What is an Alto-W 150mm F/5.6 lens?

**newmoon2night** · 4-Jun-2010, 23:19

Can anyone tell me what an Alto-W lens is please?
Never heard of one before, and curious, having seen one for sale.
Thanks

**Oren Grad** · 4-Jun-2010, 23:28

Yamasaki Congo, though evidently that focal length is no longer current.

**newmoon2night** · 5-Jun-2010, 02:42

Originally Posted by Oren Grad

Yamasaki Congo, though evidently that focal length is no longer current.

Thanks.
Are they good do you know?
Can anyone indicate what a reasonable price used would be?
I've done a Google search before posting the questions, but can't find any useful information.

**Oren Grad** · 5-Jun-2010, 08:37

I don't know specifically about the Alto-W series. In general, the rap on Congo has been that the lenses can be quite good for the price, but that quality control isn't up to the standards of the larger makers so you need to watch out for sample variation.

Given that first-rate late-model 150mm plasmats from the big four - Rodenstock, Schneider, Nikon, Fuji - are so cheap on the used market these days, the price would have to be very low to make it worth bothering, unless you are curious to find out for yourself how this particular lens behaves.

**newmoon2night** · 5-Jun-2010, 23:41

Originally Posted by Oren Grad

I don't know specifically about the Alto-W series. In general, the rap on Congo has been that the lenses can be quite good for the price, but that quality control isn't up to the standards of the larger makers so you need to watch out for sample variation.

Given that first-rate late-model 150mm plasmats from the big four - Rodenstock, Schneider, Nikon, Fuji - are so cheap on the used market these days, the price would have to be very low to make it worth bothering, unless you are curious to find out for yourself how this particular lens behaves.

Thanks Oren, for a very clear answer.