Ilex Acutar 215mm f6.3

[Fotoguy20d]

I've tried researching this lens and information seems hard to come by. Supposedly a Tessar type of 1960s vintage, computer designed, with this name being B&J's badging of an Ilex something. Somewhere else, I read that its a Commercial Ektar design. Somewhere else, that image circle is around 305mm. Anyone have some firm info on it?

Thanks,
Dan

[Jan Pedersen]

The Acutar series of lenses have 4 lenses in 3 groups, not sure if that is a Tessar design but i am sure someone will chime in with a comment on that.
According to an old B&J Catalogue the 215 6.3 has an IC of only 9.4" or 238mm and a 58 degree of view.

[Fotoguy20d]

Jan,

Thanks. That IC sounds more reasonable. Which catalog did you find that in? I had looked on Camera Eccentric but didn't find the info - he only has 51 and 67 and I didn't see it in either (I think the lens is closer vintage to the latter)

Thanks,
Dan

[Mark Sawyer]

The Acutar 215mm f/6.3 is a Tessar formula, as are all the Commercial Ektars. I'd say it wouldn't cover 8x10. The Tessar is one of the most popular lens formulas ever, also being the formula for the Nikon M-Series, Xenars, Series I and II Velostigmats, etc.

The 215mm f/4.8 Ilex Acuton is a Plasmat, and will cover 8x10 nicely.

[cdholden]

Isn't the f4.8 Acuton also the one with the convertible iris scale?

[Jan Pedersen]

Dan, There's no date on the catalogue but i believe you are right, the lens is adverticed as sold in Copal 1 shutter and that would not be possible in 1951.

The 3 Acuton lenses listed in the catalogue 150mm, 190mm and the 215mm are all convertible lenses.
I have the 150/247 which covers 5x7

[Mark Sawyer]

Isn't the f4.8 Acuton also the one with the convertible iris scale?

Yup, converts to 14"/360mm. It's a great 8x10 lens if kept within its modest movements.