So I Bought this 8x10 Korona..Lens?

photomc · Jun 30, 2005

So, I bought (won auction) on the 8x10 Korona and it has a lens on it that I know nothing about. The shutter says Wollensak Optical, and REGIO. The optics say nothing on them except on the inside of the front and rear of each set (there are 2) it has roman numerial III and a 4 or 5. The f/stop scale is marked with scale for 4 or 5. Since I do not won a digital camera have attached the photo from the auction just to give an idea of what the lens looks like.

Anyone, Jim G, have any idea what the lens is and what focal length it is?

The extra lens came in a small box that says Engravers Glass Bausch & Lomb Optical, but I don't think it is original to the lens. All in all a nice kit, will need to add a couple of film holders (the wood ones look pretty...but) and probably add a newer lens. However the shutter speeds, 1,1/2,1/5,,1/25,1/50 and 1/100 plus B and T sound pretty much on the money.

TIA for any help ...

jimgalli · Jun 30, 2005

Wow! What a pretty old camera. Congratulations! Nope, I don't have a clue. You'll have to experiment and see where some of the different combinations focus on infinity. Looks like great fun to me.

photomc · Jun 30, 2005

Well heck...thought I might have a chance with you Jim...but Thanks.

Yeah, it is a really nice old camera..looks like it spent a better part of it's life in that beat up old case..but that's OK with me, because it works and looks just fine. Will try to give the sweet old thing a workout this weekend. No idea how to even measure anything, but have already replaced the 4 set of lens with the 5 (the 5 had almost no dust) and it is really quite clear and crisp. If I can just find a 8x10 holder here in town...the ones that came with it are all quite loose and in need of some repair.

Though one has original divider that has Poco Cameras, May 10, 1898..and looks every bit as nice as the day it was sold. I love old camera equipment...wish it could talk to me...tell me stories about what it has seen and done.

Jeremy · Jun 30, 2005

So Mike, did you get the organ too?!?

Mateo · Jun 30, 2005

photomc said:
...wish it could talk to me...tell me stories about what it has seen and done.

Are you sure Mike? I'm kinda thinking it might go on and on about low self esteem and being a discarded redheaded stepchild. But maybe you can put it to good use so that when the technology exist your great great grandchildren can let it tell them all the cool things you did with it.

John Kasaian · Jul 1, 2005

Congrats on your new old 8x10! I know what you mean about wishing an old camera can talk. Mine dosen't say much either, but some day my kids will inherit a few old woodies and a collection of lenses, negatives and prints. If they'll listen, those photos will do the talking and the stories they'll tell are the ones of the landscapes they're taken of and the guy who thought it was worth it to wake up early and go out in the mountains to set up.

Enjoy!

BradS · Jul 1, 2005

Mike, Congratulations! I was watching that one too. I'm glad it went to a good home. It sounds even better than it looks in the photos. Can't wait to see some photos from it.

photomc · Jul 1, 2005

Thanks, John and Brad..holding on the phone right now to see if I can find a film holder to give it work out. The ones that came with it need a bit of work before I use them and I am itching to take it out.

Brad, I was actually surprised at how nice a shape the camera itself is in. Need to add a spring to hold the GG in place, but all of the movements are very, smooth and the shutter is in much better shape than I thought it would be.

Thanks for the Good Wishes and I promise to post something as soon as I can.

scootermm · Jul 1, 2005

Mike so excited for you. what a gorgeous lookin belle you have there.

if youd like I have a wooden holder that is old but has no leaks to it.... send me a PM

I may head up north tomorrow if you dont have any pressing plans and would want to meet midpoint.

photomc · Jul 1, 2005

scootermm said:
Mike so excited for you. what a gorgeous lookin belle you have there.

if youd like I have a wooden holder that is old but has no leaks to it.... send me a PM

I may head up north tomorrow if you dont have any pressing plans and would want to meet midpoint.

Matt,
Thanks for the good wishes and for the offer..went after work and found 1 holder, which is more than enough for right now. We are going to leave town in the morning too!!!Darn it..otherwise would see if you wanted to stop, meet half way or something to shoot. Should be back sometime Sunday afternoon, but ... oh Well...

Thanks again.

photomc · Jul 1, 2005

Jeremy Moore said:
So Mike, did you get the organ too?!?

lol Jeremy, nope I did not get the organ..but as abonus the lens board is the same size as the B&J. So, with the 3 I already had and the one I got from you that takes the smaller boards..think I am set. Thanks

phfitz · Jul 2, 2005

photomc,

Congrats and condolences. An 8x10, a lens and a film holder, there is no known cure. The quest begins.

Good luck and great fun.

photomc · Jul 18, 2005

An update on the lens..set up a shot this weekend and used the mystery lens for one shot (the lens with III.5) and the Rodenstock Geronar 210. Both lens were set to f/64 and 1 sec. The negatives look good other than the terrible scratches from a Cibachrome tank seemed like a good idea at the time...

So in spite of the scratches, the main purpose was 1. to see if I could verify the focal length - the two images are almost identical in coverage, so I am guessing the lens is a 71/2-8 inch and 2. to see if the old lens could make a decent image - it can, the other attempt with this lens flare just ate the image up...note to self avoid flare with this lens (this time I managed to shade the lens by using my boyish figure to shade the lens - ok you guys that have met me can get off of the floor now, it's not that BIG a stretch....he!he!)

Conclusion?(s) - well had originally thought that I would pass on the lens and let someone else find a use for it....but now, think I will keep working with it. Big surprise was the 210 Geronar actually covered 8x10 (and with about 11/2 inch of front rise before running out of room). So, the lens is still a mystery, but seems to belong with the camera...now to try the one marked III.4 and see what the coverage is like with it.

So I Bought this 8x10 Korona..Lens?

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