8x10 lens question

[TheFlyingCamera]

I have a 12" Kodak Ektar 4.5 . NOTE: this is NOT the Commercial Ektar, which is a 6.3 max fstop. I've shot a little with it and I'm happy enough with the results, but I'm wondering if anyone has any idea what type lens design it is. Is it a tessar, planar, artar, dagor, dialyte, or what have you? This is more for my edification than anything, since it won't affect my decision to continue to use the beast (and a beast it is... darn thing is almost as heavy as my 600 f9 Apo-Germinar!).

 

[Jeremy]

I'm going with my gut and guessing it's a tessar/anastigmat design. Let's how close I am when those who know what they are talking about chime in.

 

[Dan Fromm]

Tessar. And yes, dropping it on your foot isn't a good idea.

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Thanks guys! I should have suspected as much, given the A: relative proportions of front and rear elements in the design, and B: the relative high speed. It's a cool lens, and I'm glad I landed one in such prime condition - the coatings and glass are perfect, and while I haven't tested the shutter speeds, they all sound like they're accurate (each speed is distinct in duration). It is I think a later model shutter, since it has the preview lever that my 14" Commercial Ektar lacks. The flash sync is a tad wonky- every once in a while it won't fire. That's the only real issue with it.

 

[df cardwell]

The 12/4.5 is The Hawkeye Works' ultimate manifestation of the Tessar.

It isn't really meant as an 8x10 lens, but a super 5x7 lens, for product, commercial, and portraiture. Fantastic lens.

A bit long for 4x5.... wonderful lens.

d