10" Tele-Optar Lens

[Jeff Morfit]

I am considering purchasing a 10" Wollensak Tele-Optar lens to use on my 4x5 Graflexes. How is the image quality with a Tele-Optar? Has anyone on this list ever used one of these lenses, and if so do you have anything that you can post. Thanks in advance for any advice and help.

[Ron Stowell]

I have had two different 10" tele Optars. These are portrait lens and can be a little soft as far as focus. For general purpose use they are a very good lens.
The last one I purchased unfortunately had a worn out shutter and by the time I was able to find a replacement shutter I was in a money losing situation; so I suggest that you look very hard at the price befor buying.
Unfortunately I'm away from by photo room now so I can't post photos taken with these lens.

[Michael Graves]

I have one in fairly good condition. The glass is clean and the shutter is good. I am generally pleased with the results when absolute sharpness is not the goal. As Ron says, they are a bit soft. It is a good all round lens for portraits. It is not my favorite for architectural shots. Which is good, because the image circle is really small.

[E. von Hoegh]

And front movements with a tele will make a saint swear. Rear movements are OK and do not place any demands on the tiny image circle.