Can someone can tell me something about this to lenses. Quality, wich is the best, ecc. (My main interest is portraid full body and 3/4).


Graflex 135 mm 4.7 Optar
Graflex 162 mm 4.5 Optar

Thanks, Salvador

They are both of the same formula--tessar. While lens snobs might look down on them, they do a very fine job.

Quote:

On 2003-03-28 04:09, Les wrote: They are both of the same formula--tessar. While lens snobs might look down on them, they do a very fine job.

Not to disagree completely with you, Les, but Richard Knoppow has a strong negative opinion of 135/4.7 Optars. He reports having had several, concedes that they worked fine if stopped down enough, but insists that they had to be stopped down more than competing lenses to get equally good results towards the edge of the frame.

If I had 'em, I'd shoot 'em systematically (same relatively detailed subject @f/11, f/16, f/22, f/32) to see how they performed. Best way to find out if a lens is good enough is to ask it. Sometimes they confound the experts.

Cheers,

Dan

I have the 162mm f/4.5 Raptor. When I got it it was suffering from separation, and Steve Grimes did a great job on the repair. I don't know if I should give Steve's repair the credit or the lens, but it is very sharp at f/16 on down. I has enough image circle to use almost all of the rise on my Super Graphic. I find I use it on more than half my shots, and at f/4.5, it is very bright for composition. I would recomend the lens to anyone interested in a "normal" focal length lens.

I just acquired a Pacemaker Speed Graphic e/w the 162mm f4.5 Optar (top RF cammed for it too). My first impression of the lens is awfully good! I took some pics. at f8,11,16 and 32 and all look very sharp. One picture included a river boat off in the distance and with the loupe, all details are very sharp. The boat pic was taken 1/250 at f8 (using the back shutter). The only concern I'd have (if taking action shots) is the top shutter speed of 1/200 (with a Crown Graphic w/o FP shutter).

I also found a 1 3/4" Kodak slip-on aluminum filter ring for Series 7. I would sure like to find a Series 7 to 58mm step-up ring! It would be great to use all of my SLR filters on this camera.....