Graflex 10" Tele-Optar sharpness questions

[MultiFormat Shooter]

How sharp is the Graflex 10" Tele-Optar lens? I have heard some people say it is sharp and others say it is somewhat soft. I have used the Ilex-Calumet Caltar 165 mm f/6.3, the Schneider Xenar 210 mm f/6.1 and Schneider Xenar 135 mm f/4.7 in 4" x 5" format and the Graflex Optar 101 mm f/4.5 in 2.25" x 3.25" format. How does the Graflex 10" Tele-Optar compare to these lenses, in terms of color, sharpness and contrast? I have also heard the bellows draw is about 165 mm, is this true?

I searched the forms before posting but couldn't find any definitive answers about the sharpness of this lens.

Thanks!

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to APUG

I do not have that lens. I have a 7.5", 250mm Imagon and a 15" lens. I suggest that you also ask your question on www.graflex.org/helpdesk and www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/ to get the most information that you can.

 

[EdSawyer]

It's not the sharpest lens at that length, the main advantages are it's fairly cheap, and easy to come by, and the shorter-than-250mm bellows draw. I would rate the Nikkor-T series and even the Tele Arton / Tele Xenars are better/sharper lenses. That said, you can still produce good work with one of the Optars.

 

[MultiFormat Shooter]

Thanks for the information! Dumb (on my part) question: are the Nikkor-T series telephotos? I would assume they are with the "T" in the name, but you know what they say about assumptions.