couple of odd ones

[Whiteymorange]

I just picked up a box of odd lenses at an auction and I'm wondering if anyone has had experience with these:

A Polynar Normal Typus C f6.8 190mm This is in what I think is an old IBSOR shutter, but it's labeled ESPI. I get "electronic speckle pattern interferometry" when I Google that - not, I think, what I want.

A Graflex PhotoRecord 84mm f3.5 This is in a Heavy Duty Betax #2 The Vade Mecum is a bit vague and only lists the 75mm - lenses removed from equipment.

A Wollensak Amaton 35mm f3.5 in an Alphax shutter. This one looks to come from a folder.

A Revere Stereo Camera lens board with twin "Enna Chromar" lenses.

This last one is up for grabs if anyone wants it to play with. I only see out of one eye at a time and stereo cameras are beyond me. Free for postage.

Thanks in advance to all who even think about this stuff.

 

[Dan Fromm]

The VM says that the f/6.8 Polynar is a rapid rectilinear made by Laack.

Graflex PhotoRecord cameras were made for microfilming documents. The PR lens might be optimized for relatively near distances, but I wouldn't count on it. The Betax ought to be good for something.

 

[Ole]

The production of the Polynar started in 1906, and that's about all I can find out about it.

 

[Whiteymorange]

The VM says that the f/6.8 Polynar is a rapid rectilinear made by Laack.

Graflex PhotoRecord cameras were made for microfilming documents. The PR lens might be optimized for relatively near distances, but I wouldn't count on it. The Betax ought to be good for something.

Thanks, Dan. Actually my copy calls it "possibly a defective Aplanat." Leave it to me to buy the defective variety... Still it may be fun to play with. I'll put it on the Speed Graphic tomorrow and see what happens. Might stick the Graphlex on there as well, can't hurt much but a piece of film.

There is actually a 13x18 plate camera on the German Ebay now with f7.5 version of the polynar, same length - 190mm. If I can rig a board I'll try it on a 5x7.

Thanks Ole.

 

[outwest]

I have a 150mm Laack Polynar Weitwinkel Typus B f/15. It is a beautiful little lens about the size of a $5 stack of half dollars (how's that for a size comparison!). I shoot it on a Speed Graphic, where it is not being stressed at all, and once tested it against a 150mm Repromaster that is no slouch. It would be hard to tell the difference in the images. If your 190mm Normal is even half as good, you may be surprised at the results.

 

[Whiteymorange]

I have a 150mm Laack Polynar Weitwinkel Typus B f/15. It is a beautiful little lens about the size of a $5 stack of half dollars (how's that for a size comparison!). I shoot it on a Speed Graphic, where it is not being stressed at all, and once tested it against a 150mm Repromaster that is no slouch. It would be hard to tell the difference in the images. If your 190mm Normal is even half as good, you may be surprised at the results.

Now that sounds nice!