Another impulse: Taylor Hobson

[Stephanie Brim]

Perhaps the right hands is all it needs. Not saying that those hands are mine, mind you.

[BrianShaw]

This discussion is amazing. Here we are, talking seriously about a lens that's been sold as scrap in fair numbers and that isn't prized. That it has been available and isn't prized should tell us something about how wonderful it is. But no, we can't resist speculating that it might be a wonderful sleeper.

What's next? Ancient lenses from inexpensive lantern slide projectors?

Amen!

[scootermm]

This discussion is amazing. Here we are, talking seriously about a lens that's been sold as scrap in fair numbers and that isn't prized. That it has been available and isn't prized should tell us something about how wonderful it is. But no, we can't resist speculating that it might be a wonderful sleeper.

What's next? Ancient lenses from inexpensive lantern slide projectors?

Touché and well said Dan. Also, could you do us a favor and perpetually start a bunch of completely pointless threads. Thanks.

[JBrunner]

Something here sounds a little familiar... hmmm.

Hi Steph. I think you should get a speed graphic with the focal plane shutter, and try out all the barrel lenses you can get your hands on. Ignore "expert" advice that is hurled like cat pee. You will only know if you dig this lens if you use it. It will very likely make a nice portrait lens. If you don't dig it, sell it and try another. There is nothing wrong with first hand experience, as a matter of fact it is the best teacher there is. Ancient lenses from slide projectors can have some very nice effects. They don't have great math skills, but they look cool, sort of like hippies. Far out. It's all about learning, and what you are looking for.

Oh, and one of the best lenses I own, that is a great performer by any standard, was made from mis-matched "copy" lens cells. My immortal mutant 210 G Claron.

[Phillip P. Dimor]

I was under the impression that lantern slide projector lenses are essentially petzvals.. And that if you get one that was meant to cover a quarter(?) plate (which is close to the size of a 4x5?) you'd be in business.. Is that correct?

I've a petzval, a Peerless that is close to 5" in length, covers 4x5 barely.
It's got a good look and if I extend the lens using the knob on the lens itself, I seem to get a lot of swirlies but it might all be in my head.

Post some pics once you get to try the lens out, you never know.. The lens looks like it's very well made.

[Ken Nadvornick]

What's next? Ancient lenses from inexpensive lantern slide projectors?

Why not? As long as everyone is having fun, $25 is less expensive that a family night at the movies. And Ms. Brim seems to be enjoying photography at a level not understood by a few of the more "serious" practitioners who post here. Why should she give that up?

One of the more charming aspects of large format cameras is that one can stick darn near any lens on 'em - and nobody gets hurt in the process. Ancient lantern slide lenses? Mr. Galli's LGM seem to be doing a land office business bringing him boatloads of similar guys from somewhere deep within the universe...

Ken

[mjs]

What's next? Ancient lenses from inexpensive lantern slide projectors?

My wife has a collection of antique eyeglasses...



Mike

[Dan Fromm]

My wife has a collection of antique eyeglasses...



Mike

Interesting. Does she wear any of them when reading or driving?

Collecting is one thing, buying with intent to use is another.

[Stephanie Brim]

I got the lens a couple days ago and was surprised. It's heavy. It'll cover, but probably without movements. f/16 is, of course, going to be hard to work with, but not impossible if I was doing paper negatives or using very slow film. Paper first, probably, since it's cheaper. I'm in the process of making a lens board that will hold the sucker, but I'm not going to try to use it until I get the Graphic View.

I think it'll be fun to use. Not perfect by any means, but neither am I and neither is my photography. Nor will it ever be. I'm just trying to have fun here. I'm not really trying to be the next Ansel Adams.

Hi Steph. I think you should get a speed graphic with the focal plane shutter, and try out all the barrel lenses you can get your hands on. Ignore "expert" advice that is hurled like cat pee. You will only know if you dig this lens if you use it. It will very likely make a nice portrait lens. If you don't dig it, sell it and try another. There is nothing wrong with first hand experience, as a matter of fact it is the best teacher there is. Ancient lenses from slide projectors can have some very nice effects. They don't have great math skills, but they look cool, sort of like hippies. Far out. It's all about learning, and what you are looking for.

This is what I think as well. I don't care about "expert" opinion, when I posted this I just wanted some facts on the lens. Can't be worse than a pinhole, and I like those.

[papagene]

That's the attitude Steph!! I am looking forward to seeing the results of that "expensive" lens of yours.
Have fun.

gene