Dallmeyer Pentac??

Hello,

I'm new to large format,but have recently acquired an old Speed Graphic and a Wollensak Raptar lens. I've heard quite a bit about Dallmeyer Pentac lenses, and I am interested in using one, but they are quite expensive. There is a seller on Ebay selling a version of this lens, but it is marked "Air Ministry" and I think it will be cheaper. Does anyone have experience with this lens or sample photos? Also, any feedback on the Ebay seller "INEFFABLETHING"? They are on another continent and I don't have a lot of experience with buying things on Ebay from another counry.

cheers,

Charles

Charles Krofft said:

Hello,

I'm new to large format,but have recently acquired an old Speed Graphic and a Wollensak Raptar lens. I've heard quite a bit about Dallmeyer Pentac lenses, and I am interested in using one, but they are quite expensive. There is a seller on Ebay selling a version of this lens, but it is marked "Air Ministry" and I think it will be cheaper. Does anyone have experience with this lens or sample photos? Also, any feedback on the Ebay seller "INEFFABLETHING"? They are on another continent and I don't have a lot of experience with buying things on Ebay from another counry.

cheers,

Charles

Click to expand...

INEFFABLETHING

I can't say for sure, but there is a person on this forum who uses the same name...Check out his posts (use the search function). Check out the ads and see what he has sold and if anyone has had any complaints.

Take a moment and check out his gallery while you are at it!

Matt

I have used and tested quite a few of the 8" Pentacs, AM versions and Dallmeyer. The quality of the AM versions are notoriously variable, and many were not made by Dallmeyer. The most common problem, seen on the vast majority of the AM lenses but very few of the Dallmeyer, is a haze developing between the first and second elements. Since the elements are burnished into their mount, cleaning them is a major endeavor. In addition, the AM versions often appear to be less sharp than the Dallmeyer and appear to have increased spherical abbertation. However, some of the AM lenses were made by Dallmeyer, and are often marked with a "JHD" on the side, these lenses seem to be much better made than the non-JHD versions, but have some of the same flaws. That said, I used an AM version for many years which was a great lens.

There are sample photos made with the lens in the auction listing. Using it on a Speed Graphic wouldn't be much fun. If I were you, I'd use it on a 4x5 or 5x7 Graflex SLR. That's how I used it and it's perfect for portraits.