Bausch & Lomb 15" Cooke Triplet

[rhbphoto]

<p>I am reorganizing my 8x10 kit for a portrait series. I've been reading with interest on vintage lenses and do like their "feel" for certain applications. I'm amazed at what some go for. I'd venture a guess 10 years ago they weren't this costly. I've come across a B&L 15" f6.8 Cooke triplet for not much money. Any thoughts? I don't want to invest a lot initially in this realm.<br>

Thanks</p>

[dan_fromm2]

<p>This http://www.ebay.com/itm/15-380mm-f-6-8-Brass-Cooke-Triplet-Configuration-B-L-Lens-4x5-5x7-8x10-/151589279730 ?</p>

<p>It is a projector lens, has no diaphragm and no shutter. I wouldn't go near it. On the other hand, if you can live with shooting it wide open in front of, say, a Packard or Sinar shutter, <em>and</em> can control exposure by controlling the lights <em>and</em> can afford to lose the money if the lens turns out to be unusable, why not?</p>

[dhbebb]

<p>Dan is right - this dealer seems to handling the estate of the world's greatest collector of B&L Cooke triplet projector lenses!<br>

By far the cheapest 8x10 lens that I know is this:<br>

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/INDUSTAR-11M-9-300mm-I-11M-Russian-LOMO-Lens-for-Wooden-Camera-FKD-or-projector-/191455705370?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item2c93a6391a<br>

Quite by chance, I've got one in mint condition in my desk drawer ...</p>

[dan_fromm2]

<p>Slightly more usable, has a diaphragm but no shutter. Soviet copy of CZJ Apo-Tessar.</p>