View Full Version : Aero Ektar Speed Graphic Project
I recently had the pleasure of viewing some wonderful b&w prints that I was told were made with an "Aero Ektar Speed Graphic" 4x5 camera. I truly loved the unique qualities of these images and have decided to pursue creating this camera/lens arrangement. I'm in no rush and enjoy these types of projects. I want to do things right and need help determining which components are best for this purpose and how to assemble these parts into a properly functioning camera. I am neither a Speed Graphic nor Aero Ektar expert, so I'm looking for guidance from the fine folks on the forum. Some of the initial questions that have come to my mind are:
1. What model Speed Graphic works best for this arrangement?
2. What make/model Aero Ektar lens is preferred?
3. What modifications to the Speed Graphic and/or Aero Ektar are needed?
4. Are there any special resources or experts that I should involve with this project?
5. Are there resources that restore/refurbish Speed Graphic's and/or Aero Ektar's?
I'd also like to weave some personal "mojo" into this project. My father served in the USAF from the end of WWII through the late 1960's. He was over the photo department in his squadron and often used a Speed Graphic and numerous "K" type aerial cameras. I was born in 1955 and spent much of my youth with him on base and saw him using these types of cameras; however, I was too young to understand what I was looking at. He taught me all I know about photography. Accordingly, I'd like the Speed Graphic (model?) to be a 1955 vintage. I'd like the Aero Ektar lens to be one that could have been in the type of "K" cameras he used during his career. I want both the Speed Graphic and Aero Ektar to be in excellent condition; however, I'm not sure how to judge these matters - other than the obvious.
Thanks in advance for those that can offer some helpful advise and recommendations.
jcoldslabs
4-Mar-2014, 23:30
1. Any 4x5 Speed Graphic model will work, I believe, provided the focal plane shutter is functioning. The later (Pacemaker) models offer front tilt which some people find desirable.
2. I've owned four 178mm f/2.5 Aero Ektars from 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945 (yellow dot) and all were indistinguishable in terms of optical quality. The only other model that will fit on a Speed Graphic is the 6" version, but this is far less common. The others are too large to fit.
3. The only modification that might be necessary is slightly filing out the light trap baffle on the front standard. The rear of the lens barrel is a tight squeeze and occasionally you need to make a little more room for it.
4. Check out Jo Lommen's (http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/aero/index.html) site if you haven't already.
5. Some forums members do this as a hobby. Perhaps one of them will speak up.
Good luck with your project!
Jonathan
ScottPhotoCo
4-Mar-2014, 23:40
As Jonathan said. 100% correct. Also, check out the Aero-Ektar group on Facebook.
Tim
www.ScottPhoto.co
Definitely get on the "Dancing With Speeds" group on Facebook.
I believe almost all 7in F2.5 AEs were made for the K-24 cameras. I pulled my current main model from a mint K-24. The latest SG is the "Pacemaker Speed Graphic". Be sure to get one with a Graflok back and a Kalart (side mount) rangefinder, if you want to shoot it handheld. The top mount rangefinders require a special build CAM whereas the Kalarts can be calibrated yourself (check JoLo's website for details).
It's definitely a fun system to have, and I use it all the time :)
You don't need to get everything from JoLo, but I've found his lens hood and lens board to be fantastic. Yours truly designed a light-weight filter adapter for the AE that is much cheaper than JoLo's and does the job just as well; hit me up if you're interested, or DIY: https://www.shapeways.com/model/892285/ae-filter-holder-v5.html?li=user-profile&materialId=25
1. Any 4x5 Speed Graphic model will work, I believe, provided the focal plane shutter is functioning. The later (Pacemaker) models offer front tilt which some people find desirable.
2. I've owned four 178mm f/2.5 Aero Ektars from 1942, 1943, 1944 and 1945 (yellow dot) and all were indistinguishable in terms of optical quality. The only other model that will fit on a Speed Graphic is the 6" version, but this is far less common. The others are too large to fit.
3. The only modification that might be necessary is slightly filing out the light trap baffle on the front standard. The rear of the lens barrel is a tight squeeze and occasionally you need to make a little more room for it.
4. Check out Jo Lommen's (http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/aero/index.html) site if you haven't already.
5. Some forums members do this as a hobby. Perhaps one of them will speak up.
Good luck with your project!
Jonathan
Thanks Jonathan for your comments and recommendations. I've taken a quick peak at Jo Lommen's site and it appears to be a wonderful resource. Have you acquired/used Messrs. Lommen's products for the 178mm f/2.5 Aero Ektar? If yes, what has been your experience?
Since you've owned several Aero Ektar's, any suggestions on good places to find good ones for sale?
Again, thank you.
As Jonathan said. 100% correct. Also, check out the Aero-Ektar group on Facebook.
Tim
www.ScottPhoto.co
Thanks Tim, I've joined the Aero-Ektar FB group and it seems to be a great resource. Much appreciated sir.
Jeff,
I'm perfectly happy with the products from Lommen's site. I mounted my 178mm f2.5 Aero on a TMRF Speed from 1951 without any issues using his lensboard package. I also purchased the hood and it was all a perfect fit. I didn't have to file the lens board frame, just a one time tight squeeze.
YMMV.
Definitely get on the "Dancing With Speeds" group on Facebook.
I believe almost all 7in F2.5 AEs were made for the K-24 cameras. I pulled my current main model from a mint K-24. The latest SG is the "Pacemaker Speed Graphic". Be sure to get one with a Graflok back and a Kalart (side mount) rangefinder, if you want to shoot it handheld. The top mount rangefinders require a special build CAM whereas the Kalarts can be calibrated yourself (check JoLo's website for details).
It's definitely a fun system to have, and I use it all the time :)
You don't need to get everything from JoLo, but I've found his lens hood and lens board to be fantastic. Yours truly designed a light-weight filter adapter for the AE that is much cheaper than JoLo's and does the job just as well; hit me up if you're interested, or DIY: https://www.shapeways.com/model/892285/ae-filter-holder-v5.html?li=user-profile&materialId=25
Many thanks Rex. Terrific information - just what I was hoping for. I like your filter adapter and I am definitely interested. All I need is a 178mm f/2.5 Aero Ektar and I'm in business ;)
BTW, your Flickr site is amazing!
Jeff,
I'm perfectly happy with the products from Lommen's site. I mounted my 178mm f2.5 Aero on a TMRF Speed from 1951 without any issues using his lensboard package. I also purchased the hood and it was all a perfect fit. I didn't have to file the lens board frame, just a one time tight squeeze.
YMMV.
Thanks Rudi, your comments are appreciated.
The older Anniversary models can be good too, and preferable depending on your needs. For one, they have more precise shutter speeds, rather than the whole-stop increments on the Pacemaker model. Two, I prefer the shutter release mechanism - it feels more like a standard SLR and has less "pull" than the Pacemaker. My PM cameras always seemed to "hitch" a little bit and caused movement often. However, the Anni model is heavier and a little clunkier.
My preference happens to me my Army Signal Corps. Pacemaker. For some reason it has the older shutter release style from the Anni. While the precise shutter speeds on the Anni are nice, they also take longer to dial in - I'm a quick shooter with handheld work so I don't need that. I'm still trying to get a small 6" AE on to my Speed. It's been problematic. A local machinist is working on it for me but hasn't had the time to sit down with it and get it done. The 7" is easier to work with but is 2x heavier. The 6" is rarer though.
Jonathan is spot-on with his comments above, but personally I had lens boards made up by a local machinist, and also some others made by someone on this forum. In fact, if you need a lens board for a 7" AE for a Anni. model (or pre-Anni) let me know, I have an extra.
Let me refine my question(s) regarding the 178mm f/2.5 Aero Ektar lens.
1. Recommendations on good resources for acquisition/purchase?
2. Things I should know when vetting a Aero Ektar that is for sale?
Thanks again.
The older Anniversary models can be good too, and preferable depending on your needs. For one, they have more precise shutter speeds, rather than the whole-stop increments on the Pacemaker model. Two, I prefer the shutter release mechanism - it feels more like a standard SLR and has less "pull" than the Pacemaker. My PM cameras always seemed to "hitch" a little bit and caused movement often. However, the Anni model is heavier and a little clunkier.
My preference happens to me my Army Signal Corps. Pacemaker. For some reason it has the older shutter release style from the Anni. While the precise shutter speeds on the Anni are nice, they also take longer to dial in - I'm a quick shooter with handheld work so I don't need that. I'm still trying to get a small 6" AE on to my Speed. It's been problematic. A local machinist is working on it for me but hasn't had the time to sit down with it and get it done. The 7" is easier to work with but is 2x heavier. The 6" is rarer though.
Jonathan is spot-on with his comments above, but personally I had lens boards made up by a local machinist, and also some others made by someone on this forum. In fact, if you need a lens board for a 7" AE for a Anni. model (or pre-Anni) let me know, I have an extra.
Hey Brian, thanks for the generous comments. Do to some physical limitations, I typically use a tripod for LF shooting, so weight and quick function is not an issue for me. For what it is worth, I've been enjoying and inspired by your photography for a while now. I'll keep your kind offer in mind as I acquire the equipment.
Regards.
EdSawyer
5-Mar-2014, 10:37
if you can shoot handheld, a LInhof grip is a superbly useful addition. I have 2 speeds and 2 crowns and use those grips on all of them.
For AEs, look for the cleanest/clearest one you can find. They all have a few minor issues, not unexpected on a 70+ year old lens. Most will have some yellowing, it can be cleared with a UV flashlight, but takes a while. I've had a few and cleared them all up with UV, over the space of a few days/weeks. if you can find one that has been disassembled and cleaned by a skilled person, that's a nice plus. THey are not too hard to take apart and clean (I've done several) but it does take some time and the right tools.
SPend the time to calibrate the rangefinder (Kalart) to the lens. it is way faster to shoot that way (and probably at least as accurate if not moreso) when shooting near wide open. With care, the rangefinder can be calibrated to be spot-on from infinity to minimum focus distance (2-4feet) wide open with the AE. Expect to spend a few hours calibrating one of these, it's a fiddly job.
the JoLo board is the way to go. I find his hood solution huge and unwieldy though. Better/smaller solutions exist.
Definitely get a pacemaker speed with kalart, and get the Graflok back. The graflok is way more compatible with various film holders than either the graflex or spring backs. Make sure to get the fresnel in the focus panel -it is designed to have one.
Thank you Jeff!!
I would just carefully shop on eBay. If you can find one still attached to the "cone" for aerial shooting you'll likely get it cheaper. There's a thread here somewhere where I inquired how to remove that cone - the screws can get totally locked in place. Your best bet is a reverse drill bit and drill it out if so.
Oh yeah Ed brought up a good point about the RF. Kalarts can be a pain to calibrate but it's doable.
jcoldslabs
5-Mar-2014, 13:24
Let me add to the chorus of positive remarks regarding the Jo Lommen products. I have the lens mount, hood and filter holder and all are very solidly made.
As for where to find an Aero Ektar itself, Eb@y is where I've found all of mine as Bryan suggests, but you could also post a "wanted to buy" ad here in the for sale section. If you plan on shooting wide open most of the time you can get away with a lens in somewhat dicey condition (surface scratches or fungus), but if you want the option of stopping down from time to time then clean glass is a plus. The best way to "vet" a lens is to see it in person, but that's not always possible. I've had good luck with my online AE purchases, but keep in mind many sellers will not be photographers and will not know much about the lens they are selling. In that sense there is always some risk involved.
Jonathan
tom thomas
5-Mar-2014, 13:47
I saw a Speed Graphic with Aero Ektar at E-B*y just yesterday. Check 251466484523. Buy it now is $1499.00. but looks ready to shoot, extra features, etc.
Valdecus
7-Mar-2014, 06:17
I'd highly recommend contacting Jo Lommen, too. He did a perfect job restoring parts of my Aero Speed combo, and the lens boards are superb. As far as I know, he also sells Aero Ektars and even complete sets from time to time, so you might just want to drop him a note.
Here's my own combo, a Pacemaker Speed Graphic with Kalart rangefinder, Graflok back, AE, and Jo Lommen's board and lens shade, all in perfect condition:
http://www.waldeck.com/img_lf/AW_20130501X100S_0716_AE_Speed.jpg
Cheers,
Andreas
ScottPhotoCo
7-Mar-2014, 10:39
Here is a full kit selling on FB just posted. No affiliation.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.556037281170024&type=1
I'd highly recommend contacting Jo Lommen, too. He did a perfect job restoring parts of my Aero Speed combo, and the lens boards are superb. As far as I know, he also sells Aero Ektars and even complete sets from time to time, so you might just want to drop him a note.
Here's my own combo, a Pacemaker Speed Graphic with Kalart rangefinder, Graflok back, AE, and Jo Lommen's board and lens shade, all in perfect condition:
Cheers,
Andreas
That... is. camera porn. Wow.
EdSawyer
7-Mar-2014, 13:51
that is camera pr0n! Nicely shown.
Bottomline: It takes time to build and calibrate a kit like this. Or, it takes money. If you have more money than time, you can do one-stop shopping and have all you need for $1500-2k. Or, you can assemble it yourself for half that or less, and learn a lot in the process. I've built 3 or 4 speed/crown/fast lens combos and they are tons of fun to shoot, esp. handheld.
-Ed
Valdecus
8-Mar-2014, 00:46
For AEs, look for the cleanest/clearest one you can find. They all have a few minor issues, not unexpected on a 70+ year old lens. Most will have some yellowing, it can be cleared with a UV flashlight, but takes a while. I've had a few and cleared them all up with UV, over the space of a few days/weeks. if you can find one that has been disassembled and cleaned by a skilled person, that's a nice plus. THey are not too hard to take apart and clean (I've done several) but it does take some time and the right tools.
Ed's advice is right on the spot. Regarding bleaching the Aero Ektar lens, this works fine with a simple IKEA Jansjö LED lamp for 10 EUR/USD. The lamp was placed appr. 1"/2.5cm above the rear element. The maximum temperature reached at the rear element was less than 40°C/104°F.
After 10 days, the bleaching process seemed to be more or less complete, as can be seen in the image below:
http://www.waldeck.com/img_lf/Valdecus_Bleaching_Aero_Ektar.jpg
Cheers
Andreas
richardman
8-Mar-2014, 02:55
Now I have a strong wish to get a Speed Graphics with an Aero-Ektar LoL
I'd highly recommend contacting Jo Lommen, too. He did a perfect job restoring parts of my Aero Speed combo, and the lens boards are superb. As far as I know, he also sells Aero Ektars and even complete sets from time to time, so you might just want to drop him a note.
Here's my own combo, a Pacemaker Speed Graphic with Kalart rangefinder, Graflok back, AE, and Jo Lommen's board and lens shade, all in perfect condition:
http://www.waldeck.com/img_lf/AW_20130501X100S_0716_AE_Speed.jpg
Cheers,
Andreas
if you can shoot handheld, a LInhof grip is a superbly useful addition. I have 2 speeds and 2 crowns and use those grips on all of them.
For AEs, look for the cleanest/clearest one you can find. They all have a few minor issues, not unexpected on a 70+ year old lens. Most will have some yellowing, it can be cleared with a UV flashlight, but takes a while. I've had a few and cleared them all up with UV, over the space of a few days/weeks. if you can find one that has been disassembled and cleaned by a skilled person, that's a nice plus. THey are not too hard to take apart and clean (I've done several) but it does take some time and the right tools.
SPend the time to calibrate the rangefinder (Kalart) to the lens. it is way faster to shoot that way (and probably at least as accurate if not moreso) when shooting near wide open. With care, the rangefinder can be calibrated to be spot-on from infinity to minimum focus distance (2-4feet) wide open with the AE. Expect to spend a few hours calibrating one of these, it's a fiddly job.
the JoLo board is the way to go. I find his hood solution huge and unwieldy though. Better/smaller solutions exist.
Definitely get a pacemaker speed with kalart, and get the Graflok back. The graflok is way more compatible with various film holders than either the graflex or spring backs. Make sure to get the fresnel in the focus panel -it is designed to have one.
Thanks Ed; your recommendations on the Aero-Ektar, rangefinder, JoLo, and Graflok back are sincerely appreciated.. I don't anticipate shooting handheld, but I'll keep that in mind. I remember that grip when my dad was shooting Linhof's; definitely an excellent arrangement.
Thank you Jeff!!
I would just carefully shop on eBay. If you can find one still attached to the "cone" for aerial shooting you'll likely get it cheaper. There's a thread here somewhere where I inquired how to remove that cone - the screws can get totally locked in place. Your best bet is a reverse drill bit and drill it out if so.
Oh yeah Ed brought up a good point about the RF. Kalarts can be a pain to calibrate but it's doable.
Thanks again Brian, I am watching eBay like a hawk :)
Let me add to the chorus of positive remarks regarding the Jo Lommen products. I have the lens mount, hood and filter holder and all are very solidly made.
As for where to find an Aero Ektar itself, Eb@y is where I've found all of mine as Bryan suggests, but you could also post a "wanted to buy" ad here in the for sale section. If you plan on shooting wide open most of the time you can get away with a lens in somewhat dicey condition (surface scratches or fungus), but if you want the option of stopping down from time to time then clean glass is a plus. The best way to "vet" a lens is to see it in person, but that's not always possible. I've had good luck with my online AE purchases, but keep in mind many sellers will not be photographers and will not know much about the lens they are selling. In that sense there is always some risk involved.
Jonathan
Thanks Jonathan. I've posted a "WTB" for the Aero-Ektar on both this site and APUG. There are a couple of possibilities that have surfaced, but I'm willing to be patient and make sure I get what I want/need.
I'd highly recommend contacting Jo Lommen, too. He did a perfect job restoring parts of my Aero Speed combo, and the lens boards are superb. As far as I know, he also sells Aero Ektars and even complete sets from time to time, so you might just want to drop him a note.
Here's my own combo, a Pacemaker Speed Graphic with Kalart rangefinder, Graflok back, AE, and Jo Lommen's board and lens shade, all in perfect condition:
http://www.waldeck.com/img_lf/AW_20130501X100S_0716_AE_Speed.jpg
Cheers,
Andreas
Many thanks Andreas for sharing the image of your Aero-Speed - what a great set-up. If you have any more photos you want to share that would be excellent. I've sent Messrs. Lommen's an email about his accessories - we will see where that leads.
Here is a full kit selling on FB just posted. No affiliation.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.556037281170024&type=1
Thanks Tim for the heads-up; however, the link does not work for me.
that is camera pr0n! Nicely shown.
Bottomline: It takes time to build and calibrate a kit like this. Or, it takes money. If you have more money than time, you can do one-stop shopping and have all you need for $1500-2k. Or, you can assemble it yourself for half that or less, and learn a lot in the process. I've built 3 or 4 speed/crown/fast lens combos and they are tons of fun to shoot, esp. handheld.
-Ed
Excellent points Ed. While I probably have a bag-of-shells sufficient to do the "one-stop shop" method, I also have the time and interest a "do it yourself" project. I do think that learning to build/restore and calibrate an Aero-Speed combo would be fun and instructive. Either way, I'm not going to rush the effort - unless Andreas wants to simply ship me his Aero-Speed ;)
Ed's advice is right on the spot. Regarding bleaching the Aero Ektar lens, this works fine with a simple IKEA Jansjö LED lamp for 10 EUR/USD. The lamp was placed appr. 1"/2.5cm above the rear element. The maximum temperature reached at the rear element was less than 40°C/104°F.
After 10 days, the bleaching process seemed to be more or less complete, as can be seen in the image below:
Cheers
Andreas
Thanks again Andreas. That is precisely the type of information that will come in very handy should I take on build/restoration and calibration effort.
I wanted to re-emphasize something I said in my initial post. My interest in acquiring a "Aero-Speed" set-up is primarily driven by the wonderful, unique and inspiring images I've seen produced by this combination of camera and lens. I've spent considerable time reviewing the images posted by the "Kodak Aero-Ektar" Flickr group and love much of the work shared therein. I'm also the type of photographer that is more content and creative when my camera system is in pristine working order - both functionally and aesthetically. Accordingly, whether I purchase a "one-stop-shop" system or methodically assemble, restore and calibrate as a longer term project; my ultimate goal is a Aero-Speed that looks like Andreas' and (just as important to me) functions as precisely as it looks.
Thanks again for all your ideas and recommendations - keep them coming ;)
tigger_six
8-Mar-2014, 05:47
Ed's advice is right on the spot. Regarding bleaching the Aero Ektar lens, this works fine with a simple IKEA Jansjö LED lamp for 10 EUR/USD. The lamp was placed appr. 1"/2.5cm above the rear element. The maximum temperature reached at the rear element was less than 40°C/104°F.
After 10 days, the bleaching process seemed to be more or less complete, as can be seen in the image below:
http://www.waldeck.com/img_lf/Valdecus_Bleaching_Aero_Ektar.jpg
Cheers
Andreas
I'd point out that the Ikea Jansjo lights are of many different makes (have different part numbers), and
not all are strong enough UV sources. The one I bought, for instance, didn't work and I used a UV flashlight instead, powered by a appropriate power supply instead of batteries.
tigger_six
8-Mar-2014, 08:21
Also, since I also have a newish SG/AE, does anyone have any advice on how to calibrate the rangefinder? Yes, I have read http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/kalart/new.html and http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/kalart-adjustment.html, but I still have trouble finding a slider position that lets me focus at 15 and 4 feet at the same time. (The issue is that the fix point of the front/back adjustment procedure seems to lie out of bounds of the rear scale.)
Michael Cienfuegos
8-Mar-2014, 08:31
I have an Aero-Ektar/Pacemaker that I only shoot off a tripod these days. It is a heavy kit, nearly eleven pounds, and as I have gotten older I am no longer able to hold it steady. It's still a great combination, the most expensive part of my kit was the Jo-Lo lensboard/hood combination.
m
Valdecus
8-Mar-2014, 11:36
I'd point out that the Ikea Jansjo lights are of many different makes (have different part numbers), and
not all are strong enough UV sources. The one I bought, for instance, didn't work and I used a UV flashlight instead, powered by a appropriate power supply instead of batteries.
This may be true. However, at 10 USD, I gave the LED lamp a try and it worked fine.
What is the UV wavelength range on your flashlight? How strong is it and how much did you pay for it?
Thx,
Andreas
Valdecus
8-Mar-2014, 11:47
Also, since I also have a newish SG/AE, does anyone have any advice on how to calibrate the rangefinder? Yes, I have read http://lommen9.home.xs4all.nl/kalart/new.html and http://graflex.org/speed-graphic/kalart-adjustment.html, but I still have trouble finding a slider position that lets me focus at 15 and 4 feet at the same time. (The issue is that the fix point of the front/back adjustment procedure seems to lie out of bounds of the rear scale.)
Since the depth of field at f2.5 is quite shallow, I didn't even bother trying to get the rangefinder calibrated, but rather focus on the ground glass. I have the rangefinder calibrated for the original 135mm f4.7 Graflex Optar lens instead. I heard that some photographers are successfully using the rangefinder calibrated for the AE, though.
Cheers,
Andreas
tigger_six
8-Mar-2014, 15:25
This may be true. However, at 10 USD, I gave the LED lamp a try and it worked fine.
What is the UV wavelength range on your flashlight? How strong is it and how much did you pay for it?
Thx,
Andreas
I think it's this one: http://www.amazon.de/UltraFire-WF-501-1Watt-UV-Taschenlampe/dp/B004S7WFIG/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1394317377&sr=8-13&keywords=uv+flashlight
I rigged it to the Ikea lamp power supply..
EdSawyer
8-Mar-2014, 19:10
I will see if I can look up my rangefinder settings for the Kalart with the AE. I was able to get it to calibrate one hundred percent down to minimum focus with a fair bit of effort. I just have to compromise very slightly on infinity focus but since I rarely shoot it at that length it was fine to do so. The end result was that infinity was not exactly at infinity between the rangefinder and the groundglass. But that compromise allowed the rangefinder to calibrate at all other distances excellently. By stopping down to f/4or 5.6 Infinity was in focus at the infinity rangefinder distance anyway.
Those Kalarts aren't necessarily consistent. Almost every one I've worked on didn't have the exact same calibration settings. Some were easier, one I had was completely impossible. It wouldn't even get close. I trashed it and used fresh mechanism from a different camera. I think I've calibrated about 6 AE/Speed cameras to be about perfect - but only if your eye was dead-center in the window!
tigger_six
9-Mar-2014, 03:36
I have spent maybe 5 hours now alternating between 4ft and 15ft, but it seems impossible to find a good configuration. Worst of all, the front scale moves forward and backward in addition to up/down, which makes large changes to the image alignment. I'm thinking about just buying a new rangefinder and swapping...
I was delighted to discover that a fellow photographer in my area has a "Aero-Speed" set-up. We met for lunch yesterday to discuss my interest. He brought along his camera and I had the opportunity to spend some quality time "playing". What a wonderful lens and camera combination. I came to a few conclusions (i.e. personal opinions). First, my initial thought of primarily using a tripod for my future Aero-Speed is a good idea - that is one heavy combination. Second, the Jo Lommen lens board, lens hood, filter holder are extremely well made and work perfectly with the Aero-Ektar and Pacemaker SG. Third, at f/2.5 composing and focusing via the ground glass and viewing hood was wonderfully easy. Lastly, to really maximize an Aero-Speed's unique properties for making photographs, I'll need to develop an "eye" for the types of situations, locations, and subjects that are enhanced by this terrific photographic tool.
I came away from this lunch meeting and opportunity to fondle an Aero-Speed with more enthusiasm for my project than every - what a wonderful camera/lens combination.
jcoldslabs
9-Mar-2014, 12:34
At f/2.5 composing and focusing via the ground glass and viewing hood was wonderfully easy.
The AE will spoil you in this regard. When I've used it for a while and then change to a more typical f/4.5 lens I think, "Who turned out the lights?"
Jonathan
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