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Arthur Stone · Joined: 12 Aug 2002 Posts: 3 Location: Central Ohio

Greetings,

I recently bought a Busch Pressman C that has been modified with a Mamiya RB67 revolving back. It came with a Wollensak 101 f/4.5 coated Raptar that is in mint condition.

I know that some of the most important characteristics of a lens won't show up on a resolution chart, but I am curious as to how this lens fits in with the 101 Ektars and the other lenses in this size. I am considering a 100mm f6.3 Symmar-S, but I don't know how much of a difference it would make.

There doesn't seem top be any specific comments about Raptar 101 lens on any of the other websites. I originally asked this on the Non Graflex board. Any comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

clnfrd · Posted: Tue Aug 13, 2002 8:22 pm Post subject:

Hi. I have this lens with a Rapax Shutter on my Baby Speed Graphic. A lens technician I'm not...but I have taken a few shots with it and am very pleased with the detail. I also have an Ektar..and in my non-professional opinion, the Raptar certainly measures up.

Les · Joined: 09 May 2001 Posts: 2682 Location: Detroit, MI

they are both tessars in design, both coated. Some people swear Ektars had better glass and production quality control. I say 60 years later how well it was taken care of has a much greater bearing on image quality than its pedigree.

I'm also convinced, though I have no proof, that the Raptar and the Optar are the same, made under the same circumstances. An Optar goes on a Graphic camera, the Raptar on anything else.

[ This Message was edited by: Les on 2002-08-13 18:30 ]

Arthur Stone · Joined: 12 Aug 2002 Posts: 3 Location: Central Ohio

Thank you for your replies and information. It really helps to have input from more experienced photographers. I have been thinking about setting up a web page specifically for users of Busch Pressman cameras. If I do manage to set it up, I'll be sure to let you know. Thanks, again.

Cordially,

Dave