Want to Buy WTB - Cheap normal-ish 8x10 lens

[cptrios]

Hi all,

I've been dipping my toe into 8x10 lately, and rather than make intelligent decisions, I accidentally (read: won two auctions I didn't expect to win) bought two 210mm lenses. Well, one 210 and one 213, but who's counting?

I definitely don't mind the focal length, but I'm finding that it's too wide for what I've turned out to want to do with this rather large and heavy camera. So I'm looking for something longer. And I'm really not picky. Anything from 300-450mm will do, without much concern for IQ. A shutter would be nice, but beggars can't be choosers. Process lenses are fine.

I was, by the way, going to title this "WTB: $10 8x10 lens for personal use," but it certainly doesn't have to be that cheap! I'm just not looking to spend a lot since this is probably going to see use three or four times a year.

 

🛡️ Classifieds Safety Reminder: Please stay safe when buying and selling. Scams via hacked accounts are on the rise globally.

Best Practices: Always use a verified payment method with buyer protection (avoid "PayPal Friends & Family"). Services like Escrow.com are highly secure. Be suspicious of random unsolicited contact via Private Message. If you see suspicious behavior, please use the Report link on the post immediately.

[qqphot]

I have a "Carl Meyer" (i.e. Burke & James) Anastigmat, which is big and heavy, but has a working Betax shutter and even the correct flange.

It's fine stopped down, but is a bit soft wide open, and overall just not a great lens. It's the same as the one in this listing:

Carl Meyer 12in f4.5 Anastigmat Lens | Blue Moon Camera

Carl Meyer 12in f4.5 Anastigmat Lens. This Carl Meyer 12in (305mm) f4.5 Anastigmat lens is a rebranded lens distributed by B... Available at Blue Moon Camera

bluemooncamera.com

except mine is in much better condition and I'll sell it to you for half that price, because $500 is insultingly too much for that lens. Happy to provide pictures (both of, and if i can find them, with) if you're interested.

Also have a 19" (480mm) Artar (https://gallery.wtrc.net/gallery/4ztlDq4OR9din3fo93WwIes9) but that's probably too long for your neds.

 

[Dani]

I have a clone of the Commercial Ektar 14” (Tessar’s design) in Copal 3 shutter, it’s a Commercial Congo 360mm 6.8. The glass had fungus at some point and left a couple of marks here and there but it shoots beautifully. It was cleaned and given a good bill of health. I’d sell it for $225 shipped in the U.S. That’s the price of the shutter, basically.

 

[cptrios]

Thanks for the responses! Will PM people in a bit.

 

[xkaes]

If you want cheap that means barrel lens, but there are lots to choose from -- or a lens with a DEAD shutter. Large shutters, which longer lenses need, are not cheap.

Fujinon made several 300mm barrel lenses:

http://www.subclub.org/fujinon/byfl.htm

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

You could get your hands on one of Reinhold Schable's Wollaston meniscus lenses. He makes them. I have owned one of his 355mm lenses for years. Soft renderings with larger apertures, sharper with the smaller ones (water house stops).
https://www.re-inventedphotoequip.com/Home.html