Avenon, Komura, Kobalux LTM The Definitive Komura & Acall thread, post your photos!

Avenon, Komura, Kobalux lenses
Komura 105mm LTM:

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Anybody have a recommendation about getting a Komura 80/1.8 collimated? I found an LTM version in an antique/junk store in eastern
Maryland a few months ago. Glass is nice, cosmetic condition very good, but it does not focus correctly (tried on 3 different cameras). I noticed that the front lens group was kinda loose when I bought the lens, but for $35 I figured it was worth the risk. I have since discovered that the entire front lens group simply unscrews from the lens barrel- I wonder if someone took the front group out of the barrel, and lost a spacer or something along the way. The lens had to work correctly at some point, given the wear to the black paint on the barrel
 
raid- that first picture of your daughter is beautiful.

On the 80/1.8: these things are best done with a through the lens viewer, or a digital. Need to check the distance scale against the RF of the camera, then check actual focus through the lens. Infinity focus should work, but I've used three points, usually 20m, 5m , and 2m. Screw in the front optic to check the focus after using the RF of the camera. I made a Canon 50/1.5 with a J-3 rear module that way.
 
The 80/1.8 has no shim under the front lens group, Mark (at least mine doesn't). Collimation is done via screws and the ring underneath. Haven't done it myself, but the lens is worth quite a bit, so sending it to John might be worth it.
 
ferider said:
The 80/1.8 has no shim under the front lens group, Mark (at least mine doesn't). Collimation is done via screws and the ring underneath. Haven't done it myself, but the lens is worth quite a bit, so sending it to John might be worth it.
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Thanks for the recommendation, Roland
 
Hi all,

I found this lens on the internet, eBay sale here:

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It's a Bittco Super Vemar and a 100% Komura made lens. I added it to the listing in post #2 of this thread.
 

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It's one of the many rebadged Komura 135/3.5 lenses. I've seen/had/have at least a half-dozen brands of this lens, but the Super Acall and Komura are the most prevalent. This one -- Bittco Super Vemar -- does not show up very often. It is quite a good lens, as the Sonnar-type 135's of the time usually are.
 
shots with Kyoei W.Acall 35/3.5

shots with Kyoei W.Acall 35/3.5

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Nina and Thirza

All shot with Leica IIIa (1938) and Kyoei W.Acall 35/3.5 on Kodak E100G slide film
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BTW to the extent one can focus on the corners of those examples with the ladies, one can note slight vignetting. The Acall 35/3.5 (and their various rebranded forms) have this tendency - not really objectionable in my view.
 
David, Nina is my daughter, Thirza her best friend. While my daughter is one of my best friends, her best friend is nearly a daughter. So the answer to your question could be: Yes, and yes. :p

Thanks for your kind words, I'll pass them on to the girls!

I like that small amount of vignetting too. I'm pretty sure it can be eliminated when shooting without a filter, or a flat-rimmed one. But I never bothered.

I love those small Komuras and Acalls, nice and sharp lenses!
 
BTW the Telesar 35/3.5 seems to perform exactly like the Acall - not surprisingly since it's the same lens (so it seems at least). I'll post some samples here soon. I also have a few more Acall shots I've found recently -- some back several years - I'll post these as well.

I'm fond of these lenses since I think they are one of the few 35mm LTM lens bargains and the Acall was the first wide LTM lens I owned, but I have no doubt whatsoever that the Leica Summaron 3.5cm F3.5 (an older lens by about 10 years) outperforms it - it is also just as compact if not more so. I think the Acall/Konura/Telesars were an attempt to build a lens similar to the Summaron.

Of course the Summaron usually costs noticeably more for a sample in comparable condition. I own both - perhaps I'll do a shoot out between them!
 
rlouzan said:
Interesting Sankyo Kohki info. by Jonmanjiro (N.2)
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=96600
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Thanks Robert, I posted all info I have on the Kobalux/Avenon/Bower/Pasoptik lenses to that thread, including a suspicion that the Komura and Avenon lenses are closely related, maybe identical.

How's your Acall 35mm coming, did you get the focus to go yet? I guess the period of un-use gunked the lubricants up...? I hope you get going with yours soon, I'd love to see shots!
 
Hi Johan,

A big kudos to David Murphy, not only was he extremely helpful:), but the lens was truly MINT condition:eek:.

The grease has gunked up after being stored, for months, in one of my sisters closets:(. I'm still debating weather to use white lithium, moly or silicone grease on the helical.

As soon as I have time, I'll post some pictures.

Regards,
Robert


buzzardkid said:
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How's your Acall 35mm coming, did you get the focus to go yet? I guess the period of un-use gunked the lubricants up...? I hope you get going with yours soon, I'd love to see shots!
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