Ilex Caltar 14 3/4 - filter options?

[tach]

Hello,

I have a nice Caltar 14 3/4 which I'd like to use filters with.



I think the original option could have been a series filter/adapter, but can not find any specification. Measured the O.D of the front cell and is 84.3 mm. This I think is bigger than a Commercial Ektar 14' which used series IX filters.

There is a thread in the front cell as well, with a 75.3 mm diameter, so maybe 77 mm filters would fit?

Anybody has better info or even a better idea using modern filters - ie, can I adapt somehow a lee filter holder to it?

[Luis-F-S]

I'd contact SK Grimes and see what filters/adaptors he may suggest. Please post for those who may have that lens.

[Neal Chaves]

tach,

The 14 3/4" Caltar was my first 8X10 lens, but I don't think I ever used filters with it and soon replaced it with a 355mm G Claron. One approach I have used successfully on several lenses has been to use a step-up ring to a common filter size. If I can find a close drop-in fit, I glue it in place with black RTV. In other cases, where the step-up won't drop in, or might be cross threaded, I file down the male threads until it fits and then seal it in place with RTV. This mod is non-destructive, and although the filter ring is held in as securely as ever needed, it can still be removed without damage to the lens.

[Greg Y]

Hello,

I have a nice Caltar 14 3/4 which I'd like to use filters with.



Anybody has better info or even a better idea using modern filters - ie, can I adapt somehow a lee filter holder to it?

Tach, one trick I learned from my friend Jay Dusard, when i was using a 90 superangulon XL on a 4x10.... You can make a simple holder by cutting a hole in a small square piece of foam core mounting board. Then you glue a gel filter on the front. These holders slip on the lens with a friction fit & last almost forever. They have the advantage of being very thin, so vignetting is not a problem.

[Tin Can]

Good idea!

I will do that

[tach]

Tach, one trick I learned from my friend Jay Dusard, when i was using a 90 superangulon XL on a 4x10.... You can make a simple holder by cutting a hole in a small square piece of foam core mounting board. Then you glue a gel filter on the front. These holders slip on the lens with a friction fit & last almost forever. They have the advantage of being very thin, so vignetting is not a problem.

That's a very clever idea!

[tach]

Hi all, many thanks for the suggestions. I was aware of skgrimes, but was leaving it as my last resort, as I'm in Ireland, and customs, VAT, shipping, add up. At least have a fallback options, if other things do not pan out as well.

I managed to source some images from the 1970s Calumet catalog; it seems that effectively it uses a series 9 filter. It even gives a product code for the adapter, 85SS9, probably unobtainable by now.


I'll try to source a push adapter for the outside cell diameter, 85mm, while doing some bricolage meanwhile.




According to Calumet every Caltar of this generation is a 4 element lens - it doesn't jive with some rumors I read that the 14 3/4 Caltar is a triplet.