Re: [APML] Large Format Question

["Joseph O'Neil" <joneil@multiboard.com>]

>A nice lens design I've heard good things about is the old "Ektar" series, 
>in particular the 135mm which if I remember correctly was an f/2.8 . And 
>yes, the Large Format lenses have terrible vignetting until their stopped down

-snip-

         Don't get too excited about those old lenses.  All the web sites 
and discussions groups for LF photography talk about the 'fablled" 135mm, 
Wide feild Ektar.  it is indeeed a splendid lens.  I used to own one.  Sold 
it on Ebay.  It was about 50 years old, and for a 50 year old lens it was 
incredible.
         However, in mint shape, I have seen these things command a price 
of almost $500 US, but usually closer to $400 US on average.
         By direct contrast, a brand new Rodenstock Sironar-N 135mm lens 
set me back the equivalent of $550 US (before local sales taxes), and it 
blows away the old Ektar in every way imaginable.
         So, beware all this talk about how good "old lenses are" .

         There is a line of LF lenses from Schneider called the Super 
Symmar Asphereic which apparently you can use wide open.  Never seen one 
myself, but a magazine review that tested them said enthusiastically yes, 
they can indeed be used wide open.  However, this was daytime shooting, no 
idea of how they work on the stars.  That, and they are not cheap lenses 
either.
joe






http://www.oneilphoto.on.ca
http://www.multiboard.com/~joneil
"Una salus victus nullam sperare salutem"


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