Graflex.org

[Dan Fromm]

Craig, there's a general rule that wide angle lenses are relatively slow. F/2.8 is very fast for a wide angle lens.

There's another general rule that Tessars are, narrow angle lenses. And the faster the Tessar, the narrower the angle. f/6.3s cover more than f/4.5s cover more than f/3.5s cover more than f/2.8s. Between the wars Zeiss made f/8 Tessars in two focal lengths that really were wide angle lenses, but note the speed.

There still is buried treasure to be found, even on used camera dealers' shelves, but it is not abundant.

[cblurton]

[cblurton]

Hi:

While looking on the auction site for one of these lenses, 80mm WF Ektar or Xenotar, or a 65mm Angulon as per the earlier discussion in this thread, I "accidentally" bought a lens listed as "Rapax 90mm, f6,3" (Item number: 190252777133) for $47 USD. It is a Wollensak Raptar 90mm WA and looks to be in fair to good condition. If it needs a CLA, I have a good shop locally that will do it for a very reasonable price (about $30 USD).

The big issue, now that I bought the thing, is whether or not there is a flange on the back to mount the lens to a lens board. I've written to the seller to find out but just out of curiosity, if there isn't one, can I get one someplace or will I need to have one made?

I really didn't mean to buy this lens. I've read a lot of comments about it, most of them lukewarm and suggesting that it needs to be stopped down hard before it will be sharp, but it seemed like a good price. I have to stop looking at the auctions until the actual item I want comes up *******!

Best wishes,

Craig

[troublemaker]

That's about it, lukewarm. And yes, while you can use the lens anyway you want of course, the best resolution will probably be at f~16.
The 90 Raptar and Optar sell regularly from 75 to 125 US. I still don't know why. The Angulon 6.8 90mm with the same coverage and a lot better image sells for only slightly more.
But if you are not making big enlargements over 8x10 the Raptar might make a nice lens for you. They have good contrast and certainly are not junky. Jimmy rig it somehow on the fron and see how you like the GG image. The Rapax, and or Graphex (same thing) #1 shutter is a very good unit, and ussually respond well to a dissassembly propercleaning and re-assembly. Everyone I one I have done works well. Can't say that for the Supermatics.

[cblurton]

I received a reply from the seller of the 90mm Wollensak WA Raptar. It does not have a flange to mount the lense to a lens board. Any suggestions about where I might buy one?

Thanks,

Craig

[Dan Fromm]

Craig, it is just barely possible that the retaining ring or flange you need is a stock item at www.skgrimes.com . Also, www.equinoxphotographic.com or www.lensn2shutter.com may be able to help you. Knowing the size ring needed (diameter, threads/inch or /mm) would help you communicate what you need to suppliers. Calipers and a thread gauge are your friends.

I don't mean to insult you, but you seem to have a lot of enthusiasm and not too much knowledge. This is a dangerous combination. I suggest that you study the FAQs here and at www.largeformatphotography.info .

You're falling into the cheap old lens trap. I'm stuck in it m'self, have found A Lens Collector's Vade Mecum very useful as a guide to what's worth chasing. The VM is a book on CD, can be obtained from dcolucci@aol.com . It is inaccurate, incoherent, incomplete, inconsistent, infuriating and invaluable.

Good luck, have fun,

Dan

[cblurton]

Thanks Dan, I'll take a look at A Lens Collector's Vade Mecum and see if I can afford a copy.

Best wishes,

Craig

[troublemaker]

Owslay ownday...

[cblurton]