NKK Super Wester

[scott]

Cool! I hadn’t seen the second link, complete with sample images from this lens. Good information, thanks!

[Julio1fer]

Looks in very good shape indeed, and it should be easy to 3D print a 645 mask. Never heard of this maker or the model, but it looks in the same class as other top of the line folders of its time. Hope that you can test it soon!

[melek]

I like that camera, and it's nice to get one once in a while that isn't a basket case. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the photos.

[scott]

Looks in very good shape indeed, and it should be easy to 3D print a 645 mask. Never heard of this maker or the model, but it looks in the same class as other top of the line folders of its time. Hope that you can test it soon!

Hope so - my daughter is good with that stuff.

I’d never heard of them either, and while I’m hearing the lens is allegedly pedestrian (though the people bashing it are also bashing Tessars, Solinars, etc.), I’m finding the build quality surprisingly nice. I’m hoping that I can get it shootable today or tomorrow.

[scott]

I like that camera, and it's nice to get one once in a while that isn't a basket case. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the photos.

It is nice to get one in decent shape. I found someone with some experience with them. Said he’s heard of four in existence - his, one on YouTube, one on eBay, and mine. Told him mine was the one on eBay. Which all just goes to illustrate there’s very little information on these.

[PFMcFarland]

I looked into getting one of those many years back, but the only affordable one I could find at the time looked like it had come from a sunken submarine. Your camera looks like it should be a good bit of kit.

PF

[scott]

Well, after a ton of support from y'all fine folks, the Super Wester is back together and ready for testing. Some glamour shots of the beast:

NKK Super Wester by Scott, on Flickr

NKK Super Wester by Scott, on Flickr

NKK Super Wester by Scott, on Flickr

NKK Super Wester by Scott, on Flickr

NKK Super Wester by Scott, on Flickr

Because I'm so happy with how the rehab on the helical/focus went (click for video):
MVI_5144 by Scott, on Flickr

It's butter. Everything is super smooth. The rangefinder is good, and the spot contrasty, but small. I'm going to test it out and see how it goes. It is a triplet, but I've always been happy with what I've gotten from an Apotar, so I'm hopeful for this. All the leather has been well treated, the struts on the front have been cleaned and lubed and actually extend freely now. Overall, very happy. Again, the proof of the pudding is in the eating - I need to go try it out, though I need to wait for the inferno outside subsides a bit.

Next question is whether or not to get the everyready case modified to a half case and have the strap replaced. I really don't want to try to pocket this thing on our trip. Will have to see, though time's ticking.

And I need to measure the front cell for a hood. Pretty sure a 36.5mm Series VI adapter and hood will work. And a yellow filter. Hurry...

Again, thanks everyone!

[Julio1fer]

Well done! Looking forward to your test outcome.

[PFMcFarland]

That's a fine-looking camera now.

PF

[scott]

Thanks, gents! A little lagniappe - I found an old Walz hood that I’ve had for decades and never fit anything. Tried it on this lens. Perfect fit.