135mm Wide Field Ektar

[everheul]

I just stumbled on to a 135mm Wide Field Ektar on ebay that came with a 5x7 camera I bought, that has yet to arrive. Assuming the lens is in decent condition (I know it's a big assumption), what kind of performance can I expect with the 5x7 format? How well does this lens handle color?

 

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Thanks

 

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Eric

[neal_shields]

The Sept/Oct 1997 Photo Techniques did a review of a 10" Wide Field

Ektar and compaired it to a modern top of the line Rodenstock. I

would suspect that much of what they found would also apply to your

135.

 

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They said things like the Ektar "was never better than top-of-the-

line modern glass"

 

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I think that they are talking more about B&W but they also say: "With

pictures made in dim, soft, but full range light, the venerable

classic delivered results very nearly indistinguishable from the

modern lenses."

 

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Flare was the major area where they were critical of the design: "if

your favorite shooting scenario is the Mojave desert at high

noon...you will prefer a first rate modern lens."

 

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On the whole, I would say that they liked the lens but you can order

back issues and read for yourself.

 

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Neal

[asher_b_galloway]

The image circle for the 135 WF Ektar is 229mm.This will cover 5x7

with no movements to speak of.These lenses were not multicoated but

many of the later ones were single coated.The Ektar brand of Kodak

lenses were advertized as being specially designed for color

work.I've got a 195 mm WF Ektar I ues for 5x7 and I am very pleased

with it.When you are dealing with lenses of this vintage you can't

expect the sharpness and contrast of the latest offering from the big

4 lens makers.But you do get a much smaller and lighter lens if

that's a consideration.Also the damage to your bank account will be

much less.Have you checked on the price of a center weighted filter

for a Super Angulon lately.If you need maximum movements,sharpness,or

contrast than you will have to make the investment.Good luck

[chauncey_walden]

Eric, if your 135mm WF Ektar turns out to be anything like the one on

my 5x7, you will not be disappointed. Also see:

http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/testing.html

Enjoy!

[jim_galli4]

..and here; http://www.hevanet.com/cperez/cameras/ektar_list.html

Any lens that resolves 60 lines is stunning on my camera. Have fun.

[everheul]

Thanks for the advice. I can hardly wait for it to arrive.

[mark_sampson]

I use this lens for 4x5. It's a favorite but it will be very wide on

5x7- not much extra coverage. The real difference between this lens

and a modern multi-coated is in contrast. Visible if you look

carefully but not a problem IMHO. Enjoy!