I own a fairly largish collection of Graflex 3 x 4 press type cameras and a substantial number of Polaroid Pack cameras of the 250, 350, 450 variety - metal construction, Zeiss rangefinder, some with film timers.
I was looking for a way to adapt these Polaroid pack cameras for use with the Graflex lens and shutters combos. I had seen conversions to manual lens and shutter combinations where the entire Polaroid automatic shutter was gutted and just the metal shutter housing was used to support a front mounted lens and shutter. From an aesthetic viewpoint, these conversions are terrible - though they do work - and generally sell at around $250USD at camera shows. The question in my mind was: could a Graflex lens/shutter intended for 3 x 4 work (127mm) be adapted to the Polaroid mechanism. I built a mounting plate out of brass sheet and angle that directly replaces the entire Polaroid shutter mechanism with a Graflex lens/shutter mounted on the standard Graflex "A" mounting board. At the moment, the lensboard is a press fit, but I had enough time this evening to try it out using my standard ground glass mounted into an empty Polaroid film tray. No problems finding infinity where it should be. It appears that this adapter will work and work well with no other modifications to the Polaroid camera other than providing 3 volts to power the development timer. The standard Polaroid cable release must be replaced with a standard cable release. It appears this can be done by removing the Polaroid release and drilling out the bushing in the top plate to accept a standard release. No other changes are made either to the Polaroid or the Graflex lens/shutter assembly. Because of the bulk of the Graflex "A" lensboard, the Zeiss rangefinder cannot fold down, so it will have to be fastened in place. A drop of epoxy or Permatex 82 will do the job. The prototype not only works, but looks good too. Food for thought. Regards, Marv _______________________________________________ Cameramakers mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://rmp.opusis.com/mailman/listinfo/cameramakers
