Recommend A Trashy But Interesting 8x10 Lens?

[Ari]

Hi,
I thought I'd defer to the experts for this one.
I've shot portraits on 8x10 with a Caltar 360 and Commercial Ektar 12" but I'm looking for something different, with a garbage-y mystique.
Something of lesser quality (quality being somewhat subjective) than a modern multicoated lens, but with a look all its own.
A lens that isn't afraid to showcase its flaws.

I was thinking of a Turner-Reich convertible; they usually come up for about $100 in a shutter.

Your thoughts?

[Erik Larsen]

Try a magnifying glass with a Packard shutter. Relatively sharp in the middle and depending on the size of the glass pretty fast also. It definitely has a garbagey look too it
Erik

[Ari]

Hmm, thanks, Erik;
I think that's too much trash, and not enough mystique.
I'm not really looking for a swirly lens, or a Holga/hipster type lens; just one that does an interesting job, if not a good one.

[j.e.simmons]

I use a Rapid Rectilinear made no later than 1917. $15.50 on eBay years ago. I like the softer, less contrasty look. When used with green x-ray film, it gives a really old look to the image.
juan

[Louis Pacilla]

Hey Ari.

You could give a 300mm/360mm f4.5 Heliar a try. sounds like it might fit the bill.
Here's Dan's Heliar page.
http://www.antiquecameras.net/heliarlenses.html
It will try and explain it's qualities but trying one first would be best.

[John Kasaian]

Smear a little vaseline on whatever lens you already have.

[cowanw]

I know what you want: a Dallmeyer Adon variable focus telephoto lens

[Ari]

Thanks everyone.
I've decided to go with a Heliar Variable Rectilinear Telephoto Magnifying Convertible lens.
Smeared with Vaseline, of course.

That should show up in quite a few searches.

[Tim Meisburger]

Damn! Now that you have endorsed it, the price of these previously affordable lenses will skyrocket!

[Mark Sawyer]

Will that be the achromatic, non-achromatic, or apochromatic Vaseline?