203mm 7.5 Optar?

[AgentX]

I've been looking for a 203mm Ektar for some time. Came across the coated 203mm 7.5 Optar for cheap on the auction site...quick research indicated it was a symmetrical Dialyte design and not a Tessar, though nothing seemed conclusive or authoritative. Sure seems like a re-branded Ektar, though...hoping so. It's in a Graphex shutter.

Bought it on a lark. Anyone have experience with the lens? And will a Graphex shutter fit into a Copal 0 or 1 board?

Thanks!

[Shen45]

So it was you !!

From what I have heard it is a very competent dialyte - some use the term sleeper. The Rapax is a very good shutter. Size, I'm not sure. When I get a new lens I pull out the holes saws and 10 minutes later have a new board.

Steve

[jp]

I've got one, and it's nice. Sharp and pleasing smooth at the same time, sort of like a Tessar; I have not researched it's design. Mine came in a board already, but drilling or cutting a new board isn't a problem.

pic my wife did with it:

[Michael Roberts]

great lens, and no, it won't fit a copal hole. graphex size 1, I think.

[EdWorkman]

I use one from time to time, on a homemade p&s to make 2"x9" pans on 120 film.
I usually shoot it at f32 to make 'sure' i have things in focus- Seems to do a good job

[AgentX]

Thanks all for the input. I have several metal lensboards laying around with holes pre-drilled; maybe I can press something into service, or one will be too small and I can have it re-bored for use with this shutter.

It'll be a few months before I can get to shooting again but will try and give a report on the lens someday...

[Lens Boards]

I handled one at Arlington Camera back in 99. I didn't buy it because it was too expensive ($375!). It was very clearly a dialyte just like a 203mm Ektar. My 1965/66 Graflex catalog shows it also, but without any optical diagram. If I could find one for the same price I paid for my 203mm Ektar, I would grab it up.

[AgentX]

cool; thanks!

[Larry H-L]

Yes, IMHO, exactly the same as the Ektar 203mm, except for coating color and shutter.

It is not a Tessar.

[Ivan J. Eberle]

I'd be happy to score either one, but they're not exactly the same.

For instance, an early Ektar requires a working Supermatic shutter, and the Optar a working Graflex/Rapax.

But the Ektar 203mm was also made for the European market as a Type 370, with the threads on the cells that fit directly into a Prontor or Compur (which also fit a modern Copal). Others will require expensive adaptation to fit a modern shutter.