Zeiss Jena Tessar 165mm f4.5

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Anybody knows anything about this lens? Like coverage, sharpness, optimal aperture, etc. I got one and since I can't use it on my 2x3 (physically too large) I don't know what to do with it. To help deciding, I need to know what I have. (BTW, I know about the Tessar design specifics).

-- Sorin Varzaru (svarzaru@bigfoot.com), December 13, 2000

Answers

Zeiss Tessars were very good lenses with about 56 to 58 degrees of coverage. This will cover a 4x5 neg, but your movement will be extremely limited. Mount it and try it and you will see. If it is coated it is post WWII and if it is uncoated it is pre WWII. Your biggest problems may be the reliability of the shutter and the very limited movements.

-- Lloyd Frueh (lloydfrueh@yahoo.com), December 21, 2000.

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