Kodak Aero - Ektar 7 " F2. 5 RARE Civilian Version 178mm Lens Covers 4x5 NoReserv
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:20523909 | Focal Length: 7 inches |
| Brand: Kodak | Maximum Aperture: f/2 |
| UPC: Does not apply |
This is a very rare lens, made by Kodak, it is Aero Ektar 7" f2.5 lens, Civilian version. It is a well known fact that Kodak made these giant Aero-Ektars for the US Military and sold them for large sums of money (about $760 back then) to the government back in the 40's. Shortly after the war, when Kodak still had a few of these Aero Ektars laying around, they simply wrapped the barrel ends of the lens in leather, removed the giant front name plate, and sold these lenses ...to a few select journalists and professional photographers, very few were made and sold to the civilian market. This is one of those lenses, a late model, civilian Aero Ektar wrapped in leather on both ends. Other than these cosmetics features, the lens is identical to the military version and of course it has the exact same glass on it. This particular lens is in super nice cosmetical condition, all complete, comes with a lens board, the lens board is the same as the Graflex Pacemaker Press Camera, square (not rounded) board size- wise, and it is included but it is just slightly too thick to fit in perfectly and stay put. The glass on the lens is very nice overall, has some minor marks and cleaning marks, the inside of the lens has some coating wipemarks, otherwise the lens is clear and clean, no separation, no fungus, no cracks. The aperture works well and smooth, all the blades are intact and in fine shape. The aperture also has click-stops, which many of the earlier military versions did not. I will also include two large shades that are not exactly 100% fit for the lens, but really close and with little effort one could make them adapt to this lens quite nicely to use the lens shaded. Will also include a similar sized adapter ring where one could eventually use filters on the lens. Lens pictured next to a standard size can for size comparison. Overall a beautiful very rare lens in fine vintage shape. Included is the lens, a couple of almost fitting lens shade hoods and adapter ring. Please see pictures, sold at no reserve
