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Thread: Cooke XVa?

  1. #1

    Cooke XVa?

    Does anyone own one of these? Apart from the limited review on Clive Russ' website, I have been unable to find any user experience. I am considering one as a "do it all" lens for 8X10 (two samples with one shutter, so that I can have the complete range). Any thoughts?

  2. #2

    Cooke XVa?

    Don,

    I received mine in November, #019, and I love it! Very sharp and contrast is excellent. It is considerably better than my Turner-Reich, but that was to be expected:^). The only problem I have with it is remembering to make sure the aperture ring is correctly positioned for the focal length I am shooting, and that is usually when I am in a hurry. Rumor has it that they will be coming out with a 4x5 version, I will be getting one of those also. Email me if you want any particulars.

    Cheers

    Greg

  3. #3
    Geos
    Join Date
    Mar 2004
    Posts
    257

    Cooke XVa?

    I just received #52, and although I haven't shot with it yet, 6x groundglass views indicate excellent quality - price now up to $2500 for the optics only. I think that I'll add a 210 Angulon to the package for an ultra-portable (if one can say 8x10 is portable) travel package. I'll also be getting the 4x5 version if it becomes available.

  4. #4
    Vanannan
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
    Location
    Isle Of Man
    Posts
    521

    Cooke XVa?

    Hi Don
    I have recently taken delivery of a Cooke XVa and am delighted with its performance, resolution and evenness of illumination are excellent with all focal length combinations and therefore would thoroughly recommend it.

    Best wishes

    Tony

  5. #5

    Cooke XVa?

    Hi: I have owned one for a while now and I can echo all the comments. It is remarkably sharp and contrasty wide open. All 3 focal lengths cover my Canham 7x17 back, too. I haven't developed the negatives yet, but the image on the gg looked good. I bought the screw-on element caps that S.K. Grimes makes and they are a great idea. It makes putting down one of the elements a much less stressful action. This lens, combines with my 24cm Dagor a great combo. My Dagor is in barrel, but it screws directly into the front of a Copal #3 shutter. So I have one shutter and 4 focal lengths in my 8x10 outfit.

    Right now, I have a lot of fixed focal length 8x10 lenses sitting around gathering dust as a result of purchasing this lens.

    -Mike

  6. #6

    Join Date
    Jun 2001
    Posts
    348

    Cooke XVa?

    Mike, I would especially like to know how this lens performs with your 7x17 in the corners at infinity as I'm sure other forum members would. Emile

  7. #7

    Cooke XVa?

    Love this lens. Got #065 in August.

    Getting great negatives on 8x10.

  8. #8

    Cooke XVa?

    Hi Emile:

    Yes, I would like to know to<g>. The negatives are still in the holders and my darkroom is as yet still unpacked. I just moved into a new place. As soon as I know, I'll post the info. The image looke fine on the gg, but the real proof will be the negative.

    Take care.

    -Mike

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Dec 2001
    Location
    San Joaquin Valley, California
    Posts
    9,599

    Cooke XVa?

    Don,

    Jim Galli has an original in a Betax. I think he posted some of his photos that he'd taken with it on the APUG forum. Wonderful photos! I wonder if the ghost of AA had anything to do with it?
    "I would feel more optimistic about a bright future for man if he spent less time proving that he can outwit Nature and more time tasting her sweetness and respecting her seniority"---EB White

  10. #10

    Cooke XVa?

    Does anyone know of any comparison testing of the Cooke XVa lens compared to the latest Schneider or Rodenstock? I can only find glowing testimonials from people who have purchased the lens or in marketing literature. I use an old Caltar II-N 300mm lens and am sometimes disappointed when the sun is just outside the image circle. I shade very carefully with a Lee compendium shade. I sometimes wonder if the lens performance could be an issue (coating, for example.) I would consider spending the money for one of the Cooke XVa lenses if it is actually better than a 300mm Apo Symmar or the Apo Sironar-S (which costs about the same as the Cooke, in fact.) Are there any side by side tests by objective reviewers?

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