Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Question on older lenses

This is topic Question on older lenses in forum Film Handlers' Forum at Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE.

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Posted by Dan Lyons (Member # 1454) on 04-20-2003, 04:37 AM:

I have a question on which is the better lens, Kollmorgen Super Snaplite or Sankor Deluxe.

Yes I know many here consider these to be "coke bottles" and not nearly as good as modern lenses, but I have my budget to keep in mind. [Wink]

Kollmorgens are used at my theatre, and I've seen a few other theatres in the picture werehouse use them too, and on the large screen they look pretty good, so I'm sure the result on my 8' screen would certainly be acceptable. I've never seen one of these Sankors in person.

What type of price should I be looking for? I know of 2 online dealers who sell these for approx $100, is that a ripoff? (I need one of these lenses for flat, between 38mm(1.5") and 45mm(1.75")

Danny

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 04-20-2003, 07:25 AM:

To find Kollenmorgen lenses at that focal length would be next to impossible. There is a Sankor at the 35mm range which works fine but tends to be a little touchy on focus on a large screen which is not a great problem in your situation.
Richard Fowler
Kinoton America Inc.

Posted by Robert Throop (Member # 61) on 04-21-2003, 10:26 AM:

Richard,
Weren't the Kollmorgan F1.7X lenses available in focal lengths as short as 1.75"?

Posted by Richard Fowler (Member # 893) on 04-21-2003, 02:02 PM:

To find a F1.7 at that E.F. would be a rare bird to find since during the Kollenmorgen period most lenses where longer focal length...easier to find a 3 or 4 inch Kollenmorgen vs a 1.75
Richard Fowler
Kinoton America Inc.

Posted by Robert Throop (Member # 61) on 04-22-2003, 09:40 AM:

My understanding was that the 1.7X lenses (X for extended barrel) included an adapter that halved the focal length of the prime lens. A 3.5 in prime lens would then become 1.75 in. It was all fit into one barrel making for a quite long lens. I used to work in a drive in that had a pair.

Posted by Mark Gulbrandsen (Member # 72) on 04-22-2003, 09:52 AM:

The 1.7X lenses essentially had a built in magna com. They were intended for deep barrell machines like Brenkerts and Motiogreif.
Mark

Posted by Frank Angel (Member # 248) on 04-23-2003, 11:08 AM:

You guys have any background on Kollmorgan? Someone once told me that they were German lenses and of very good quality for their time. True?

Frank