What differences have any of you noted between Leica, Golden Navitar, Buhl Series 1, Buhl Series 7, Schneider, or even Kodak lenses?

Any preferences?

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), November 04, 2001

Answers

Oh, and are the Leica projection lens mounts compatible with the Carousel/Ektagraphic mount? I wonder if I could use Colorplan lenses in my Ektagraphics?

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), November 04, 2001.

Bob, projection lenses are just part of the optical system in a projector. I have a Nikon Nikkormat projector (Sawyer projector w/Nikon lens) and a Prodovit. Not only is there a difference in the lenses but also in the slide registration, heat, condenser, etc.

I don't think putting a Colorplan into a Kodak projector will turn it into a Prodovit but of course I'm blatantly prejudiced:-)

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), November 04, 2001.

I got a Kodak Ektagraphic Select lens for my 4600 Carosel unit. Stunning improvement over the plastic Kodak lenses. The Select lens is a 93mm, f2.5 FF all-metal unit that is made in Germany and has fully multi-coated optics. It's $175, here's the URL for B&H:

http://www02.bhphotovideo.com/default.sph/FrameWork.class?FNC= ProductActivator__Aproductlist_html___26570___KO9325FF___REG___CatID= 1574___SID=EA2FC7E3110

The lens fits all Kodak (and Leica) carosel projectors. The lamp and condensers on all the Kodaks are the same, exccept the very high end (Leica) units. So, the lowly 4600 is the lowest cost auto-focus projector, but is every bit as good as any Ektagraphic projectors, unkess you need multi-media or handle your gear roughly.

I did a lot or research before buying this lens, this represents the best way to get premium optical perfomance without dropping $1500-1800 on a RT Leica (made by Kodak) or the same German Kodak unit.

I recommend the Select lens without reservation, I am delighted with its performance.

Good luck.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), November 04, 2001.

To whomever (Max?) sent me the note about projectors, would you please send it again. I inadvertantly deleted it. Bud

-- Bud (budcook@attglobal.net), November 04, 2001.

Leica sells an adapter to mount their lenses into the Kodak projectors.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), November 04, 2001.