Graflex.org

primus96 · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 7:45 pm Post subject:

What were they like optically?
I appreciate that any vintage lens may have suffered through the years.
Are they also especially prone to problems of seperating of elements or fungus?
How much bellows draw do you need for infinity focus with the 38cm tele-optar and how close can you get.
On the Pacemeaker Graphic I am limited to around 210mm when of conventional design if I want to focus in reasonably close.

Henry · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:07 pm Post subject:

My understanding from reading the posts here for several years is that the Tele-Optars aren't as sharp as the equivalent long focal length lenses, e.g., the 203mm Optar is better than the 8-inch Tele-Optar. Others who actually use the Teles will chime in here, I'm sure. As for bellows draw, "Graphic Graflex Photography," 10th ed. (1954), pp. 14-15, lists the 25cm (10 in.) as useable on a camera with a max. 8-1/4 in. extension, and the 38cm (15 in.) a 12 in. draw. Extrapolating for the 202mm (8 in.) Tele gives a 6-2/3 in. draw.

primus96 · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 2:48 pm Post subject:

Well then. I think that i'll stick with the 210mm G-Claron i've sent to Grimes for mounting into the same Compur that used to house a 150mm f4.5 Linhof select Xenar.

troublemaker · Joined: 24 Nov 2003 Posts: 715 Location: So Cal

I just happen to have my 15" Tele-Optar set up on my Speed 45 right now. At 9ft it has a comfortable 11-1/4" of bellows draw. It is also a fine lens offereing a reasonably sharp image. As Henry points out, it is not quite as sharp as the standard focal lentgh lenses, and I can vouch for this as not being as prickly as my 203 Ektar but it is better than I thought it would be. It is as sharp as my 210 Raptar, which is a standard tessar i believe. Based on my smaller 8" Tele-Ratpar for the 2x3 cameras I am under the impression that sharpness declines the shorter they get. What I think these days is that if a person wants modern lens results they should use the modern lens. Another note about the Graphic is that with the big Tele lens on board it becomes somewhat unstable. I made an aluminum plate yesterday as an under body to support the camer from the center and under the drop bed. While this seems to help, I will have to keep the camera close to the top of the tripod legs without raising the center for anything at slow speeds.
On the ups, the 15" lens was aqcuired for a song and at the relatively fast speed of f~5.6, I don't see how I could go wrong for a pretty darn good 380mm lens that will focus pretty close on a Pacemaker.
OK so there is my two cents worth