I have a lens which I recently got CLAC'd by Carol at Flutot's Camera. I'm trying to find out more information about it but am having trouble with basic Google searches. The lens is an 8.5" f/4.8 Ilex-Calumet Series S Caltar No. 1179. It's in a No 3 Acme-Synchro shutter with two aperture scales on it, one for the 8.5" and one for 14". I'm looking specifically for coverage at both focal lengths, which element to remove to convert it, date of manufacture, coatings, and what size filters it takes. I'd be greatly appreciative of anyone who can help!

- Justin

This lens is listed in the oldest Calumet catalogue I have (1968). It is still shown in their 1975 catalogue. The filter adapter is described as "62SS-8", but I can't immediately find a further explanation in the catalogue as to what this means, though the catalogue also states this lens takes series 8 filters. The 1968 catalogue says this lens covers an image circle of 310mm, aperture not specified, but probably at around f/22, and that it can be used for 8 X 10 with "minimum swing". The catalogue describes the lens as being convertible to 14 inches by removing the front element group. Ilex themselves sold this lens as the Ilex Acuton. Some Ilex literature I have states the 8 1/2 inch f/4.8 Acuton image circle diameter was 12 inches for the combined lens and 12.5 inches for the converted (back element only) lens. Again, aperture not specified but presumably stopped down to f/16-f/22. Nowhere have I seen this lens described as being multicoated.
David

Thanks a lot David! That's a great help. I asked about coatings because when I look at the light reflections in the elements I get various shades of violet, pink, and blue.

- Justin

The 62SS-8 is a slip on adapter with 3 set screws (SS) to attach it to the outside of the lens barrel. Series 8 adapters will accept most all 67mm filters in my experience. I have one of these on my Acuton and it is my favorite lens on whole plate.

Although your question is pretty much answered remember the caltar-s series were rebadged schneider symmar lenses so you can use the specs from schneider too. http://www.schneideroptics.com/info/vintage_lens_data/large_format_lenses/

The f/4.8 is not a Schneider. Lynn Jones explained that while at Burleigh Brooks he induced Manuel Kiner, then at Ilex, to design some modern lenses. Among them were the Ilex Acuton, a 6/4 Plasmat [marketed by Calumet as the Caltar S], and the Ilex Acugon [marketed by Calumet as the Wide Field Caltar], very much like the f/8 Schneider Angulon. According to Lynn, "the 215 f 4.8 S Caltar made by Ilex Optical is one of the greatest lenses ever designed. It was good enough that Rodenstock begged us to let them private label all their wide field LF lenses (they were Sironars), they didn't want any competition like that. That lens was designed as a single convertible and was very good."

With an endorsement like that coming from an expert who worked on Karsh's gear, I'm certainly glad I bought the lens! I got a good price on it too, even taking in to account a CLAC. It even has the original lens caps! And I'm pleased as punch that it covers whole plate! You guys just made my day!

On another note, any idea where I can pick up on of these 62SS-8 thingies?

The f/4.8 is not a Schneider.

I stand corrected. Thank you

Justin, try eBay user Macintoshcat for the 62SS-8. You'll have to send the question from one of the items he has listed. And, bnstein, you would be correct, of course, for Caltar lenses that didn't say "Ilex-Calumet".