Graflex.org

[disemjg]

Two parts:

I just noticed that my most recently aqcuired 135 Optar has a serial number that is a pallendrome, 509905. Hopefully this is not a jinx.

More interesting is an observation about Optars in general. There have been numerous posts discussing the inconsistent quality of Ektars (suspected of missing shims needed to space the cells correctly) and Xenars (poor QC by Schneider). But I have seen no such discussions about the Optars; did Wollensak really do that good a job?

I suspect a contributing factor is the shutters that these lenses came in, at least the Kodak lenses with their Supermatics. The larger Wolly shutters have solid barrels, which can be manufactured to be exactly the correct thickness. The Supermatics seem to have an inherent design flaw in this area as they are built up in a sandwich and cannot as easly be produced with a standard spacing. That would explain the need for rings to adjust the spacing of the cells. Although, come to think of it, I have never seen any spacer rings in the lenses mounted in the small Wollensak shutters, which are also built up.

As the Schneiders are mounted in Compurs or Copals (both with solid barrels) Their inconsistent performance can only be attributed to QC faults. Although my personal experience has been that all the Schnieder lenses I have owned have been good, enough data has been presented here that there is no doubt that they had their problems in the past. I found that to be a surprise as I had never heard anything bad about them over the past 35 years.

[Henry]

The old-timers on this board are probably sick of hearing me say it, but I really like my Optar lenses (see the list on my profile to the left of this window). Although my experience with other lenses/shutters is limited (older 65 Angulon in Compur, 127 Ektar in Supermatic), I will go with the Optar/Graphex combo every time. I would rate mine as follows: 65, ordinary; 101, excellent; 203, eye-popping super. I recently acquired a 135 (sn. 900221), had it serviced by Fred Lustig, and will give it a test run today to finish up a roll of Gold 100 120 roll film (yep, Kodak *did* make it). For usable lens/shutter combos I don't think you can beat the Optar/Graphex, especially if you can get them at a good price. FYI, I paid $75 (65mm), $30 (101mm), $169 (203mm), and $0 (135mm).