Info on Kodak Cine Ektars needed

[macromark]

Hi folks,

Does anybody know the difference between the Kodak Cine "Ektar" and "Ektar II" lenses? Is there any difference in lens quality? My dealer offers an "Ektar" built in 1949 that I´d like to try reversed for macro.

Your help would be much appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Mark

 

[Dan Fromm]

AFAIK there's no difference between a 25/1.9 CE and a 25/1.9 CE II. These are the ones that Kodak recommended for photomacrography. Reversed, of course.

My 25/1.9 CE II is better at f/2.8 than wide open. Very very good lens from 10:1 to 20:1, which is the range I tried it in.

My 25/1.4 CE II is pretty useless as a macro lens. Same goes for the 15/2.5, if I remembered the maximum aperture correctly.

To avoid making a bad mistake, don't pay too much. Also, check the lens for mechanical problems (seized aperture is what matters, seized focusing helical isn't relevant) and internal dirt/fungus. I've seen many with seized helicals, also many with internal crud.

 

[macromark]

Dan, thanks for your very helpful reply.
The one offered is the 25/1.9 in quite good condition, and thus I will give it a try.

Regards,
Mark