150/2.8 Xenotar and Technika Focal Plane Shutter

[Frank Petronio]

My marriage of an Aero-Ektar on a Speed Graphic started off rather rocky, but now that I have made a dozen or so images I am starting to appreciate what this combination can do (so I'm no longer trying to sell it!). So it's a keeper, at least for now.

Which gets me wondering - I really like using my Technika IV much more than a Speed Graphic. The Tech's RF is in the right place, it is more solid, and it has usable movements. However, it does not have a focal plane shutter.

Has anyone ever used one of those rare Linhof focal plane shutter attachments? I see them on eBay a couple of times a year, and suddenly they are looking attractive.

The other lens that looks neat is the 150/2.8 Xenotar in a shutter, because it could be cammed and used as-is. Any caveats? That really looks like a great lens - also very rare.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Bob Salomon says they discontinued the focal plane shutter, because it was prone to failure. Seems like a neat thing, but I wouldn't spend what they are usually selling for.

The 135/3.5 Planar is easier to find than the 150/2.8 Xenotar and is a great fast lens.

 

[jjstafford]

Has anyone ever used one of those rare Linhof focal plane shutter attachments? I see them on eBay a couple of times a year, and suddenly they are looking attractive.

Bob Solomon has opined that the shutter is unreliable, in part due age issues, and there are no parts for them. If I recall, the last one on that auction site went for about $2,500, maybe more.

I thought I wanted one for an experimental camera, then decided that spending the money on custom machining was better overall.

 

[Claire Senft]

particularly if you can find the clicked stopped T* version...(135mm Planar)....quite rare and very expensive.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Kerry Thalmann has sold TWO 135/3.5 T* Planars. I think 100 were made for the Japanese market.

The older ones, though, can usually be had for $550-650 or so. I have the second version in a Compur shutter on a flat board, but there was an earlier version in a special shutter with a special recessed board that could close in the camera.

 

[Jeremy]

Lens & Repro has one of the 150mm f/2.8 Xenotars, only.... $1500

 

[Frank Petronio]

I'l lbe posting some Aero-Ektar shots next week, the portraits have been great when it all works...

 

[jjstafford]

particularly if you can find the clicked stopped T* version...(135mm Planar)....quite rare and very expensive.

FWIW, for 4x5, the coverage on the 135mm Planar and the 150mm F2.8 Xenar is not so good for movements.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

No, but for rangefinder use, they're great. I have other lenses for movements.

 

[JG Motamedi]

The 150/2.8 Xenotar is a great lens, I have a very late model and love it.

It is the lightest and the sharpest of all the super speed lenses (e.g.; Dallmeyer Pentac, Lee Speedic, or the Aero-Ektar). That said, it still is a heavy beast, and at f/2.8 shows some light spherical aberration, but nothing in comparison to any of its competitors. They are however pricey; $750+ on eBay in a Compur no. 2., and more in a store. The $1.5K price however is a bit ridiculous, as we would expect from L&R.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

If we both go to Art's event in the Meatpacking District, we could have a Planar-Xenotar shootout. That would be the place for it!

 

[JG Motamedi]

I would certainly love to compare the Xenotar and Planar, but at 4:30 I can barely focus my eyes, let alone my camera...

 

[Frank Petronio]

Not that I'm in a better situation myself (near Rochester) but isn't it too damn hot to move, or even breath, in NYC right now? It is so hot and humid I can slice the air with a butter knife. And it is always worse in the big city...

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Thank goodness for central air! (not to mention Central Park, where it is always 5 degrees cooler than on the rest of Manhattan).