Kodak Ektar 127/4.7 lens, from what era/time frame?

[rich815]

I picked one of these classic lenses a few years back for a nice price and in very nice condition but only recently began to use it. Made some very nice portraits on a camping trip this weekend. I know most of these lenses came off Speed Graphics so I'm guessing these are from the 1940's and 1950's? And clarification or refined history anyone can give? People I photographed were very curious and I could not say for sure. Thanks.

[DrTang]

Camerosity


that work them?

the first two letters of the serial number

C=1
A =2
M=3

and so on

[Oren Grad]

The name of the game is... CAMEROSITY!

http://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?99915-CAMEROSITY-Dating-Kodak-Lenses

[rich815]

Ok thanks. Had heard and forgetten about that. And did not know it applied to Ektars too.' I'll look tonight at my lens. But was my 1940's - 1950's estimate within "range"?

[Oren Grad]

But was my 1940's - 1950's estimate within "range"?

Yes, right on target.

[Mark Sampson]

The first Kodak lenses labeled 'Ektar' were made in 1940, the last around 1967. Full production did not really begin until 1945-46, after the war was won. The several 127/4.7 versions I've owned were all made in the late '40s, and I've never seen one made after the mid-50s. Anecdotal evidence to be sure, but I did work for 25 years in the building where those lenses were made. The 127s are fine lenses and although designed for 3-1/4x4-1/4, they are useful on 4x5. Their admittedly limited coverage is not as big a problem as some might think.

[rich815]

Just got home and checked mine. It's an OY, so that's much later than I thought: 1960! And it's got the circle-L so coated too. I'll take that I guess.

151747

[Bill_1856]

Weren't most of the WW2 military Speed Graphics furnished with this lens?

[Mark Sampson]

Wilhelm, that's correct. At least most of the military Speeds I've seen have had them... the first 127/4.7 I owned/used was on a 1946 3x4 Speed Graphic. Still have it somewhere. I think EK began to get out of the LF lens business after 1960 or so. Most of the newer Graphics i've seen have had 'Graflex Optar' lenses made by Wollensak, or even later, by Rodenstock. Again, an impression... any real information about Kodak production will be at the George Eastman Museum now.