A quick test of Exakta lenses

Julio1fer · Post by **Julio1fer** » Wed Jul 13, 2016 9:23 pm

I got back the Exakta VXIIb body after CLA, with special attention to the shutter. Tried it with a number of lenses that have accumulated for the Exakta system lately.

Isco Westron, 35mm. Central crop in overcast weather, full aperture (3.5).

Steinheil Culminar, 85mm at f/4 IIRC. Probably not steady enough for full sharpness at 1/125, but I somehow like this lens.

Zeiss Pancolar 50mm at f/4 (this is a technically superb lens).

Zeiss Flektogon 35mm at f/5.6 - this lens needs cleaning and it shows in backlighted images, as in the left-hand side here; it is very sharp otherwise.

Zeiss Sonnar, 135/4 at f/5.6 - another very nice lens, so many Sonnar 135 for different mounts, and Sonnar copies, and every one I have tried is excellent.

The shutter problem is gone now, and I am getting used to the left-handed operation of the Exaktas. Now would be the time to stop getting lenses and accessories, though, as there is no end to it. Even considering that the glass is so good.

Well, unless I happen to find a 20 or 25mm Flektogon at a good price. Or maybe a Biogon.

Bennybee · Post by **Bennybee** » Thu Jul 14, 2016 3:42 pm

Hi Julio, that is a great series of images. I am also very impressed with my own Flektogon35mm/f2.8 in Exakta mount : it works very nicely on my Olympus OMD EM5 for flower close-ups and I finally found the fitting M85W hood for it at an affordable price. I also have a Pancolar in M42 mount for my Praktica VLC3 but haven't tried that one yet, but it is true that it is very well made. Enjoy the lovely glass.

PFMcFarland · Post by **PFMcFarland** » Thu Jul 14, 2016 10:25 pm

Beautiful shots, Julio. I know what you mean by not buying more lenses...unless... A lot of my purchases have been "Oh, I could use one of those" type of impulse purchases. Gets me in trouble some times, but I usually find a work-around.

PF

Julio1fer · Post by **Julio1fer** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 5:50 pm

Thanks Benybee and PF! The Sonnar and Flektogon lenses are back looking clear, new and shiny, and another roll is now in the Exakta, waiting for the weather to improve.

minoly · Post by **minoly** » Sat Jul 16, 2016 8:15 pm

Julio, All of the photos in this post look great and bring out interesting subjects. They move me to dig out my Exakta or Exa and see what I can do; but, I've sworn off any equipment experimentation until the move to our new apartment is finished. Great success, too, in the refurbishing of the Exakta body and lenses.
Bill Delehanty

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