paper -- while pointing them at the window. Perhaps some closer examination will give you some idea about center and corner sharpness as well.

RioRico · Posted: Mon Apr 04, 2011 1:22 am Post subject:

If you have gargled for PROCESS LENS then you probably know all about them. They're APO and sharp, but not flat-field unless stopped down to f/22, which is fine on a 4x5" cam but beyond the diffraction limit for APS and FF dSLRs. I don't think you need worry about corner sharpness, as they are usually designed to project LARGE image circles.

Mounting a 260mm lens, let alone the 420mm, can be a real challenge. I have managed to put a 12" LF lens on my K20D, using a bellows and many many cheap macro tubes. Getting the weight balance right is tricky. Were I to try again, I'd use a long mounting rail. The 150mm should be no problem, depending on its weight.

As for cheap 4x5"s -- did you see the post about the Lego 4x5? No T&S, alas. Have fun, and be sure to post some images!

visualopsins · Expire: 2025-04-11

The camera is mounted on those big process lenses, not vice-versa Laughing

Here's my WA Brown 14" process lens: http://forum.mflenses.com/dallmeyer-a-m-14in-356mm-f4-with-handmade-brass-m42-adapter-t29617,start,12.html