One man's junk is another man's treasure!




Aero Ektar 7In
Camerosity - 1234567890

A very early Aero Ektar 7In - Serno. EA350
Following the code phrase above, this lens dates back to EA=1942.
It is slightly different than the later models which all had a removable hood.

  • Lenshood integrated in the front lens part.
  • No aperture markings
Note the lens number and Mfg info are much closer to the glass.






Accessories and other paraphernalia... part I
Lens cap

The only lens cap I've found is this one shown together with the AE.
Vivitar metal slip-on lens cap 85mm.
This item will prove itself mandatory when using long exposures with Aero Ektar, it is much less cumbersome than a hat and....you can leave your hat on!









Accessories and other paraphernalia... part II
Tripod mount

Designed primarily for handheld use, we feel better imaging can be done with this combo (AE/SG) using a tripod.
Shooting handheld wide open is a kind of a gamble (AE roullette...)
The best and most reliable quick mount tripod adapter is the Linhof Quickfix II
Two versions exist, the elder one with a red release as the newest one has a chrome release handle.
Mounting your SG is a jiffy and extremely helpful in cold weather
First image shows both types


Shown here is the latest version Quickfix II.
It speaks for itself and Linhof, both screws are supplied i.e 1/4" and 3/8"
For easy mounting there is a hex wrench hidden in the tripod part.
The tripod part has 2 x 1/4" inch holes and one 3/8" hole for perfect placement on your specific tripod.
Dimensions: 100 x 60 x 20 mm / Tripod mount: 1/4" und 3/8" / Weight: 320 g







Accessories and other paraphernalia... part III
Polaroid back

To do quick tests or just as a master negative (type 55) you will need a Polaroid cassette type 545. During the time several were made from the type 550. All are usable, however if you want to be the sharpest guy on the block, you probably want the 545 Pro.
It has a digital readout for several functions. For dim light situations it has a blue button to illuminate the screen.


Once you gave in the code for a specific film, the 545 pro will take some guesswork from your creative mind.
It can deliver the following information:

  • Type number
  • Ambient temperature
  • Eventual Dev. corrections
  • Development time
  • Audible beep

Shown here is the development with Polaroid type 56 resulting in 45 sec. After pulling out the Polaroid it will count down and give an audible beep to remind you to peel apart the film....
More on Filmholders.



Accessories and other paraphernalia... part IV
Filterholders

Can anybody shed some light on it? Yes, Oliver Kruse could, thank you Oliver!
This is the original filtermount for the K-24 Aero Ektar 7In.
Actually the glass drop -in filter has a diameter of 4 1/4 Inch.

The mount consists of two parts holding and securing the drop-in filter.
The thumbnails below can be enlarged telling the rest of the story...








Accessories and other paraphernalia... part V
Professional compendium lens shade. When pointing downwards all the time is okay.

The lenshood supplied is nice but not offering real shading.
With the AE it is important to use a lenshood as the lens has many glass surfaces.
Especially in side - and back lit situations you will note the difference in contrast. As the Ae is not primarily known for its contrasty images, using a compendium sure will improve your images.






Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VI
GG protector and bubble level

If your Speed came without the viewing hood, this GG protector from Calumet will prove its use in the field.
It is also much more convenient to use the plain GG when working with a dark cloth and loupe.
Mandatory when working from a tripod is a bubble level.






Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VII
Loupe and flashlight

It is no luxury to study the GG when working with large apertures.
This loupe (Mamiya) is very handy and is made of a special rubber, so no sweat when you drop it accidently.
A little flashlight can save your job when working under dim light situations and at night

It comes in very handy for instance when setting apertures and time of the FP shutter.






Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VIIa
Linhof Anatomical grip

Without any doubt, if you own a Speed graphic with an Aero Ektar 7In lens mounted, you're already the sharpest photog on the block and many other blocks aswell. But if you want to add panache even more this Linhof anatomical left handgrip is the one to look for.
Accessories like these will make jaws drop and you are the center of attention.
I know many other brands but...Linhof shows the other competitors in this market section a clean pair of heels.
The grips are available new at B&H, Adorama but at a steep price: USD 565
Try E-bay instead, they will pop up from time to time. I have bought mine for USD 100 (actually you can see it on the left)






Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VIIb
Linhof anatomical grip

These grips are very well made and offer a steady grip when mounted on the left side of your speed.
It is also much more convenient to use as the normal leather strip when working handheld. Out in the field it can be a hassle though...
No sweat, you can take the grip off at your convenience or when more suitable for the situation.
These grips are available new around USD 550 and appear on Ebay regularly. If you're lucky you can have one for around USD 150.


Shown here is the Linhof anatomical grip mounted on a Graflex Century.
Sharp looking machine I think....but it will look much better on my Pacemaker 45 though!
The grip seems pretty big on this 23 version.







Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VIIc
Linhof Anatomical grip

Finally came in...Linhof anatomical grip almost complete.
Part A was not included, actually you won't need it when you want to use it on a Speed Graphic!
There are several types, this one is the elder type.(Note the red inscription Linhof - open - these are absent on the newer ones)
There are also differences i.e left or right-hand grip.
Mine is from the elder type (Linhof Super Technika IV)
First introduced back in 1956 (Photokina) with the Technika IV especially designed to make handheld photography a pleasure...
Remarkable quality as you can see on the images of my acquired anatomical grip.
Source: Linhof Practice/Linhof Praxis 1958 - Outstanding book, even the more recent publications by Kodak et al on LF, cannot hold a candle to the content in this publication. Jump on it. From the Master another mounting was used. I have one on my V. (See it on my Super Technika V- For mounting on a speed Graphic the earlier type will do fine. Be sure you get at least the items shown..
The main thing is C, the grip itself...regularly on Ebay but worthless if you don't have part B.

The screws in here are too short to mount on the SG body directly. (Longer screws are not that hard to find!)

Just drill two holes and mount this part B, Then slide the handgrip in!
If you want to mount on a Linhof you will need all parts (A,B,C and the screws D) The Linhof body has predrilled holes, accommodating the grip with this baseplate.
On the left you see part B assembled by boring two holes and replacing the small screws with longer ones...

Clearly showing the two parts and how to assemble.
When using a tripod the grip can be taken off very quickly.







Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VIId
The whole caboodle

Ready to fly.....almost!
One thing is certain, just placing a Linhof anatomical grip makes handheld shooting with the beast a little more comfortable.
As shown, "The pacemaker Speed Graphic" with the whole Linhof caboodle mounted!









Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VIIe
Pimping even more...

Pacemaker Graphic with Handgrip, Universal viewer and modded Flash grip
A real advantage in street photography could be the use of modern electronic flash instead of the original bulb flash holder.
A handgrip of an old Braun flash unit was mounted with the help of the Heiland clamps.
On top there is a shoe accepting any electronic flash unit with a hot shoe mount.







Accessories and other paraphernalia... part VIIf
Pimping even more...

The Linhof Optical Multifocus viewfinder (LMVF) can not be compared with the tubular Pacemaker finder.
It is a complex optical design and is placed second to no one. You can use it without mounting, just carry it around and look for a view with any lens from 75mm -360mm,before unpacking your camera..... Complete precise parallax correction for shorter distances.
You need steep pockets where prices come up though. If you're lucky you could have one for around USD 500 or so. (More than you payed for your speed I'm pretty sure about that)
The earlier type (Technika IV) will run from USD 200 - 250)
They still can be obtained new (New styling same device) at a wallet stretching price of USD 1200....






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