Graflex.org

MultiFormat Shooter · Joined: 26 Jan 2016 Posts: 17

How sharp is the Graflex 10" Tele-Optar lens? I have heard some people say it is sharp and others say it is somewhat soft. I have used the Graflex Optar 101 mm f/4.5 in 2.25" x 3.25" format. How does the Graflex 10" Tele-Optar compare to this lenses, in terms of color, sharpness and contrast? I would be using the 10" Tele-Optar on a Speed Graphic 4" x 5" camera.

I searched the forums before posting but couldn't find any definitive answers about the sharpness of this lens.

Thanks!

45PSS · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 8:33 pm Post subject:

Read this section's posts about Wollensak lens, especially those from the first 2 to 4 years of this sites operation. Age and how its been maintained will have more to do with how it preforms. I've only had a few Wollensak lens and they were fine. I had a Schneider or two I did not like.

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/wollensak_14.html
for the factory catalog. Graflex Optar is a Wollensak Raptar with a different label.
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The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

MultiFormat Shooter · Joined: 26 Jan 2016 Posts: 17

Thanks, that link is great! I will try serching for some earlier threads.

Were the Tele-Optars also WOCOTED, like the Tele-Raptars? I have seen Tele-Raptars with the "WC circle emblem," but not Tele-Optars.

45PSS · Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2016 10:32 pm Post subject:

I have not had/used the Tele Optars. I believe they are coated like the Raptars but its not identified as such on the label.
_________________
The best camera ever made is the one that YOU enjoy using and produces the image quality that satifies YOU.

MultiFormat Shooter · Joined: 26 Jan 2016 Posts: 17

Thank you, I really appreciate the information!

William Hallett · Joined: 07 Jan 2012 Posts: 101

I have made occasional use of a 10" Tele-Optar. I have not done any rigorous tests, but I found it to be an acceptably sharp lens. It does get somewhat softer towards the edges of the 4 x 5 image frame, so is probably limited in coverage.
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WilliamH

MultiFormat Shooter · Joined: 26 Jan 2016 Posts: 17

Thanks! Do you have any images you've taken with it posted online?[/code]

1banjo · Joined: 16 Nov 2008 Posts: 492 Location: kansas

The tel-optar is for 3x4 But was sold to use on 4x5
Mine is realy good on my 2x3 !! Have not put it on
Any thing else . But like all of the older lens they do
Better at small apertures ! But prime should be at f 16

William Hallett · Joined: 07 Jan 2012 Posts: 101

Wollensak's advertising claimed the 10" Tele-Optar would cover 4x5 (see the Wollensak 1950 catalogue posted at http://www.cameraeccentric.com ).

To answer the previous question, unfortunately no, I haven't posted any of my photos.
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WilliamH