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Thread: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter

  1. #1

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    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?

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    Thank goodness it came with the threaded shutter retaining ring I was so excited I didn’t check till now! Lens fever

    Paul
    Dallas Texas HABS / HAER / HALS Photography
    Photographer/Author Marfa Flights: Aerial Views of Big Bend Country (Texas A&M University Press)
    Petroleum Oil Pics

  2. #2

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    Sonora, California
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    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.
    Last edited by BradS; 13-Feb-2018 at 12:28.

  3. #3
    Matt Alexander
    Join Date
    Nov 2017
    Location
    Wisconsin
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    106

    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.

  4. #4

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    now in Tucson, AZ
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    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!

  5. #5

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    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

  6. #6

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    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.
    Dallas Texas HABS / HAER / HALS Photography
    Photographer/Author Marfa Flights: Aerial Views of Big Bend Country (Texas A&M University Press)
    Petroleum Oil Pics

  7. #7

    Join Date
    Jan 2007
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    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....


    Bodega Bay by Brad S, on Flickr

  8. #8

    Join Date
    Dec 2005
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    El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncula
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    5,808

    Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter

    I too have had many good experiences with that lens.

  9. #9

    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Tucson AZ
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    Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter

    +1 - works well. Better than I expected it to be.

  10. #10

    Join Date
    Feb 2015
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    Dallas, Texas
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    Re: Optar 135mm f/4.7 w/Graphex shutter

    Love the camping pic.

    Sounds like many of you have fondness for this lens.
    Dallas Texas HABS / HAER / HALS Photography
    Photographer/Author Marfa Flights: Aerial Views of Big Bend Country (Texas A&M University Press)
    Petroleum Oil Pics

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