Using a BNC lens on RED ONE with BNCR mount ?

[Michael Panfeld]

If the FFD is the same, then it should not make any difference to the sensor if you can physically fit the lens in the mount (by removing part of the BNC mount)? I am confused by what Duclos said about focusing.

John F. what was your solution for the rehoused Super Baltar?

[Yousuf Abbasi]

If the FFD is the same, then it should not make any difference to the sensor if you can physically fit the lens in the mount (by removing part of the BNC mount)? I am confused by what Duclos said about focusing.

John F. what was your solution for the rehoused Super Baltar?

I was told the FFD was different. I guess thats the main thing we need to confirm first, because if it is the same, then all one would need to do is trim the cylinder on the BNC lens! How do we confirm FFD of BNC vs BNCR?

UPDATE: the FFD between BNC vs. BNCR is the same. However, the problem with modification lies in stripping the metal -- Read my post below about the issue with focus mechanism.

[Yousuf Abbasi]

In the case of the Super Baltars in BNC, the rear of the lens has four metal rings which are actually part of the focus rotation mechanism -- threads on the outermost rings move up and down as the user rotates the focus ring (see attached photo). Therefore, removing (even partially) the rings in order to fit the BNCR hole MAY totally mess up the focusing mechanism.

I've never opened up one of these SB BNC lenses before, nor do I have a spare one to experiment on, so I can only INFER that the glass needs those rings to focus. I don't know why Baush & Laumb would put all that extra metal on the rear of the lens if it wasn't important.

Now, if REDUSERs want to donate towards a spare lens we can experiment on, then let's put some money together- I've got lens techs and machinists ready to do it. I am personally not willing to make a $2k mistake !! But if we all chip in a few hundred for R&D on the lens, it could prove fruitful who knows.

[Michael Panfeld]

My understanding is that B&L sold the SBs without a focusing mechanism. All lenses had the backend added afterwards by lens techs, production houses etc.

[Yousuf Abbasi]

My understanding is that B&L sold the SBs without a focusing mechanism. All lenses had the backend added afterwards by lens techs, production houses etc.

So how did B&L intend the focusing to work, if they didnt equip the lens with a focus mechanism?

[Michael Panfeld]

That like asking why Matthews sells a cucaloris but not a light. :)
The buyer was responsible for that.

[Yousuf Abbasi]

My understanding is that B&L sold the SBs without a focusing mechanism. All lenses had the backend added afterwards by lens techs, production houses etc.

Does that mean we can strip the back portion of the lens (how ever much is necessary) and itll still function correctly? Whats your take...

[Michael Panfeld]

function correctly? Do you mean will the lens create an image, of course. Do you mean will it focus, then no. You need a focusing mechanism/mount. B&L sold non-funtioning lenses, in the latter sense.

[Yousuf Abbasi]

Looks like "game over" for this project !! :-(
It's a shame, there's some beautiful BNC glass out there, I'd like to use with my RED.

I have seen some BNCR mounts for DSLR's that dont seem to get narrow on the back, maybe they could support a BNC straight back...

[Clint Lealos]

Double bummer. First, that you couldn't get those lenses to wrk on a Red One, and secondly because I could have saved you a lot of time had I come across this thread earlier! I had several sets of BNC lenses that I wanted to use on a Red One couple years ago. I tried everything and talked to everyone just like you did. I got the same answers and the same outcome... Its impossible I think. It really is a shame :(