Docter Optics 180mm Tessar

A while back I managed to get a Docter Optics 300mm Germinar cell set courtesy of Kerry Thalmann. I have been using it for a while as a long lens on my 4x5, and have bee very very pleased with its performance. I recently was lucky enough (though my bank book disagrees) to win a new in box Docter Optics Tessar 180mm mounted in a Copal 3 shutter.

I don't have a lensboard for it yet, but this lens is big. I am wondering what the performance will be like. I have read about the 210mm version and it looks nice.

Any thoughts or comments on this lens would be greatly appreciated.

Thanx!

Gary

It will focus like a laser on the groundglass, have superb bokeh, and make a powerfully crisp image. There will be a very abrupt difference between what is in focus and what is not. It is like a fine calligraphy brush, able to draw fine or broad strokes with clarity.

And like a good brush, it will reward boldness.

It is a different style of lens than the Apo-G., but you will be pleased. f/4.5 will make it very easy to focus, and you can play with in focus and out of focus areas, as df cardwell indicated. Or you can stop down for overall focus - it gives you that choice. As you noticed, the size 3 shutter is big, especially for a 180mm, but that is due to the optical characteristics of this lens.

Finally got the lens mounted and took a couple of quick test shots. The contents of the pictures is nothing very good, but it was good for a test.
One was at f4.5 and the other was at f32.

Take a look at my gallery if you are curious.

Thanx again!

Gary