13" F6.8 Wollensak Triple Convertible

jimgalli

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Is it the antique Series 1 or the newer series 1a?
 

removed account4

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scott

i have and use a 13-20-25 wollensak triple - it's in a betax shutter (#5 i think?) .. this might be the antique one that jim mentioned ... it is a great lens, covers 8x10 with ease, and while some folks cringe when the elements are removed to shuffle around the focal length, they suggest sharpness issues &C, i haven't had a problem, and i have shot wide open and stopped down all 3 focal lengths.
i have been told that it will cover a 11x14 as well, but haven't gotten the ground glass to test THAT yet

john
 

jimgalli

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The auction text does not match the picture. The picture is of a 13" series 1a while there was in fact a 12" series IV wihich is far less desireable. It is not convertible. It's a cheaper product and a dialyt type lens. Wonder if they just figured heck they're all the same and stole someone elses photo.
 

Wayne R. Scott

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I have a feeling that this is indeed a Velostigmat Series IV 12" lens cells that have been placed into an Alphax shutter that has aperatures marked for different a triple convertible lens.

The 12" Velostigmat will cover 8x10. I think they came from the factory in three choices: barrel, mounted in a Beatax No 4 shutter, or mounted in an Optimo shutter.

Good luck with it.

Wayne
 

pgomena

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I owned a Seriess 1a Wolly 13/20/25" and found it to be a decent performer. Sharp and contrasty in the 13" configuration. My favorite focal length for 8x10 was the 20" rear unit with a #15 filter to help with chromatic aberration. The 25" element didn't seem as sharp, but I blame that more on my wobbly old Korona than on the lens.

Peter Gomena
 
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TheFlyingCamera

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It arrived- and it is indeed a 12" Series IV Wollensak F6.3 ... NOT the triple-convertible. I can't complain too much, as I think the shutter by itself, which is in PERFECT working order, is probably worth what I paid for it, and the glass is pristine as well. So now I have yet another 12" lens. Oh well. Someday I'll have to put it on some kind of ghetto-rigged lensboard and give it a try to compare it to my 12" Commercial Ektar.
 

Wayne R. Scott

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I think you got a good price on a good shutter and some lens cells for free.

I just took a shot in the dark on one of those auction sites for an 8x10 Empire State No.1 camera with a lens that I couldn't make out. The lens turned out to be a Wollensak Velostigmat Series V 13" f7.5 in an Autex shutter. I had thought it might be a Betax shutter from the crappy photos but it wasn't. I'll have Carol do a cla on the shutter and try it and the 13" lens out.

Thanks for answering, I was wondering how you came out on the deal.

Wayne
 
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