Large format lens

[jbird0162]

can any one answer a question for me/ i m just getting started in LF and bought a lens on ebay. It was cheap and I thought it was a deal. The lens was described as " Lens shows separation in glass". Can this lens be used or did I buy a piece of junk.

[Blinky]

You probably bought junk, but if you're lucky and it has a large image circle, the separation may not cover the film... likesay it's designed for 8x10 and you're shooting 4x5.

I bought some graphic arts (Apo-Nikkors) lenses for cheap and mounted them. They perform beautifully in the studio for product images and art reproduction. You can save a lot of cash on lenses by using a focal plane shutter. It costs as much as a good lens but except for wide angle, you never have to buy another lens mounted in a shutter again.

Separation in a composite element is essentially delamination between two pieces of glass cemented together. It compromises the optical integrity in several ways and probably indicates other problems with the lens as well. On the other hand, you may get some funky effects from the lens, or a perfectly good shutter that can be used with another lens.

What did you buy?

Chip

[jbird0162]

I bought a Calumet Caltar type S-150mm f5.6 in a copal #0. the shutter seems ok but I wont know until I use it

[Blinky]

Originally Posted by jbird0162

I bought a Calumet Caltar type S-150mm f5.6 in a copal #0. the shutter seems ok but I wont know until I use it

Decent lens... I can't remember but it seems like that was made by Rodenstock. Copal #0 is useful no matter what, you can fit that to a lot of lenses.
Good luck.

[prophotoimages]

It was made by Rodenstock and if memory serves me right it was for 4x5 and years ago. If there is separation of glass you might find a repair shop that will take it apart, clean it, recement the glass and put it back together for you, but try it out and see first. Caltars were the least expensive if you couldn't afford some of the others. If it doesn't work out, the Copal 0 can take a lot of other lens.

[epatsellis]

If you decide not to keep it, let me know, as I am always searching for inexpensive lenses/shutters to play (experiment) with.


erie

[c_dwebb@msn.com]

Hello,
The calumet Caltar S 150mm f5.6 is a fine lens to begin working with in 4x5. The seperation you mention mention most likely will never be noticed in your finished work. If you use it wide open for normal shooting you may get some vignetting on the frame corners. By stopping down a couple of stops it will disappear in your images. The Caltar S was not made by Rodenstock. It was made by Schenider and sold by Calumet. It is an excellent lens. Look for the 210-215 mm version also made by Schenider. This lens will probably become your normal lens as a 150 mm is a bit short for portrait work. For Press work we normally used a 135 mm on our Graphlex's.

have fun,
C Webb