Graflex.org

jpmose · Joined: 29 May 2001 Posts: 164 Location: Atlanta, GA

When did the name Optar actually start? In looking through many Graphic Graflex Photography books, it appears that 1945 is an educated guess. On that note, are all Optars coated?

Somewhere on this site I read that the 90mm WA Optar was improved in the late 1940's. What changes were made? Are there only two versions of this lens? How can one distingusish which version is which?

These are collectors questions....thanks for your help!

JP

_________________
Best regards,

JP Mose

Henry · Posted: Tue Jun 17, 2003 11:43 pm Post subject:

"Optar" = "ratpO"spelled backwards.

Apologies, another silly moment here....

[ This Message was edited by: Henry on 2003-06-17 16:44 ]

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

It seems that Wolley got tired of Velostigmat after the war and started a contest for a new name in June of '46 the result was "Raptar" I would think "Optar" followed close behind, and probably not before, but I have no proof.

I've long since given up absolute terms when dealing with Graflex. From experience, I will say there has to be one or two, or even a special line of Optars that didn't get coated, but MOST of them were, and the uncoated versions would be scarce.
>>>>FLASH<<<<<<<<
Just found a price guide dated July '45 that mentions the Optar name, but only as a 101mm. It also mentions this one is coated, but unavailable from stock.

clnfrd · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2003 1:12 pm Post subject:

Is the Velostigmat considered to be a reasonably decent lens? I have a Ciro 22 with the Alphax self-cocking shutter that resembles a Century, speeds only to 1/200th, and the Velostigmat lens. I assumed it must be similar to the Graftar 3-element lens. Is this true? Thanks. Fred.

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

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

I get the idea that Velostigmat was used much like Kodak anastigmat before the war.....it was probably a tessar, but could be a triplet. Triplets by formula, aren't necessarily bad. I have several Cooke lenses that are outstanding, but usually inthe US a triplet was used when cost was paramount over a great image.

clnfrd · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2003 9:59 pm Post subject:

Thanks, guys. I'll admit my ignorrance of some of the tests you run...how do you do the reflection test to determine # of lens elements? Thanks. Fred.

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

bring the lens in front of an obvious light source, flash light, kitchen light, sun, etc. Then count the number of "suns" in the glass of the lens. a single element will have two, a bright and a dim one. two bright pieces, two glass elements, etc.

Maybe it was my public school upbringing, but I've never been able to use this method accurately. I keep seeing more reflections than I should.

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

bring the lens in front of an obvious light source, flash light, kitchen light, sun, etc. Then count the number of "suns" in the glass of the lens. a single element will have two, a bright and a dim one. two bright pieces, two glass elements, etc.

Maybe it was my public school upbringing, but I've never been able to use this method accurately. I keep seeing more reflections than I should.

clnfrd · Posted: Wed Jun 18, 2003 11:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info. I've noticed this phenomenon when cleaning and inspecting lenses. Sounds logical...each element will provide its own reflection. I'll give it a try...and, lo and behold, the Velostigmat on the Ciro 22, with shutter open and lens at f3.5, gives 3 reflections. I assume the same basic design as the Century and Graftar except the Ciro's is f3.5 and 88mm...and the Century's is f4.5 and 103mm. Fred.

[ This Message was edited by: clnfrd on 2003-06-18 16:29 ]

Dan Fromm · Joined: 14 May 2001 Posts: 2144 Location: New Jersey

clnfrd · Posted: Thu Jun 19, 2003 12:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks, Dan. First of all, the Century shutter I've referred to is a Trioptar...not a Graftar...a triplet. However, when I try the same reflection test with an Optar, that I know is more than three elements, I also only get three reflections...plus some secondary reflections that are inverted...so, as you say, the test is suspect. So, the test may not be valid on the Velostigmat, huh? Fred. P.S. Upon further testing with the Optar, mounted on a lensboard...using an overhead light source not-so-close...I get two distinct reflections in the front elements.,..and two distinct reflections in the rear elements...with the shutter closed. Fred.

[ This Message was edited by: clnfrd on 2003-06-19 06:07 ]