250mm (10 inch) Kodak Wide Field Ektar

[jp80874]

What is a fair price to buyer and seller for a 250mm (10 inch) Kodak Wide Field Ektar in Ilex #5 shutter in 9 to 9+ condition. I am looking at a lens now for 7x17, but am certainly open to other options.

Thanks for your thoughts.

John Powers

[PHOTOTONE]

I purchased one in a private sale a few weeks ago, and had to return it, because although it looked good in a photo I viewed, upon arriving I found that the front lens element had been "polished" to remove blemishes, and the polishing was done poorly, leaving ripples and bumps in the front glass, and because of this the lens would not focus clearly on the ground glass. If you get one of these (at any price) be sure to test it, and be sure to get the promise that you can return it if not satisfactory.

[jp80874]

Phototone,

Thank you. Very sound advice that is new to me.

John

[Scott Peters]

I have seen them go for as little as $250, up to $400 for better examples on eBay.

[wfwhitaker]

John,

They seem to vary in price on Ebay. I paid $350 for mine on Ebay three or four years ago and thought it was a bargain. It's not the prettiest example, but it works great and is very sharp. You might check with Jim at Midwest and see what he's got.

For the 7x17 my default lens is a 10 3/4" Dagor. In the Acme #4 it's a bit smaller than the WFE, but the focal length is similar. I'm sure there are other possibilities out there, too.

[jp80874]

This vendor wants $825. Clearly high by both your experiences. I have a 12inch gold rim Dagor with lots of movement and a 273mm (10 3/4) Wollensak Raptar that gives some movement. I was hoping to go a bit wider. The obvious is a 240mm Computar/Kyvytar/Kowa with coverage but we haven't found each other. That was why I started looking at the 250mm WF Ektar. The elephant in the room that can't fit into my pocket is the 210mm SSXL. Thank you both. More ideas please.

Thanks,

John

[Jim Noel]

$825 is a ridiculous price for this very fine lens. They are a joy to work with, but keep looking for a more reasonably priced one. Even through larger very reputable dealers like KEH or Lens and Repro or Midwest or B&H the price will not be that high.

[jp80874]

Thanks Jim. I wasn't sure, but it seemed high. That is why I asked. There was one on eBay in the last week but it was in Australia creating a shipping damage problem and for some unexplained reason taken off the market after a couple of days at US$525.

John

[CRhymer]

Hello John,

I paid $400.00 for one in March. The lens and shutter are in excellent condition (9++). It was on LF forum. I think you will find a good one for $500 or less if you look around for a while.

Cheers,
Clarence

[John Kasaian]

$600-ish is the highest I'd even consider for a "10" from a reputable bricks and mortar dealer with return privliges for this great lens. $825 is wishfull thinking IMHO. It is a lovely lens though!