Kodak Ektar 127mm f/4.7 - opinions?

**Athiril** · 16-Jun-2009, 03:26

This is the lens thats coming with the 4x5 camera I bought.

Is it worthy of keeping? decent performance?

I like to do model shoots & landscapes mostly.

Just wanted opinions on if the lens is a keeper

**Mark Sampson** · 16-Jun-2009, 04:31

It's slightly wide-angle on 4x5; excellent sharpness, limited coverage. Standard issue on 4x5 Speed Graphics back in the day, but really meant for 3.25x4.25 format. I used one for 5 or 6 years before upgrading... a fine lens to start with, I'd suggest a 210mm to go with it. There's a great deal of information on lenses, and Kodak optics especially, on the front page of this site. A keeper? I still have the 1946 version I started with- just don't use it any more.

**Athiril** · 16-Jun-2009, 05:32

Cheers, I'll have to go hunting for images taken with it until it gets here.

Yeah a 210 sounds like a good idea, was also going to supplement with the 65mm Super Angulon f/8, but perhaps a 90 might be a better choice for landscapes.

**venchka** · 16-Jun-2009, 06:02

Use it. Use it a lot. I use my 1953 edition. Great lens.

**Michael N. Meyer** · 16-Jun-2009, 06:17

I had one and used it a lot before loaning it to a friend when he found a free 4x5. It was super sharp in the center but the corners of 4x5 suffered. This worked for the project I was shooting at the time. Now I'm much happier with my 125mm Fujinon--though I do hope to get the 127 back, eventually.

**venchka** · 16-Jun-2009, 06:26

Originally Posted by Michael N. Meyer

I had one and used it a lot before loaning it to a friend when he found a free 4x5. It was super sharp in the center but the corners of 4x5 suffered. This worked for the project I was shooting at the time. Now I'm much happier with my 125mm Fujinon--though I do hope to get the 127 back, eventually.

I didn't loan my Ektar to anyone. I liked it so much that I also bought the 125mm Fujinon lens. I will never ever loan that lens to anybody. I really like 125mm-127mm lenses on 4x5. I put the 127mm Ektar back on my speed Graphic where it belongs. Hand held. Rangefinder focusing. Awesome!

**Patrick Dixon** · 16-Jun-2009, 06:26

Originally Posted by Athiril

Cheers, I'll have to go hunting for images taken with it until it gets here.

Here's one:

**Ernest Purdum** · 16-Jun-2009, 08:52

The 127mm is a good match for a Graphic. Many years ago, newspaper photographers discovered that it was easier to do their work with a lens really intended for 3 1/4" X 4 1/4' use, which the 127mm was. Fcussing was a little less critical, as was framing.

A problem arises when one of these lenses winds up on a view camera. They barely cover 4" X 5 ", leaving no room for movements at all. With a 120 rollfilm back they can be appropriate, but not on cutfilm.

**John Kasaian** · 16-Jun-2009, 09:10

What Ernest says. I do use mine with sheet film however (with a speeder, movements aren't really an issue) Quality-wise, the results speak for themselves! It is a fine little lens, just be mindful of the coverage limitation and you'll get beautiful images. If swings and tilts etc...are what you're after, you'll likely want to invest in a second lens (FWIW the 203 Ektar or it's Wollensak clone are very fine lower cost alternatives to a 210mm)