Mystery Kyvytar 240mm f/6.8 in Copal #1

[senash]

I’m often on the lookout for the Computar or Kyvytar 240mm lens with 11x14 coverage. These lenses are always in Copal #3 or 3S shutters as far as I’ve seen. One appeared recently on eBay that has the same focal length, convertibility, maximum aperture, etc., but is in a Copal #1 shutter. I assume it’s a different lens? I can find no references to something like it online, although I know the available information on Kyvytar glass is lacking. Or maybe this is the usual Kyvytar that has been machined into a smaller shutter somehow?

Here’s the listing for reference. I’d consider bidding if it’s the lens that I’m after, but I have my doubts: https://www.ebay.com/itm/304520298192?hash=item46e6d2fed0:g:VHMAAOSwYutioStP

The seller lists it as covering 11x14, but I messaged them and they were quite ignorant about the lens. Just pasted info they found online about the Copal #3 version.

[Lachlan 717]

Possibly a rebranded Computar Symmetrigon.

[Keith Pitman]

The Computar 240 that I have is indeed in a Copal S. Here’s an old thread about a Kyvytar 240 also in a Copal 3S. Not sure how it would fit a #1.

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?95120-240mm-f6-8-Kyvytar-Same-as-240-f9-Computar-in-Copal-3S-ULF-11X14&highlight=Kyvytar

[Oren Grad]

I think the Symmetrigons were only 150/180/210 focal lengths and f/6.3 maximum aperture. I've never seen mention of a 240 Symmetrigon.

[fuegocito]

I have not seen a 240mm Kyvytar before but I do have a 210mm Kyvytar(Copal 1 shutter), and I can say with absolute certainty that it's not the same animal as the 210mm Kowa Graphic and Computar. While the 210mm Computar/Kowa Graphic do cover 11x14, the 210mm Kyvytar illuminates about 380mm on my 11x14 ground glass.

[Oren Grad]

AFAIK, the mega-coverage Computars/Kowas are all marked for f/9 and are not factory-labeled as convertible. This f/6.8 convertible looks to be a different animal.

[Dan Fromm]

Hmm. I don't have the time to plow through this https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?10255-The-Computar-lens-and-ULF-coverage just now. Happy searching!

[xkaes]

I think the Symmetrigons were only 150/180/210 focal lengths and f/6.3 maximum aperture. I've never seen mention of a 240 Symmetrigon.

I've got a Kyvytar catalog, and it confirms the above.

It also lists APO-Kyvytar convertible lenses -- f6.8 in shutters and f9 in barrel. The only ones listed in #1 shutters are the 150mm & 210mm f6.8.

It goes on to state that the f6.8 APO-Kyvytar convertible lenses are the same formula as the f9 APO-Kyvytar convertible lenses -- previously sold as COMPUTAR.

It lists the f6.8 240mm as having an 86 degree angle of view and a 438mm IC and a #3 shutter.

Perhaps the f9 240mm could fit in a #1 shutter.

[Oren Grad]

It lists the f6.8 240mm as having an 86 degree angle of view and a 438mm IC and a #3 shutter.

Perhaps the f9 240mm could fit in a #1 shutter.

Good information, thanks. So that leaves us the mystery of having a convertible-marked 240mm f/6.8 in a #1 shutter.

[xkaes]

Good information, thanks. So that leaves us the mystery of having a convertible-marked 240mm f/6.8 in a #1 shutter.

Lens and shutter adapters are pretty easy to come by. I have a few myself -- but they often come with limitations. Can I put a 300mm f4.5 lens on a #0 shutter? Probably, but I won't waste my time.

We've all seen lenses on shutters they were not designed for.

[Bob Salomon]

Lens and shutter adapters are pretty easy to come by. I have a few myself -- but they often come with limitations. Can I put a 300mm f4.5 lens on a #0 shutter? Probably, but I won't waste my time.

We've all seen lenses on shutters they were not designed for.

But if you could mount it in that 0 shutter it would no longer be a 300mm 4.5 lens.

[jnantz]

The seller lists it as covering 11x14, but I messaged them and they were quite ignorant about the lens. Just pasted info they found online about the Copal #3 version.

if it is like the computar symetrigon ( 150 f6.3 ) I have maybe it will illuminate / cover that big sheet of film. mine was and has been used on a 8x10 with no issue.
have fun!