Prontor SVS

PRB · May 22, 2006

Hi,

I'm searching for a lens (135mm or so) for a Super Speed Graphic. I have been offered two. One is an immaculate Prontor SVS lens that came off came off a Polariod Pathfinder 110A. The other is the Rodenstock Optar, the 135mm that originally came with the camera. The Optar is not as pretty as the Prontor, but it is accurate and in good working order. Both are priced at $100. Pros and Cons? Help appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul

John Koehrer · May 22, 2006

Paul,
Someone will probably confirm this but I don't think the lens from the Polaroid will cover 4X5

noseoil · May 23, 2006

The 110 lens almost covers 5x7. Ria uses it on her 5x7 and it barely shows at the corners. The Prontor shutter may have some issues at the slow speed settings. $100 seems steep to me for the shutter, the cameras go for less than this at a flea market, but who knows? Make sure it works at all speeds! It can be warmed up in your car if low speeds are not working, but the lens itself is very good and will provide some movements on 4x5. tim

cdholden · May 24, 2006

I once had a Color-Skopar in a Prontor SVS on the front of a Bessa I 6x9 folder. It was reliable and included a self-timer for the rare instances I wanted to be in the photo.
Chris

Ole · May 25, 2006

As the previous replies avoid mentioning, the Prontor SVS is a shutter, not a lens. It is impossible to say anything about the lens without knowing what it is. The shutter should be fine, though...

Mike Kovacs · May 25, 2006

Indeed a shutter - if there is any question of the Prontor, people should feel comfortable that Copal is a (cheaper) Japanese copy of the German Prontor design.

The Prontors are good shutters - I do find them in need of service more than Compurs due to the types of lubricants they used in them back in the day. Once serviced, most run like champs.

Prontor SVS

PRB

John Koehrer

noseoil

cdholden

Ole

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