Testing the Biotar

<p>Following on from my recent post featuring the Exakta Varex IIa with the CZJ 58mm f/2 Biotar lens ( http://www.photo.net/classic-cameras-forum/00dU0U) I'll post some images from the first film through the combination. Spring arrived at last, warm and sunny but with very harsh light. However, the pyro developer kept contrast in check and I was pleased with the results. While the pics are a little routine, they suggest that the Biotar lives up to it's reputation as a very sharp lens. Kentmere 100 developed in PMK Pyro, scans from the Epson V700.</p><div></div>

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<p>Hi Rick,<br>

<br />Great shots. The biotar is an odd design, I only have its russian clones, but they are good. Where do you get the pyrocat from. It seems to handle contrast changes, and differences, well. Greetings from Oz (we were planning a NZ expedition later this year, but the Oz dollar has collapsed - the sad fate of being a mine and dairy. So it goes.<br>

<br />Regards, Apiarist1 (Arthur)</p>

<p><strong>Arthur</strong>, sorry to hear about your expedition; mind you, the NZ dollar has dropped in tandem with the Aussie dollar, so it's not all bad from a trans-Tasman point of view. I buy the PMK Pyro from Freestyle Photographic Supplies in the US, and it's costing me about 15% more than it did a year go. Luckily, a little goes a long way.</p>

<p>Excellent. I particularly like those trains. Never used an Exacta before, they are really gorgeous. it's good to see you and a few members are active on this forum.</p>

<p>Rick - these are really good, and show great detail.</p>

<p>Rick - may I ask how you scan your images? I have a V600 scanner, and have tried the Epson software, Vuescan and Silverfast (the latter not being very user friendly) and am unable to get the high quality that your images exhibit. Thank you.</p>

<p><strong>rajmohan</strong>, I'm currently using an Epson V700 scanner, a little better than the V600, but the difference really wouldn't noticeable at this size. I get better results with Silverfast, though it does take perseverance to use it confidently. I quite like The Epson software, but Vuescan was just a little too basic. These scans were using Silverfast SE at 2400 dpi. Quite often I scan twice or even three times, altering curves and levels, until I get the image I want.</p>

<p>Thank you Rick - I'll just have to persevere! :)</p>

<p>In my experience, Biotars, as found today, can vary a bit in their performance, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with yours, <strong>Rick</strong>. You couldn't want for any more sharpness than what your images demonstrate. I find locomotives to be interesting subjects, and I enjoyed these images, thanks. :)</p>

<p>Very nice results, Rick. That Biotar is a remarkable lens and your combination of Kentmere 100 and PMK Pyro is magical. Thanks.</p>

<p>Love the pix, Rick! Great tones and contrast, as usual. I can always spot one of your photos on the web--nice! BTW, love the loco pix--those Kiwi Rail engines look new..<br>

Paul</p>

<p>Looks great Rick, glad that your Exakta and Biotar delivers. A good Biotar in the right hands is a wonderful thing, and has a nice look at wide apertures too.<br>

I do love those train pics, classic rail with a classic camera, makes one drool!</p>

<p>Good examples of what this transformational lens can still do.</p>

<p>Not a new design by any standard, being a double-Gauss design from the late 1800's with good sharpness, good flat field performance, and low contrast due to the high number of air to glass surfaces. <br /> Lens coatings revolutionized the contrast problem in the postwar Biotar.</p>

<p>The late Herbert Keppler explained it more succinctly and actually sent one down to the lab and had it tested against the latest Nikkor:<br /> http://keppler.popphoto.com/blog/2007/04/inside_straight.html</p>

<p>Note that it is also available in M42 mount which means that you can lash it up to many digital SLR's for some fun. I have one and it's awesome on my Sony Alpha.</p>

<p>Interesting link, <strong>Michael</strong>, many thanks.</p>

<p>because I cannot easil see/read long threads.<br>

it may have been mentioned.<br>

hrtbrt keppler "sneaked in" an old biotar<br>

among several modern lenses<br>

the biotar did very well.<br>

very close to the batch of japanese lenses.</p>

 

Beautiful Images.. I've used this film, I have M42 Russian Biotars, My scanenr is probaly not sooo good..

But nobody comes close to your work Rick. We all like to blame not having the same gear etc.., but let's

face it. You've got the eye of the tiger.

I've been mesmerized from double gaussian designs. I am very pleased with the Color Planar (you featured

that also recently ..right? ) An I have used an Ultron with a Voiglaender that also perfromed nicely. One day

...a Biotar will grace either my M42 or Exakta too. BTW You didn't comment too much on using this in

tandem with the Varex IIa.. I guess you covered the camera pretty well in the previous post eh?