Hi, I need a 6 3/8 Optar to add to my 1941 C3 outfit and I'd like to have one with a correct number, ie not postwar. Is there a way to tell from serial #s ? From previous posts I know they do not follow a sequence like Ektars. Thanks.

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On 2006-12-09 12:45, pv17vv wrote: Hi, I need a 6 3/8 Optar to add to my 1941 C3 outfit and I'd like to have one with a correct number, ie not postwar. Is there a way to tell from serial #s ? From previous posts I know they do not follow a sequence like Ektars. Thanks.

I'm not sure that Graflex use Wollensak Tessars rebadged as Optars before WWII. Before the war, Wollensak used the name Velostigmat for many of their lens types including their tessar. I think the tessars were Velostigmat Ser. II; around 1946 Wolly lenses were renamed Raptars. You might want to look at the information on http://www.cameraeccentric.com .

Cheers,

Dan

Merci Dan.

According to the United State Patent and Trademark Office, the first use of Optar for Graflex was in May of 1942.

So, depending on what year you are recreating a 6 3/8" Optar might fit your kit. (a lot of 41 contracted C-3 cameras were made in '42)