I am looking at two 215mm lenses for possible use on 8x10. One is an f/6.3 Ilex Acutar. The other is an f/4.8 Ilex Calumet, Series S Caltar.

Anyone out there still have the lens specs on these? I have checked a number of websites but can't find these specific lenses. If anyone also has any performance info on them it would be helpful.

-- Dan Smith (shooter@brigham.net), May 29, 2000

Answers

The Graflex lens list has the Caltar S and something called an Acuton at f/6.3. They're the only two 215mm lenses listed, so that may be what you're looking for.

http://www.graflex.org/lenses/lens-spec.html

The Caltar is listed at 301mm, the Acuton at 305.

Paul

-- Paul D. Robertson (proberts@clark.net), May 30, 2000.

If you want 210mm to cover 8x10 with any movements, you are going to have to spend some cash. The Schneider Super Symmar HM will yield a 356mm circle at f/22. Rodenstock's APO Sironar-W is the next one down at 352mm. An old Angulon will cover 382mm at f/16, and a Super Angulon will give you a 500mm circle.

The Angulon will be the least expensive, but I would hazard a guess that it will still be very pricey.

-- Bruce Gavin (doc@compudox.com), May 30, 2000.