Graflex.org

[trev2401]

Hello fellow graflex users. =)

I saw an Optar 90mm WA on sale for 75 dollars with everything in working order, optics clean and shutter speeds good.

Just wanted to gather some opinions on this lense, is it as sharp as the 90mm 6.8 Angulons (schneider)

Also, does it take the same retaining ring as the Ektar 127 4.7?

Thanks to all

=)

[troublemaker]

The retaining ring depends on which shutter the lens is mounted on. Generally the 90 Raptar and or Optar by wollensak are mounted on Graphex or Rapax shutters and the ring is not the same as that of the Supermatic #2 that is most often associated with the 127 Ektar, so your answer would be probably not.
as far as sharpness, my Raptar (same as Optar) 90mm is pretty good compared to some of my other Wollensak optics which are all over the place regarding sharp or soft images. I do not know how consistent production control was regarding the Angulons, but mine will poke your eye out at long range when stopped down, and based on discussions you can search for on the site here, Wollensak had some quality control issues that probably were just as prominent everywhere. The bottom line however is that you can not judge a lens until you put it on a body and look at the GG and then expose some film tests, esspecially with vintage equipment. Some of us might like a certain softness or vintage glow that may come in combination with a soft or sharp image.
Rather than suggest how one may dispose of thier funds regarding lenses, it may be better to check into the idea of being able to try the lens after purchase and returnability if not satisfied. A lot of these things have been mishandled while there are a lot that are in very good to excellent working order and make stellar images. It is truly hit and miss sometimes..., esspecially if dealing with auctions.
stephen

[Les]

Depending on your type of photography it might be wise to double check that the lens is in a synchronized shutter. I've been seeing a lot of 90mm Optars on ebay that are unsync'd. Now if all you do is street shooting then there's no problem.

Les


_________________
"In order to invent, you need a good imagination and a lot of junk" Thomas Edison

[troublemaker]

Les has a good point there.
Also, while most of the 90mm wide angles you will find should have a good single coating, there may be some older versions out there that were uncoated optics.
Another point I had meant to make above was that, rather than choosing between the Wollensak and the Schneider, It might be more realistic to ask if one would be better served in comparing those two to the more sought after 100mm WF Ektar.
regards,
Stephen

[trev2401]

dear all...

thanks sooo much for the replies...

I do intend to use the camera for general photography, focusing mainly on scenary.

Also, er... what do u mean when we refer to the lense being in a "synchronized" shutter?

Thanks

[Dan Fromm]