Carl Zeiss Tessar 18cm f/4.5 - Filter Size?

[AidanAvery]

I just picked received a Carl Zeiss Tessar (Nr 1057103) 18cm f/4.5. I would love to use some filters with it for b/w landscape work. Does anyone know where I can find the filter thread size info for this lens? I'm having no luck with it so far. I tried all my filters for my other lenses and cameras, no dice.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[BrianShaw]

Consider measuring the outside of the lens and use an appropriate slip-on Series filter adapter.

[Mark Sampson]

Many, if not most, older LF lenses do not have their lens barrels made to fit the modern filter sizes. The threads on the inside of the barrel are only there to assemble the lens.
Brian Shaw has the right idea... the Series filters have no threads and are held in place by a retaining ring. If you're persistent (and lucky) you might find the appropriate Series>mm adapter ring, as well. Then you could use modern threaded filters.

[AidanAvery]

Okay, very good to know. Thanks to you both. I'll look into finding the appropriate series filter adapter. Much appreciated.

[Bernice Loui]

Vintage lenses like this Zeiss Tessar often have non-standard or no threads on the front lens cell as using filters back then was not a standardized practice as would be done today. Series filter press on adapters work, they do risk abrasion on the outside ring of the front lens cell barrel due to their press fit design. Spring tension clip on filter holders are typically easier on the lens barrel. A simple non round (square or rectangular) filter can be held on to the front cell by creative application of rubber band (s)..

IMO, the ideal way is a camera mounted filter system. This can work easy with non standard lens diameters and requires a single set of filters unless the filter needed is a special. Previously discussed example in post# 15:

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?159902-12-quot-Goerz-Apo-Artar-Red-Dot-filter-size/page2


Bernice

[Dugan]

Tim at filterfind.net is a good source for Series filters & adapters.
If you want to throw money at the problem, SK Grimes makes beautiful custom slip-on adapters to allow standard-size screw-in filters that don't mar the finish on the lens barrel.

[Ron (Netherlands)]

48mm: barrel Tessars 18 cm f 4.5 on my Contessa Nettel cameras: Zeiss number of barrel: B VI 2 so-called b-mount

I have some 49mm close-up lenses which I also use with a step-down ring 49mm > 48mm on these Tessars.
Look for B+W 48E lenses and filters, although a bit rare.