RE: [APML]: 300 mm Kodak Areo Ektar?

["Richmann, Michael" <richmann@cmt.anl.gov>]

The Astro-Photography Mailing List
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Joe has already correctly pointed out some filtration needs for this
particular type of lens.  I have one other caveat.  A past issue of
Shutterbug has mentioned (and it doesn't surprise me at all upon
reflection) that many of the older surplus military lenses, and this
includes essentially all of the aero Ektars, use glass which is fairly
radioactive.  A lot of the glass was doped with things like thorium,
uranium, cerium, etc. for the best possible performance, with the logic
being, "hey, it's wartime, anything goes and what's a little dose in the
process?".  Of course WWII was some time ago and this is now a
consideration in the here and now.  That said, the two key items they
mentioned were 1) don't leave the lens in close proximity with your film
for extended periods of time (fogs the film, natch...) and 2) don't
store the lens in close proximity to your person (some folks stash their
lens collection under the bed).  Not a good idea in the long term.
Don't let this put you off using the lens.  These are just precautionary
notes so that you don't cause yourself any problems in the long haul.

Mike

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Gordon Couger [SMTP:gcouger@rfdata.net]
> Sent: Sunday, July 26, 1998 9:51 PM
> To:   astro-photo@nightsky.com
> Subject:      [APML]: 300 mm Kodak Areo Ektar?
> 
> The Astro-Photography Mailing List
> ------------------------------------
> 
> I came up with a K47 areo camera with a 300 mm Aero Ektar in it.
> If I remember right this is an F 2.5 lens. Would this make a good deep
> sky camera? Does anyone know how bad the color aberrations are. I
> know it is designed for the red end.
> 
> Thanks
> Gordon
> 
> Gordon Couger gcouger@rfdata.net
> 624 Cheyenne
> Stillwater, OK 74075
> 405 624-2855   GMT -6:00