What have I done?

Jeremy Moore said:

I've got a 12" (305mm) f/6.3 Ilex Paragon which is a tack sharp copy of the Kodak Commercial Ektar. It's in an Ilex #4 which is running within specs according to a Calumet Shutter tester which I'll sell you for $100 plus shipping.

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An excellent offer for a more than adequate lens. You should jump it before the rest of us vultures kill each other dive bombing to get it. The shutter is worth more than Jeremy's asking price.

Pick up one of Kerry's lenses, then a Copal press shutter from Jim at Midwest. Use calipers to measure the barrel iris opening and make a paper scale for the Copal. You'd have a new multicoated lens probably for less than $350 that works for 4x5 and 8x10.

And of course one of the best bargains around are any of the Schneider G-Clarons.

Steve

Another lens worth looking at is a 19" APO Artar in a barrel. I've seen them go for approx. $120 or so in good condition. A heck of a fine long lens for the money and you won't need to invest in a shutter. The lens cap works fine or use a packard if you want to go 'first cabin.' If you really like it you can find a "universal" shutter and have an adapter made to front mount it and use the f-stops on the barrel. SK Grimes website has the details.

Here`s more info on the Zeiss: ""Zeiss Convertible Anastigmat lens for view camera. Serial Nos. On lens components are #212902 and #242808 Focal lengths are 8.5", 14" or 16.5" depending on lens component mounting. Mounted in Universal shutter and iris with speeds from Time to 1/100 second and aperture adjustments marked for all three focal lengths. With original Zeiss spacer ring with aperatures marked on it for the three focal lengths, which is not used with this Universal shutter mounting configuration. Shutter has trip lever and socket for standard cable release. Good working condition, no scratches, shutter works fine. "

A keeper?