3 Attachment(s)
Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
I found this little gem and grabbed it as it came with the lense hood and lense cap — all in an old film can :) A few questions:
1. Will it cover 4x5?
2. Will it fit Copal 0 lens board (sorry don’t have one to check).
3. If you have used one, how did it perform?
Attachment 174690
Attachment 174691
Attachment 174692
Thank goodness it came with the threaded shutter retaining ring I was so excited I didn’t check till now! Lens fever :)
Paul
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
This was for many years a standard lens for the 4x5 Crown Graphic. It is fairly pedestrian 4 elements in 3 groups, Tessar design.
1) Yes it covers 4x5 straight on.
2) Yes, the shutter will fit in a hole intended for a copal #0.
3) I have two. It is my most used lens (I'm a Crown Graphic user) It performs about as expected for a 60 year old Tessar. I like 'em a lot. Others poo-poo them. YMMV.
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
I second what BradS says.
I like them, been happy with them. Covers 4x5 fine even with some movements. I recently acquired a similar aged Zeiss and looking at the negs under magnification side-by-side I can't tell the difference.
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
The lens, like the shutter, was made by Wollensak, OEM'd for Graflex. Standard fitting on 4x5 Speed and Crown Graphics after WW2. A very good-quality, if under-rated lens. Have fun!
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
An OK lens!!!
Some pros I worked for wanted a "landscape" lens (after using modern lenses in the studio), and were pleasantly surprised by the (they said) "old world look" they got...
Shade them well, but don't expect a big IC, but are pretty with B/W handled well...
Steve K
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
Thanks to all. Love all the history and experiences shared. I appreciate that. Sounds like it’s usable for the 4x5 hiking camera I’m putting together for landscapes. The imperfect character works for me and ads charm. Also, the shade will prove useful to reduce flare. Shutter sounds very snappy.
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
I think you'll enjoy it for that purpose. Here's an example....hand held, range finder focused, crown graphic....
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4123/...04f78be2_b.jpg
Bodega Bay by Brad S, on Flickr
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
I too have had many good experiences with that lens.
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
+1 - works well. Better than I expected it to be.
Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter
Love the camping pic.
Sounds like many of you have fondness for this lens.