Kodak Anastigmat f:6.3 170mm

The Kodak Anastigmat lenses were made from the 1920s-1950s. After 1940 or so, they were the less expensive choice than the top-of-the-line Ektars. Often they were the same optical formula. Pre-WW2 lenses were not coated; post-WW2 they usually were. Some coated Kodak lenses have the letter "L" inside a circle on the nameplate ring to indicate coating- but not all. Uncoated lenses look silvery when you view the reflections off the front element, coated lenses have a blue/yellow reflection. The Anastigmats were considered sharp lenses, and my guess is that this one will cover 4x5. If it's uncoated, you might not like the lower contrast you'll see when shooting color film. Modern lenses do much better in this regard. I don't know about having lenses coated.

This is one of the better lenses which were supplied with Kodak postcard size (3A) cameras. It is a Tessar type, I believe, and as such works at a relatively narrow angle. What size film do you use? A 170mm Tessar type should cover 9x12, but with not much extra coverage for movements.

Regarding having it coated, hardly any lenses are worth having this done. It is a very involved and expensive procedure. Being careful to shade the lens (with a hat or the darkslide) when necessary, helps to reduce the difficulties associated wih uncoated lenses.

As to sharpness and contrast, try it. It will not be the equivalent of one of today's optical wonders, but you may find that it gives you color landscapes that you like.

To Ernest: I usually shot medium format with horseman 2x3 roll back, but I hope in rare occasions to have enough covering on 4x5.

They are fine lenses for their vintage and will cover 5x7 straight on. As someone mentioned, the better Autographics had these lenses in Ilex shutters-a sharp eye on eBay or at a trade show can often pick up a nice, compact lens for $20 or so. GOOD LUCK.......

I have one of these beauties which I am constantly amazed by its sharpness, excellent contrast and yes; shoot color! I have been shooting color transparencies side by side with more modern symmars, angulons and super angulons and mine holds up to all of them sometimes with better gradation. You are right it is very hard to find anything on these but I figure mine is from circa 1930--And I almost didn't have that lense and shutter (Ilex universal) cleaned!!! Shades of Tonopah Jim. I've started a rumble. I would like to find time to use it for B&W. Have fun.

I have one of these (f/6.3 in Ilex shutter) that I haven't shot with yet. It's not a Tessar, the rear lens cell is two separate elements, not cemented. The Ilex shutter did need the retard gear train cleaned and lubed, it was a trivial project.

I have shot with the f/7.7 version on a 3A with the combination back, ground glass, and sheet film. See this folder. Quite nice.

I just measured the image circle of this f/7.7 lens as at least 8" wide open.

I got this second 3A with the f/6.3 for two reasons:

• It should be brighter to focus through on the old ground glass insert.
• When you start using movements and shutting down, you need long shutter times, and the f/7.7 came with a ball bearing shutter with B, T, 1/25, 1/50, and 1/100. The Ilex goes down to 1 second.

I have just become a new owner of this lens (Kodak Anastigmat 170mm f/6.3). I have used various view cameras and lenses in the past. I had just gotten this lens on a 4x5 Calumet. It is the most simple cheapest view camera lens I have ever seen, but it still is useful.

Mine comes in an Ilex Universal shutter. It looks like it is coated. The shutter is self-cocking, but it does not have a press focus lever. I open the shutter on T (Time) to focus. Both the shutter speed ring and the aperture ring do not stand out very prevalently like in most view camera lenses. The shutter speed ring is not easy to turn like on most view camera lenses. The top shutter speed is only 1/100 or 1/125^th of a second. The shutter also has no flash synch. Later I may buy a different shutter for this lens. In my opinion the shutter with this lens is garbage. I’m not sure what size shutter I need, possibly No.1 or 0, but this lens would perform far better with a Copel shutter.

The lens quality may be good. I know that Kodak made some Ektar lenses that were very sharp which I have used. If you are using this lens on a 4x5” format camera it will give you about a normal perspective somewhat like that of a normal focal length lens. In the 4x5 format it is somewhat debatable what a normal focal length is since you have swings and tilts. I have heard anything from 135mm to as high as 210mm considered normal focal length by some photographers. This lens will also take small screw-in filters. You may want a faster lens. It will be harder to focus on the ground glass with this lens than other faster lenses, but with a focusing cloth and a good pocket magnifier you should be happy with the money you will be saving on a faster lens. I used to take pictures at night with an f/8 wide angle view camera lens and had no problems.

Good luck with your new lens. If your lens is in the same shutter I have, you might want to buy a new shutter. You can get used shutters too. Have Fun!