Ernest - these things were not rare. Finding one in this condition is the unusual part. I've seen many that were seized, gutted, or rendered inoperable. I've also seen many where the lens elements were trashed. This one has all of the elements.
Donald, I think it would cover 8x10 for portraits. But an 18" PVC pipe that would serve as rigid body, lens shade and back holder for a night / rain landscape remote camera would be rather intimidating! And yes - if that counter is correct, it's got some life in it! Maybe it is destined to become the ultimate Texas Leica - 9" roll film hand-holdable rangefinder for giants. Hmmm.
It does seem that the best thing would be to construct a new aluminum barrel with a slot for waterhouse stops and then just have an interesting, fast 24" lens. The lens is very nicely coated, and unlike the Ektars, it is not tea colored - I'm sure that the speed of the lens is as stated.
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