A Few of My Favorite Lenses

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In Praise of Kodak Lenses

Lotus

This line-up consists of wonderful lenses that were manufactured between 1947 and 1958. To think that large format lenses this old can still be 'useful' and desirable might stretch the imagination. But they are both these things. And more. A message from Steve Grimes indicates that the Supermatic shutters can be more reliable than the new Copal shutters. These lenses were roundly enjoyed...

80mm Kodak Wide Field Ektar f/6.3

Resolution in Lines per mm (center/middle/edge)

f/8  38  30  34
f/11 60  38  34
f/16 48  48  48
f/22 54  60  48

Notes:

This lens is tiny and very light.

The lens' circle of illumination covers 4x5. But it's doubtful that the edges of the image at infinity will be acceptable.

The lens was tested on a Linhof Technica III with Graflock back. The back in question was a Singer Rapid-Vance FH8. In spite of the special rollers intended to keep the image plane flat, the film bows 1 to 2 millimeters at various points across the intended plane. For this reason the real world resolution of this lens should be better than these numbers would indicate.

100mm Kodak Wide Field Ektar f/6.3

Resolution in Lines per mm (center/middle/edge)

f/16 67  60  30
f/22 60  60  30
f/32 48  42  30

Notes:

This lens is small and very light.

This lens can be more useful than a 90mm Angulon by providing good coverage, thus allowing a bit of movement for scenes near infinity.

The lens appears to be as sharp as anything currently manufactured.

135mm Kodak Wide Field Ektar f/6.3

Resolution in Lines per mm (center/middle/edge)

Fstp ctr mdl edg
f/11 76  53  35
f/16 76  67  44
f/22 63  63  54

Notes:

This lens is compact and light when compared with new lenses offered in similar focal lengths that provide 80 degrees of coverage.

This lens can be more useful than common 135mm plasmat designs by providing outstanding coverage (230mm at infinity).

The lens appears to be as sharp as anything currently manufactured, including the new Rodenstock Sironar-S and Schneider APO Symmar.

203mm Kodak Ektar f/7.7

Resolution in Lines per mm (center/middle/edge)

Fstp ctr mdl edg
f/11 60  67  48  
f/16 60  60  54  
f/22 60  60  54

Notes:

This lens is small and very light when compared with new plasmat design lenses offered in similar focal lengths

This lens provides coverage similar to a tessar formula and covers up to 5x7.

This is outstandingly sharp and easily rivals modern lens performance