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View Full Version : Protarlinse VS Collinear


qiutaolee
28-Jul-2005, 19:54
Which one is better in photo image between Protarlinse and Collinear?thank you!
Ernest Purdum
28-Jul-2005, 20:32
Your question is difficult to answer because there were several very different lenses called "Protar", or in German Protarlinse. There were also more than one type of Collinear. Do you know the "Series" of the lenses in question?

Both are now very old lenses and condition is going to be much more important than type as long as the type is suitable for the sort of work you intend.
qiutaolee
29-Jul-2005, 18:05
Oh!yes,I mean Zeiss Protarlinse Series VII VS Collinear Series II f/6.3,both in EX condition.I just want to choice one type between Zeiss Protarlinse Series VII VS Collinear Series II f/6.3 for my 8x10.thanks!
Ernest Purdum
29-Jul-2005, 19:06
We quite often say "Series VII" when we really mean Series VIIa. Series VII has a single four element cell - no glass in front of the diaphragm. These would not be comparable to the Collinear. Series VIIa with two cells is one of the better of the early lenses. You can use a single cell of the VIIa to get a longer focal length, but the results are not the same as a combination. There are several threads on this forum which discuss use of the single cells of the Protar and other "convertible" lenses. If interested do a search for "Protar" and "convertible". The Protar should have a focal length of at least 11 7/8" (300mm) to be desirable for 8" X 10" use.

The Collinear was not advertised as a convertible. Like the better known "Dagor" it has three elements in each cell.and is "symmetrical", meaning that the rear cell is a mirror image of the front cell. It also is one of the better early lenses. All of the Series II f6.3 lenses were long enough to cover 8" X 10". (The shorter lenses were f5.6.) Again though, those 11 7/8" or longer would be a better choice.

Aside from the convertibility feature, these lenses are closely comparable to the extent that it would be better to choose by condition rather than type. Look for a grainy appearance at the edges of the glass. This is separation and is undesirable. After many years it is probable that there will be some cleaning marks, but look for which has less. Dont buy one which has a dent in one of the rims. The glass will probably be "strained" which is a significant defect..
qiutaolee
30-Jul-2005, 08:30
thank you very much!Ernest.
qiutaolee
30-Jul-2005, 19:45
by the way,how about is 250mm f/6.3 collinear on 8x10?