I gave in to temptation (once again) and just bought a 250mm Heliar from ebay. The glass looks good and it was only $200, vintage 1934. There is a catch, of course. The shutter only fires at one speed (1/50s?) and the little metal guide for the cable release is missing. The Z-M-B lever is said to be working, and the shutter will fire. I'm thinking compounds are pretty simple beasts and this should be repairable. But by who? Flutot would be my first choice but I know she's backed up for quite awhile. Surely there is someone else out there who can do these. I might have to buy a donor shutter but that's OK. I've been wanting a 240/250mm uncoated Heliar for quite some time. I have a 150mm and just love it! A 250mm should be a great portrait lens on my 5x7, and tight portrait for the 4x5 as well. Haven't seen the lens yet of course, but so far I'm feeling good for $200.


Kent in SD