Which lens for a Kardon?

[Jacques M.]

Hello,

Yes, everybody can answer the question: a 2/47 Kodak Ektar, of course! 🙄
I have an early civilian Kardon, the s/n 152, to be precise. But without lens.

Do all the civilian Kardons were sold with an Ektar? If not, a correct Summitar or LTM Sonnar could fit. If yes, a civilian Ektar is not easy to find, unless at a delirious price.

What do you think? Note that there is nothing in Katz's book about that question.

Thanks. Jacques.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Jacques,

This is only half remembered at best, from something I read maybe 40 years ago, but I vaguely recall the Taylor, Taylor & Hobson 50/2 being appropriate. Or perhaps it was the 50/2 Cooke Amotal: I have seen it asserted that they were the same lens. I remember being surprised at its being English; but it was a very long time ago, so as I say, I could be misremembering.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Jacques M.]

Merci, Roger!
Unfortunately, I fear that a Taylor Hobson or a Cooke Amotal are not really cheaper than an Ektar...

For the moment, I will put a correct 1,5/5cm Sonnar. And perhaps later, if I have enough €€€...

Amitiés. Jacques.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Merci, Roger!
Unfortunately, I fear that a Taylor Hobson or a Cooke Amotal are not really cheaper than an Ektar...

For the moment, I will put a correct 1,5/5cm Sonnar. And perhaps later, if I have enough €€€...

Amitiés. Jacques.

De rien!

I fear you're right about prices, and I could be remembering the wrong lenses anyway.

Amitiés,

R.

 

[rgraphex]

I would like to find a reasonable priced ektar for my Kardon number 1443 as well . For now I have an american made Wollensak f3.5 leica new york lens.

 

[David Murphy]

There are no reasonably priced rare rangefinder lenses, especially the Ektar which is not common and is always expensive if sold by any knowledgeable seller. Expect to pay well over $1000 if found separately (not often seen). A good Kardon with an Ektar on it will be $1500-$2000 or thereabouts. I'm sure it's a fine lens, but one is paying for the rarity and novelty more so than the optical performance (which can be had for much less).

An Ektar in good condition is usually more valuable than a Kardon body in good condition (in my experience). Such is the collector market!

 

[Jacques M.]

Thanks, David. I had seen the Ektars for sale: not really in my prices, for the moment. Or for the same price, I prefer to buy another camera...

My question concerned the lenses which were originally put on Kardons: are we sure that all of them were delivered with Ektars? Even the civilian ones? If not, I can put what I want on mine! 😀

Amitiés. Jacques.

 

[YouAreHere]

Thanks, David. I had seen the Ektars for sale: not really in my prices, for the moment. Or for the same price, I prefer to buy another camera...

My question concerned the lenses which were originally put on Kardons: are we sure that all of them were delivered with Ektars? Even the civilian ones? If not, I can put what I want on mine! 😀

Amitiés. Jacques.

According to a Kardon sales brochure only the Ektar is mentioned as supplied with the camera.

 

[rgraphex]

Kardon only came with the Ektar. But I have thumbed through old magazine's And I seen ektars sold by themselves. So I think there is hope of finding one. The best deal I seen on flea bay was about $600. I have the leica ny Wollensak on mine seems fitting since it was made in America but those go for close to $500 too.

 

[furcafe]

AFAIK, the Ektar was the only lens sold with the Kardon (the British Reid came w/the 2 inch/2 collapsible Taylor-Hobson Anastigmat).

 

[Jacques M.]

OK.
But was it possible to buy a Kardon without lens?

 

[YouAreHere]

OK.
But was it possible to buy a Kardon without lens?

The sales brochure indicates that was an option, yes.

 

[Jacques M.]

The sales brochure indicates that was an option, yes.

Thanks. So, I may put a correct LTM Leitz or Zeiss on it, even if it would be better with an Ektar, of course. BTW, there is a photo in Katz's book showing a Kardon with a Summitar.

Jacques.

 

[rgraphex]

Thanks. So, I may put a correct LTM Leitz or Zeiss on it, even if it would be better with an Ektar, of course. BTW, there is a photo in Katz's book showing a Kardon with a Summitar.

Jacques.

Do you have Katz's book? Or know where to get a copy? Is it online? I would like to read it

 

[rgraphex]

OK.
But was it possible to buy a Kardon without lens?

I only seen Kardons offered with the ektar lens. Mine is unusual no markings other then usa on the bottom. And numbered on the inside frame. I would love to read Katz's book. Where can I get a copy?

 

[Jacques M.]

Yes, I have Katz's book. I got it with the camera, in fact, and with the technical document of the Army too (june 1951).
I don't think all that can be found easily.

 

[rgraphex]

I cant find a copy can you tell me if there is any mention of Kardon's being made without any engravings? MY has been confirmed by my repairman to be number 1443 I have photo's under a different thread on this forum. http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148670
'old kardon civilian camera'

 

[Jacques M.]

In his classification table, Katz notes two or three existing military Cold cameras without Kardon inscription on the top, but only a US Signal Corps insignia stamped.

I don't know if it is useful. Perhaps this insignia was not stamped on your camera for some reason... That would mean that it was originally a military camera...

Jacques.

 

[rgraphex]

Thanks, Would Katz have production numbers for the military and civilian ?

 

[Jacques M.]

Yes . But he is not sure.
He estimates that around 2000 cameras of each sort can have been produced. So, a maximum of 4000 cameras, based on the known serial numbers.

I have the 3rd edition of the book (1977). Perhaps there are others. But I agree with that number: it corresponds to my data.