Info on Ilex Calumet 8 1/2" 215mm f6.3

[Jim Cole]

Just bought this lens for the Ilex shutter, but am now curious about the lens itself. I haven't received it yet so I can't do much but let curiosity get the best of me.

I can find references to the f4.5 and f5.6 (Caltar-S) versions of this lens, but not the 215mm Ilex Calumet Caltar f6.3 version itself.

Anyone familiar with this piece of glass? I'm interested in knowing the image circle and any interesting tidbits of info like the design type and characteristics.

Thanks,
Jim

[aduncanson]

Per Calumet it covers 64 deg. stopped down and is a 4 element design. Presumably it is a copy of the Kodak Commercial Ektar of the same dimensions, i.e., generically a Tessar.

http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/calumet_2.html

It should work very well for most 4x5 applications.

Good Luck

[aduncanson]

Oops, the link did not work the way I thought it would. Look at page 23 of that catalog for information on your lens.

[Mark Sampson]

A fine (and very under-rated) lens. Don't throw it away!

[Jim Cole]

Thanks folks.

a. Duncanson - I was thinking it was a tessar. I was hoping the coverage would be more for use on my whole plate, but I'll keep it for my 4x5. Thanks for the link. That's a great reference.

Mark -I'll have to play with this a bit and see where it shines. according to the link aduncanson provided, it looks like it may be good for color work, especially still life.

thanks again

[AJ Edmondson]

Mine covers 8x10 straight-on at infinity but any tilts or swings are out! The lens has always been a solid performer for me and I frequently use it for landscapes.

[Jim Cole]

AJ,

That's great to know. I thought maybe the Caltar-S series would cover 8x10 but I'm surprised that the plain 4 element Caltar does.

I'll check it out on my WP camera. Glad to hear that it performs well as a landscape lens. Must be fairly sharp corner to corner especially pushing the image circle to its limit.

Thanks for your input,

Jim

[Chauncey Walden]

I could see the Ilex 215mm f/4.8 (a plasmat) being coaxed into covering 8x10 but I can't imagine anything less than a 240mm Tessar type would make it.

[Dan Fromm]

Chauncey, depending on which authority one believes, f/6.3 tessar types can cover as much as 70 degrees. Faster tessar types have smaller coverage. A tessar is not a tessar is not a tessar ...

At 70 degrees, a 215 will just cover 8x10 with no movements.

Cheers,

Dan

[Chauncey Walden]

Dan, interesting and that's one I can put to the test. I have a 10" B&L f/6.3 Tessar. I know it covers 8x10 and I'll mount it up sometime and see just how much movement it is capable of.