101mm Wollensak Raptar f-4.5 Lens 4 color

[peter k.]

Checking comments on this lens.. it seems to have the reputation of being more of a portrait lens, with a soft focus on the edges when the lens is opened up. At f16 or f22 there seems to be an overall agreement that its then sharp at the edges, and good for landscapes. Yet there is a concern i have, with the lens opened up, say f8 that the soft focus will "... cause objectionable color fringing" in the corners because of the soft focus.
Anyone have any experence or comments on this lens and its use with color?

Quoted reference..
http://presscameras.graywolfphoto.com/luminosity.html

 

[greg zinselmeier]

it's a TESSAR type- 4/3. it's design is nor fully corrected for chromatic aberrations wide open. so yes, it will fringe! will it be objectionable???? who's asking????? 25 people in "this room" ,. . . yes. 25 people in "that room",. . . . No, 50 people in the third room ,. . . don't care. buy it, use it, test it out and see what you think! BY ONLY LOOKING AT YOUR RESULTS WILL YOU BE THE DECIDING VOTE. it will take time and money! do you have it???

 

[peter k.]

Your clarity is beyond compare...

 

[choiliefan]

Or as diffuse as the lens...

 

[greg zinselmeier]

you win some, you lose some! I have this lens and I have the kodak ektar 101mm f4.5. To my eyes they are the same. I USE THE EKTAR LENS ALOT as of late. particularly close up work about 20" - 36" ON THE VIEW CAMERA. I think it gives excellent results. That's to my liking, but maybe not yours. I expose somewhere around f5.6- f/11. I do not photograph people though, this is all still life. I like these lenses. for what they are designed for. I think it works. but then again, I also think triplets are cool too. the double plasmat crowd will hate this lens. it's not a cron or planar. let's just say . . . . it has character. I could certainly see where this lens does not due justice. . .IMO individual experiences will dictate usage. I really do not wan to go out on a limb and say this lens is awesome for all situations,'cause it's not. But it is in heavy rotation on my lens board. cheers.