Is this a meniscus lens?

[Simon Benton]

I noticed this lens on the auction site and thought it might be an old meniscus lens. I won the auction for a very low price so even if it is worthless I have not lost much. Was I correct in thinking it might be a meniscus lens? I realise that when I receive the lens I will know but any information in the meantime gratefully received. I am really enjoying playing with soft focus lenses - some of the effects are really intriguing.

[DanK]

Looks similar to the lens I have here...

http://www.largeformatphotography.in...ad.php?t=70000

Thanks,
Dan

[Jim Galli]

Yes, it should be an achromatic meniscus doublet and without the neckdown up front it should have a fine soft focus look to it. Have fun.

[Steven Tribe]

These meniscus landscape lenses were quite popular as the cheap option on Poco/Premo cycle type cameras. Shutter may not be too reliable, though.

[Fotoguy20d]

I was keeping an eye on that lens (mostly out of curiosity as I have one just like it). Mine is a cemented doublet and quite a nice performer stopped down a bit. Attached were with a 4x5 Speed and Delta 100. I've never tried removing the front aperture - not sure how for that matter.

Dan

[Simon Benton]

Thank you all for the replies. I am looking forward to receiving the lens and trying it out.

[walter23]

I've never tried removing the front aperture - not sure how for that matter.

Dan

It may just screw off, similar to removing the front elements of a lens. Wish I could find one of these. I have a few odd meniscus lenses but they're from smaller formats (crappy old 620 roll film cameras and stuff). May have to just buy a new one from surplus shed; same thing, just not as cool looking.

BTW, anyone else notice people have gotten greedy with their old crappy camera listings? I see so many cruddy old folding ratty cameras (kodak 620s and such) listing in the hundreds of dollars on ebay these days.

[walter23]

Like this:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...m=350176663834

Is the seller on crack? Or laundering money from the sales of such? Yeesh.

[Fotoguy20d]

Is the seller on crack? Or laundering money from the sales of such? Yeesh.

That seller is notorious for his priciing

[walter23]

That seller is notorious for his priciing

Well, I didn't know about him, but it's not just that guy and photoarsenal and gokevincameras; lots of other sellers are putting up junky old box cameras and stuff for hundreds and hundreds of dollars.