Kodak Anastigmat lenses

[dennisl]

I was considering the purchase of a Kodak 14" Commercial Ektar for 8x10 usage, when I ran across an ad for a Kodak 355mm Anastigmat. I can find plenty of information/testimonials re the Commercial Ektar but can find scant info on the Anastigmat.

Does anyone have information on the Anastigmat or experience using one? I don't think lens coating will be an issue as I only use B&W film.

Any information will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
dennisl

 

[John Kasaian]

The Anastigmats were usually earlier versions of the Ektars, the Commercial Ektars were substantial improvements over the regular Ektars (IMHO---I don't douobt that there are differing views!) I find it odd that the Anastigmat is marked 355 mm however. Is it an f4.5? Is it in a #5 Universal Shuttter? If it is in good condition with a working shutter it could be quite a nice lens and if it substantially less than what Commercial Ektars are going for it could be an attractive alternative. Otherwise look for a 14" Commercial Ektar---those are wonderful lenses.

 

[dennisl]

Thanks for the input!
I can only tell you what was stated in the ad: 355mm f/6.3 Kodak Anastigmat (uncoated). The Commercial Ektar I was looking at was about $125 higher in price.
dennisl

 

[dennisl]

Sorry, I forgot to mention that the Anastigmat was in a #5 Ilex shutter.

 

[MarkS]

The "Anastigmat" label predated the "Ektar" name, and dates back as far as when Kodak first started making their own high-quality lenses around 1930. They were often identified by a number, e.g. "Kodak Anastigmat #33, 150mm".
The Ektars were introduced around 1940, the first large-format ones were labeled "Eastman Ektar" and were uncoated. By 1945 they were coated and the f/6.3 series was called the "Kodak Commercial Ektar"; the f/4.5 versions were just "Ektars". Now to my point- some uncoated Ektar lenses were sold as "Anastigmats" at the same time, which I imagine is what your lens is. It should be a fine performer on 8x10, just a bit lower in contrast than a coated lens. To ramble further, you can tell the age of the lens by the two-letter CAMEROSITY (1-9+0) code in the serial number.

 

[John Kasaian]

It sounds like an uncoated Commercial Ektar. Good 14" Commercial Ektars in working shutters can be found in the $450 range (check with Jim at Midwest) If the Anastigmat you're looking at is substantially less, and if you're willing to use a lens shade of some sort (be aware that the press on series adapters in the size these lenses take are very hard to find for some reason) then it may well be a bargain. Good luck!

 

[dennisl]

good information! Thanks to all who replied.

dennisl