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t.r.sanford · Posted: Fri Jul 23, 2004 1:53 pm Post subject:

In the late '50s, military surplus "Aero Ektars" were all over the place, and people wrote to the photo magazines asking, "Can I mount one of these on my [whatever] for sports photos, portraits, etc.?" The answer always was, sure you can, but remember that the "Aero Ektar" was designed to give best results at infinity and is not well corrected for typical terrestrial work, especially when used wide open.

The lenses still seem to be all over the place, and have been the subject of frequent discussion here. Might we hear from someone who has used a 7½-in. f:2.5 "Aero Ektar" on a 4x5 camera, concerning its image quality?

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

Been there done that, and wide open I found it quite satisfactory, stopped down it's better, but if you not going to use the lens wide open or one stop down, there are much better, lighter lenses around.

MikeS · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 71 Location: East Tennessee

Here are some test pictures I took with my speed with an aero-ektar attached to it, as well as a couple of pictures of the camera with the lens mounted on it:

http://www.agrijag.com/Images/AeroTest1.jpg
http://www.agrijag.com/Images/AeroTest2.jpg
http://www.agrijag.com/Images/AeroTestEDU.jpg
http://www.agrijag.com/Images/AeroSpeed1.JPG
http://www.agrijag.com/Images/AeroSpeed2.JPG

The first 2 shots were on Royal Pan film, the 3rd one on EDU 400, and the 2 of the camera were with my digital camera.

_________________
-Mike

MikeS · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 71 Location: East Tennessee

I forgot to mention that the images are kind of on the large side!

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-Mike

45PSS · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 5:29 am Post subject:

Photo's 1,2,&3 appear to be focused at or near infinity and are not sharp due to heavy winds or a 2.9 on the Richter.
Grain pattern could be improved by experminating with agitation technique, chemical temperature stabilization or developer dilution.
The sky in photo 1 looks like a typical morning here and on the coast the grey goes to the ground till noon or 1 pm.
Charles

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

MikeS · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 71 Location: East Tennessee

Charles:

Actually I've yet to get this lens to produce a sharp image. I'm actually starting to doubt the relationship of the ground glass to the film plane, and will probably do some more experimenting along those lines.

As for the grain, I suppose if I was using current film, rather than film that was expired 25 years ago, I might have a better shot at less grain!

_________________
-Mike

t.r.sanford · Posted: Sun Jul 25, 2004 7:28 pm Post subject:

Well, I am answered! I won't pursue a 178mm. "Aero Ektar," but will devote my fading energy to devising a mounting flange for an 8-in. "Pentac" that I got from the old B&J Lens Bank about 20 years ago.

I was tempted by the spiffy "Aero Ektar" on eBay with the novel "Speed Graphic" mount -- a real conversation piece (the conversations would begin, "...what the Hell is THAT??").

45PSS · Posted: Mon Jul 26, 2004 1:21 am Post subject:

Mike,
suspect that some elements (group) is installed wrong or not seated properly in the barrell.
I wasn't sure if the grain was intentional or not.
My first formal training was from a pro at a community college who using D76 and TRI-X could do 16x20's from 35mm with no appearant grain.
Charles

_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.