Gundlach Radar Anast f4.5 10"x8" Question

[Ian Grant]

I've just acquired one of these lenses in a Wollensak shutter, on a 10"x8" Agfa-Ansco.

Can anyone tell me anything about the lens, and what it's quality is likely to be, it is optically very clean, and fully working. I'm assuming it's 12" (300mm)

It's coming from a good home and was in use up until the last user/photographers death 10 years ago.

Ian

 

[jimgalli]

Ian, I have the giant 11X14 version. It has some wonderful qualities. It is based on the Zeiss Tessar but Gundlach in true form (they did this a LOT) added a third glass to the cemented pair in the rear. That way I suppose they didn't have to pay royalties or licenses claiming their own design. You will find it extremely smoooooth for portraiture wide open. They have a fine look that rival's a Heliar. Stopped down it will be sharp but not like a modern 300mm Tessar like a Nikon.

 

[Ian Grant]

Thanks Jim, there's very little information on Grunlach lenses on the internet, most relevant links seem to point to you or Tim Atherton

Your comment about royalties actually raised some thoughts. I noticed a few posts about the f16 Grundlach EWA lens, all the Zeiss designs were f18 but the Ross equivalent was f16 and called an EWA.

Could you elaborate on how you percieve the sharpness differs with a modern Tessar design. You mention the Nikon I have one a 300mm f9 (use it on my 5x4) but I've always used the 12" Dagor that came on my first 10"x8" Agfa Ansco - I was told it had separation, the previous owner had never used it - actually it just had a huge build up of dirt around the rim of the front glass

My own perception of the Dagor (mine was factory coated after WWII) is it's a very tonal exceedingly sharp lens, a 10"x8" equivalent of a Summicron, unlike the wirey contrast of Japanese lenses.

Would you expect the Grundlach to be similar ?

Ian

 

[jimgalli]

I think you'll find the Radar much closer in look to the Dagor. Beautiful tonality less sharpness. Make some pics and tell us what you think.

 

[Ian Grant]

Thanks Jim, and I will

Ian